New York - Puerto Vallarta’s first annual LGBT 'Vallarta Pride' event will take place this year on the weekend of May 24th, 2013. Festivities will start with a cocktail kick-off at Casa Cupula Hotel Boutique and continue for three days, celebrating LGBT culture and Puerto Vallarta’s welcoming community with music festivals, beach parties, fashion shows, a mass commitment ceremony, and activities in participating bars and clubs.

A member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, Puerto Vallarta has been a preferred LGBT friendly destination in the Americas for over 60 years. The city, which is frequently included on TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, Out Traveler, Passport Magazine, and gay.com's "gay friendly destinations" lists, is also the only Mexican city on the Huffington Post Gay Voice's Top 10 LGBT Honeymoon Destinations list.

Puerto Vallarta offers an LGBT inclusive atmosphere in its Romantic Zone, which is home to many businesses that are LGBT-owned and/or -consumer targeted, including beaches, tours and activities, restaurants, bars, and clubs. When it comes to accommodations, LGBT travelers can choose from a wide variety of gay friendly resorts, hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses.

The 3-day event, supported by the city's Tourism Department, led by Director Carlos Gerard and Sub-Director Enrique Tovar who aim to increase tourism to the city, was created to celebrate the unique and all-inclusive culture that has flourished in Vallarta.

Integrating the rich traditions of the Mexican culture with the varied ideas that have been introduced by its large expatriate community from all corners of the world - including the US and Canada, and as far afield as Asia, Russia and Europe - the LGBT community is just one of the many communities that thrives in Vallarta, organizers explained.

Confirmed Events for Vallarta Pride 2013

• Opening Reception Vallarta Pride 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Taste Restaurant at Casa Cupula

• Commitment Ceremony
Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11:00 am
Lido Beach Club

• Vallarta Pride Fashion Show
Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Blue Chairs Beach Club

• "HEAT" Tea Dance
Saturday, May 25, 2013 from 4:00 pm
Lido / Blue Chairs

• Vallarta Pride 2013 @Night
Themed Nights at participating bars/lounges/clubs
Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 8:00 pm

• Vallarta Pride Parade 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 4:00 pm
Romantic Zone

• Vallarta Pride Festival 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 5:00 pm
Lazaro Cardenas Park / Romantic Zone