Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - June 1st is El Día de la Marina, or Navy Day, across Mexico, commemorating the launching of the first 100% Mexican crewed ship, the Tabasco, on June 1, 1917, from the Port of Veracruz.

The first time Día de la Marina was celebrated was on June 1st 1942, when the crews of various ships - torpedoed by German submarines in the Second World War - were honored.

Since then, Mexico's port towns have celebrated Día de la Marina every year on June 1st to commemorate the naval service provided by the nation's men and women who have died in the line of duty - and Puerto Vallarta is no exception.

In towns and communities all around Banderas Bay, boats of all sizes are shined, scrubbed and launched into the water. All hands and any family members who love to spend the day at sea will be waiting on shores, piers and docks for permission to come aboard.

The celebrations traditionally starts at 9:00 am with an official ceremony on Pier 3 of API Vallarta, which is followed by boats going "out to sea" to lay wreaths of flowers in the waters of Banderas Bay.

Sailing competitions, tournaments, parties and general revelry continue on the bay, as well as local beaches and piers, throughout the rest of the day and night, often ending with a formal (or less-than-formal) dance on land or aboard a large vessel, and a fireworks show over the Bay of Banderas.

Navy Day in Puerto Vallarta honors the nation's past and present service men and women, so go out and enjoy this wonderful day that commemorates tradition and patriotism, while having tons of fun!