Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - From May 18-28, 2011 Puerto Vallarta will commemorate its 93rd anniversary as a city and 43rd as a municipality during the Festival Cultural de Mayo, an annual celebration that includes cultural events, music, dance and theatrical performances, film screenings, photo and art exhibitions, parades and fireworks.

During this time, the streets of downtown Puerto Vallarta are filled with all kinds of local, national and international artists - musicians, actors, painters, sculptors, etc., who perform for the public and showcase their talents and skills.

Many of these activities will take place at Parque Hidalgo. Other municipalities host special events throughout the festival, such as bullfights, cockfights and live performances, however, most of the activities are held in the heart of the city.

Fiestas de Mayo 2011 Schedule of Events
Most all events are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, May 18
Photography Exhibit by Colegio de Fotografía de Occidente
Patio of the Presidencia through May 28

Thursday, May 19
Presentation "Voces del Alma" from
Guadalajara, opening with the Municipal Choir
Parque Hidalgo
8:15 pm

Friday, May 20
Municipal Theatre Group presents:
Letters to the Divine Prisoner
Centro Cultural Cuale
8 pm

Friday, May 20
ICAT presents children's theater
"The Princesses"
Parque Hidalgo
Opening with Prana Entertainment
8:15 pm

Saturday, May 21
Algeciras Project Presentation
Rumba, Flamenco and singers
Parque Hidalgo
8:15 pm

Wednesday, May 25
Contemporary Dance
Adriana Quinto "Fragments of Carmen"
Opera-based Choreography
Parque Hidalgo
8:15 pm

Thursday, May 26
Local Talent Night
AQSTI-K and Jorge Aguilera Band
Acoustic Rock and Indie Pop / Rock
Parque Hidalgo
8:15 pm

Friday, May 27
Municipal Folklore Group Xiutla
Parque Hidalgo
8:15 pm

Friday, May 27
Luna Sureste Peninsula Plaza
Music + Photo + Wine + Gastronomy
Multi disciplinary event for the whole family in a single framework.

Saturday, May 28
CLOSING EVENT
RADAID * Group Presentation
World music and rhythms
Parque Hidalgo
8:15 pm

Saturday, May 28
Alternative Youth: Closing Fiesta Electronics
Martin Parra
Considered one of the greatest DJs that Mexico has produced, though constantly touring Europe, mainly Germany, Holland and France.
Parque Hidalgo
10:00 pm

Film Festival
"A Celebration of Life"
Classical Films - Captivated Moviegoers
Cinemark Plaza Caracol

One of the highlights of the annual festivities has always been the Memorial Parade in which the entire population is invited to attend, participate in, and enjoy. This year's procession will take place on Sunday, May 29.

On May 31st, local government officials present awards to the city's outstanding personalities and a huge cake is distributed among the attendees, before the city puts on a breathtaking fireworks display in the main plaza, literally closing the 2011 Fiestas de Mayo with a bang.

Puerto Vallarta's May Cultural Festival is considered one of the best festivals in Mexico and attracts a growing number of tourists and visitors every year. If you are fortunate enough to be in Vallarta this month, you will definitely have a wonderful and memorable experience.

Source: VisitPuertoVallarta.com