Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - In Puerto Vallarta, the dead will soon walk the Earth - so let the parties begin! Starting on October 29th and continuing through November 2nd, the dearly departed will rise from their graves and join the living in celebrating one of Mexico's most beloved traditions, El Día de Los Muertos.

At first glance, the Mexican custom of celebrating the Day of the Dead on November 2 may sound a lot like the U.S. custom of celebrating Halloween on October 31. But the customs have different origins. In typical Halloween festivities, death is something to be feared. But on El Día de Los Muertos, death - or at least the memories of those who have died - is something to be celebrated.

This is a time for friends and family to gather together and remember their departed loved ones in an annual celebration steeped in generations of tradition and culture. Marked by grave side vigils with vibrant bouquets of marigolds and heaping plates of favorite foods honoring lost loved ones, it is a time of happy communion with the dead, not a time of sorrow.

In towns throughout Mexico, the festive period traditionally begins on the night of October 31 and continues through All Saints Day and All Souls Day, celebrated November 1st and 2nd respectively. But, if you happen to be in Puerto Vallarta this year, you will enjoy a five day Spooktacular that combines traditional Día de Los Muertos rituals with new artistic angles and interpretations.

From October 29th through November 2nd, you'll find plenty of frighteningly fun activities for all ages to enjoy. Some of the highlights are: guided tours of the colorful Day of the Dead altars, art and Catrina displays in various public places; best altar, Catrina and costume contests; live music, Pre-Hispanic and Folkloric dance and theater performances; Charro exhibitions, street parties, parades and a spectacular fireworks display. Click HERE to download the full schedule of events.

Come join in the fun!

And, since the 'fun never dies' in Puerto Vallarta, Los Muertos Brewing (Calle Lázaro Cárdenas #302) will host their annual Fiesta en la Calle, street party from 2-10 pm on Saturday, November 4, featuring 5 live bands and a performance by Ballet Vallarta Azteca.

For more event details and all the latest information about Vallarta's five-day Día de Los Muertos cultural festival, visit diadelosmuertospv.com, or follow the Dia de Muertos PV event page on Facebook.