Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - If you would like to experience a true Mexican tradition in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, then come join in all the festivities during the Fiestas De Mayo being held outside of Parroquia de la Santa Cruz, Calle Aguacate and Lazaro Cardenas, Colonia Emiliano Zapata from Sunday, April 23 until Wednesday, May 3, 2017.

The festival kicks off on April 23 at 7:30 pm with a ceremonial presentation of the children's fire torch in the church. There are no events scheduled for Monday, but on Tuesday, April 25th, the Fiestas De Mayo begin with a parade that starts at Los Muertos Pier at 8:00 pm and terminates on the street in front of the Church, where the party continues nightly through May 3.

Here, you will find a variety of food booths serving local cuisine, booths featuring games of chance to challenge you, rides for the children, raffles, contests and excellent nightly entertainment featuring different International Folkloric Dancers from Mexico and other countries such as Colombia, Chile and Peru. In addition, there will be performances by solo artists as well as singing groups and Mariachi.

2017 Fiestas de Mayo Schedule of Events

Tuesday, April 25

7:30 pm: Motorcade Procession announcing the commencement of Fiestas de Mayo presented by the Church of Santa Cruz. Informational flyers detailing the program and prizes will be handed out.

8:00 pm: Inauguration Parade accompanied by live music, commencing at Los Muertos Pier and terminating in front of the church.

8:30-9:00 pm: Father Roberto Gradilla of the Church of Santa Cruz will give the blessing, followed by a welcome speech from the Junta Vecinal Colonia Emiliano Zapata and the opening of the Verbena Popular.

9:00-10:30 pm: Performance by the Vallarta Azteca Youth Folkloric Dance Group

Wednesday, April 26

8:15-9:15 pm: Performance by Singing Duo "Contrapunto Duo Vallartense"

9:30-10:30 pm: Dance Performance by Puerto Vallarta's Xiutla Folkloric Ballet under the tutelage of Professor Enrique Barrios.

Thursday, April 27

8:15-9:15 pm: Performance by The Roxy's Rock House Band

9:30-10:30 pm: Dance Performance by Puerto Vallarta's Xiutla Folkloric Ballet

Friday, April 28

8:15-9:15 pm: Performance by Ballet Folklórico Adanzas de Aguascalientes

9:30-10:30 pm: Performance by Ballet Folklórico Rarajipame de Chihuahua

Saturday, April 29

8:00 am: Mass on the Rio Cuale Island, followed by entertainment from all of the festival's participating artists and 5 different musical groups.

8:15-9:15 pm: Performance by Ballet Folklórico de la Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila

9:30-10:30 pm: Performance by Ballet Folklórico Miguel Velez Arceo de Oaxaca

Sunday, April 30
Children's Day Celebration

6:00-7:00 pm: Karaoke and Music for Children

7:00-7:30 pm: Piñata Contest: Popcorn & game tickets given to participating children

8:15-8:30 pm: Awards will be presented to the winners of the Piñata Contest

8:30-9:00 pm: "Geton" the Clown show

9:00-9:30 pm: Eucharist

9:30-10:15 pm: Performance by singer Armando Silva

10:30-11:15 pm: Performance by Grupo Folklórico Raipillán de Chile

Monday, May 1

8:15-9:30 pm: Karaoke for Adults with DJ Poncho

9:30-10:30 pm: Performance by the Zaité Experimental Dance Company of Casanare, Colombia

Tuesday, May 2

8:15-9:15 pm: Performance by Singer Lalo el Tigre y su Invasión Norteña

9:30-10:30 pm: Performance by Ballet Folclórico Tecolotl Macehuani from Mexicali, Baja California Norte, accompanied by the Paso Norteña band.

10:45-11:15 pm: Beto Franco traditional dance performance

11:30 pm: "Las Mananitas" (Mexican Birthday song) sung to the Church of Santa Cruz by the group 'Voces del Mar,' with Chela, Jorge and Maestro Moy.

Wednesday, May 3
Día de la Santa Cruz

6:15 pm: Magna parish pilgrimage of apostolic movements and parishioners with our blessed and traditional image of Santa Cruz. Participating areas of Nogalito, Mismaloya & Boca de Tomatlán.

7:30 pm: Mass performed on the street outside the Church of Santa Cruz

8:45-9:00 pm: Official Torch Reception

9:15-10:15 pm: Performance by Asociación Cultural EsenciaAmancaes of Lima, Peru

11:00 pm: Lighting of the Castillo and Fireworks display

11:30 pm: Closing Ceremonies and Music for dancing

For up to the minute updates and schedule changes, follow the Junta Vecinal Colonia Emiliano Zapata Puerto Vallarta Facebook page.

Come out and test your luck at our games, raffles and contests, laugh at our clown, enjoy the Verbena Popular (Mexican food) and traditional music and dance performances. You'll have a great time while helping to preserve a wonderful Mexican tradition of Church and neighborhood working together.