November 1 Update: The Puerto Vallarta Department of Culture has just announced that the November 2 Grand Día de los Muertos Parade route has been extended, and will now end at Lazaro Cardenas Park.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – From October 31 to November 3, Puerto Vallarta will come alive with the sights, sounds, and traditions of Día de los Muertos, one of Mexico’s most beloved celebrations. This seaside city offers an unforgettable way to honor departed loved ones, blending rich traditions with local festivities and stunning displays of art and culture.
October 31: The Recuérdame Festival Begins
Puerto Vallarta’s main square, Plaza de Armas, sets the stage for the Festival Recuérdame. Beginning with an opening ceremony at 6:00 PM, this event brings traditional dance performances, colorful art displays, and a chance for visitors to taste “El Pan de la Catrina”—a beautifully decorated bread honoring La Catrina, the iconic skeleton figure associated with Día de los Muertos. Lazaro Cardenas Park will feature the Tradiciones Show, with music, dance, and even a saxophone concert under the stars, creating a heartfelt start to this four-day celebration.
November 1: Festival Isla de los Muertos
November 1 honors children who have passed, with events across the city celebrating this cherished part of Día de los Muertos. From 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the Isla de los Muertos Festival on the banks of the Cuale River offers families a chance to explore traditional altars, participate in face painting, and enjoy musical performances, all while supporting local charities. A gathering of local writers and poets at Los Arcos on the Malecón adds a reflective touch, while a performance by Ballet Xiutla and the Puerto Vallarta Orchestra School at Lazaro Cardenas Park captures the beauty of Mexican folklore.
November 2: The Grand Día de los Muertos Parade
The heart of the Día de los Muertos celebrations falls on November 2, when a grand parade honoring adults who have passed weaves through Puerto Vallarta, beginning at 5:00 pm. Starting at the Cinco de Diciembre cemetery, this procession moves through the city and ends at Los Arcos on the Malecón, filling the streets with Catrinas, skeletons, and folkloric dancers. The celebration continues with a lively Catrina Contest, where participants showcase elaborate costumes inspired by José Guadalupe Posada’s La Catrina. Mexican singer Ximena Esparza will close the night with a performance that blends tradition and modern sounds.
Ongoing Events: A Citywide Tribute
Throughout the festival, visitors can admire the Guinness World Record-holding Monumental Catrina on the Malecón—a 28-meter-high figure joined this year by a symbolic pet mascot, both honoring departed animals. Across the city, beautifully decorated altars and ofrendas display marigolds, sugar skulls, candles, and favorite foods of the departed, creating an intimate look into families’ connections with loved ones who have passed.
For a more interactive experience, local cemeteries offer storytelling, workshops, and photo opportunities, inviting visitors to connect with the deeper meanings of the holiday.
Experience the Heart of Día de los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta
Día de los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta is a heartfelt celebration that brings people together across generations to honor life, memory, and love. Whether you’re joining the parade, admiring the monumental Catrina, or sharing stories with locals, these festivities offer a glimpse into one of Mexico’s most treasured traditions.
Gather your friends and family, and be part of these unforgettable events to celebrate life and memory in Puerto Vallarta this Día de los Muertos.
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