Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - History is very important in Mexico. To the Mexican people, "History is not only the story of how the present came to be, but the explanation of present realities and future possibilities."

So it's only natural that every year the month of September is dedicated to the celebration of the first and most significant episode of the country's history - Mexico's Independence from Spain.

Every September, known as El Mes de la Patria (The Month of Our Nation,) cities throughout Mexico host a series of colorful and patriotic festivities celebrating the events and people that eventually resulted in Mexico's Independence.

Here in Puerto Vallarta, the celebrations are unbeatable. On every street corner there are vendors selling flags, balloons, sombreros and rehiletes, all in the national colors of red, white and green - and there are plenty of festivities, entertainment and activities going on almost every day from September 9th through 16th.

Vallarta 2012 Fiestas Patrias Schedule of Events

Sunday, September 9
8:00 pm: Coronation of Puerto Vallarta's 2012 Fiestas Patrias Queen, City Hall Plaza

Thursday, September 13
8:00 am: Anniversary of the Battle of Chapultepec Ceremony, Agustín Flores Contreras Sports Stadium

9:00 am: Civic ceremony to honor the Boy Heroes of Chapultepec. Roll call, wreath and honor guard. Main Square of El Pitillal.

September 14 - Día Nacional de la Charrería
11:00 am: Traditional Charro Parade with La Unión de Asociaciones de Charros de Puerto Vallarta beginning at Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas and winding along Ignacio L Vallarta, Morelos, and Colombia streets.

Saturday, September 15 - Aniversario del Grito de Independencia
8:00 am: Flag Raising to National Anthem and Civic Ceremony, Plaza Principal (Main Plaza)

12:00 noon: 158th Anniversary of Mexican National Anthem - Puerto Vallarta school children, civil authorities, naval and military personnel, city employees, tourists, and the general public will sing Mexico's national anthem. Main Plaza, downtown Puerto Vallarta

10:50 pm: Flag Presentation by Mayor Salvador Gonzalez Resendiz, City Hall

10:57 pm: Reading of the Acta de Independencia by the Secretary General of Municipal Government from the main balcony of City Hall.

11:00 pm: Accompanied by Naval and Military authorities, Puerto Vallarta Mayor Salvador Gonzalez Resendiz will deliver "El Grito," reenacting the historic cry for independence from the City Hall balcony, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.

11:10 pm: Castillos and Fireworks on the Malecón, downtown Puerto Vallarta

11:15 pm: Verbena Popular - Public Celebration in Puerto Vallarta's Main Plaza

Sunday, September 16 - Aniversario del Inicio de la Guerra de Independencia
The 202nd Anniversary of Mexico's War of Independence will be celebrated on September 16th with civic ceremonies and a parade.

8:00 am: Flag and Civic Ceremonies at Parque Hidalgo, downtown Puerto Vallarta

10:00 am: Civil and Military Parade from Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas to Ignacio L Vallarta, and along Morelos, and Colombia streets in downtown Puerto Vallarta

* Note: All events on the above schedule are subject to change, so be sure to check the Puerto Vallarta Art and Cultural Department website before you leave home.