Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - From May 26-31, 2017, Puerto Vallarta will commemorate its 99th anniversary of its induction as municipality and 49th of its elevation to the category of city. In celebration of this historical milestone, the municipal government and members of the private sector have organized a series of events that are free and open to the public.

But first, a little history...

During the first part of the 1800s, this beautiful piece of Mexican geography remained isolated from the rest of the world. The hubs of economic activity were up in the mountains, in the towns of Cuale, San Sebastián and Mascota, where silver mines abounded but where salt, an essential element for processing the metal, was not to be found.

The village which was to become Puerto Vallarta was founded in 1851 by Guadalupe Sanchez, an enterprising boatman from Cihuatlán, who established a trading post on the banks of the Cuale River to supply salt to the mountain gold and silver mines, whose minerals were transported to this coast for shipping.

Sanchez originally called Puerto Vallarta "Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe" to commemorate his arrival on December 12, the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. In 1911, the people of Las Peñas asked the government of the state for the status of municipality, and finally on the 31 of May, 1918, the State Congress decreed to the formation of the municipality, changing the name to Puerto Vallarta to honor an important governor of the State of Jalisco, Don Ignacio Luis Vallarta.

Since then, every year in May, the people of Puerto Vallarta have gathered together in El Centro to celebrate the city's anniversary. This year's celebration, called "Mayo Fest 2017," will run from May 26-31 and includes free cultural and sporting events, as well as live music performances.

Mayo Fest 2017 Schedule of Events

Friday, May 26th

9:00-11:30 pm - Trova concert featuring Fernando Delgadillo
El Faro del Malecón (the lighthouse stage)

Saturday, May 27th

8:00 am - Copa Aguas Abiertas, a qualifying competition for the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championship (CCAN) and the 2017 World Championship in Budapest
Cooperativa de Pesca on the Malecón

7:00-10:00 pm - Inauguration of the You Are Here: Dichotomies of Landscape contemporary art exhibition
Oficina de Proyectos Culturales, Juarez #598, El Centro

8:00 pm - Regional music concert featuring "Cuitla Vega"
El Faro del Malecón

9:30 pm - Pop concert featuring "Jenny and The Mexicats"
El Faro del Malecón

Sunday, May 28th

8:00 am - "Oxxo COMUDE Athletic Race" walk and recreational race
Vía Recreactiva

10:00 pm - Rock concert featuring "After The Night Fall"
El Faro del Malecón

11:00 pm - Pop concert featuring "Matisse"
El Faro del Malecón

Monday, May 29th

6:00-9:00 pm - Chroniclers of Western Mexico Meeting
Patio de Presidencia Municipal (Main Plaza)

8:00 pm - 1st Inter-Colonias Soccer Tournament Finals
Agustín Flores Contreras Sports Stadium (across from the Sheraton)

10:15 pm - 1st Inter-Colonias Soccer Tournament Awards Ceremony
Agustín Flores Contreras Sports Stadium

Tuesday, May 30th

12:00 pm - Children's concert featuring the Federal Police's "Sinfonica de Alientos"
Teatro Vallarta, Uruguay 184, El Centro (across from Ley's)

6:00-9:00 pm - Chroniclers of Western Mexico Meeting
Patio de Presidencia Municipal

9:00-11:00 pm - Federal Police's "Sinfonica de Alientos" concert with soprano Vanesa Amaro at El Faro del Malecón

Wednesday, May 31st

6:00 pm - Solemn Session of the City Council, followed by the traditional anniversary cake cutting at Los Arcos del Malecón

8:00-9:00 pm - 5th Military Region Symphonic Band concert
Los Arcos del Malecón

9:30-11:00 pm - Cumbia, Vallenato & Tropical concert featuring the "Celso Piña" band
El Faro del Malecón

Note: Though it is not on the schedule, the city traditionally closes the annual anniversary celebrations with a breathtaking fireworks display over Banderas Bay.

If you are fortunate enough to be in Puerto Vallarta during the last week of May, you will definitely have a wonderful and memorable experience. In addition to the city's anniversary celebrations, you can also enjoy the last few days of Vallarta Restaurant Week through May 31st, and Vallarta Pride 2017, which ends on the 28th.