Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico - The Riviera Nayarit is one of Mexico's top vacation destination and there's no doubt that its popularity is largely due to the wide variety of fun-filled experiences and exciting events that Mexico's Pacific Treasure offers visitors year-round.

And September is no exception. This month, in addition to plenty of Mexican tradition, the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau has planned a variety of cultural, sporting and culinary activities, including:

Independence Day Festivities (September 15 – 16)
Celebrating the Independence Day festivities is a very Mexican tradition—and the Riviera Nayarit is front and center when it comes to echar el grito, or "to give the ceremonial cry." The festivities begin on the night of the 15th with the Independence Day Cry, a ceremony held in nearly every single plaza in the towns dotting the coast, along with fireworks and verbenas. The celebration continues on the 16th with a military and sports parade to commemorate another year of Mexico's Independence.

VII Riviera Fest (September 28–29)
The VII Riviera Fest—a fantastic exhibit of Volkswagen vehicles organized by the Riviera Nayarit Wagen Volks Club—is happening on September 28-29 at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The event is considered one of the top beach events of its kind and is endorsed by the ANCVM (National Association of Volkswagen Clubs of Mexico). For more information, click HERE or visit the Facebook event page.

Feast of St. Francis (September 26 – October 04)
The Cultural Capital of the Riviera Nayarit celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of St Francis of Assisi from September 26 – October 4. During that time the Plaza del Sol and the entire town of San Francisco (better know as 'San Pancho') will brim with athletic, religious, artistic, and cultural activities. As tradition dictates, there's a raffle for the Friendship Torch and then the novena begins in honor of the Patron Saint. Click HERE for more information.

11th Vallarta – Nayarit Gastronómica (September 29 – October 3)
Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit are getting decked out from September 29 through October 3, 2019, to celebrate the eleventh edition of this event along with 36 renowned chefs. Between them the chefs have received multiple Michelin Stars and Soles Repsol, as well as top spots in The 50 Best Restaurants and Top Chefs. Sommeliers, mixologists, and world-class speakers are also going to be present. For all the details on the official program and private events, visit VNGastronomica.com.

And that's only what's scheduled for the month of September in the Riviera Nayarit, where there are always lots of fun and exciting happenings for locals and visitors to enjoy. Click HERE for upcoming events in the Riviera Nayarit.