Bucerías, Nayarit, Mexico – Each January, the coastal town of Bucerías comes together to honor Our Lady of Peace (La Virgen de la Paz), patron and protector of the local Catholic church. The traditional Patron Saint Festival runs for nine days and blends faith, culture, and community spirit with music, food, and family-friendly entertainment.
This year’s celebration takes place from January 16 through 24, beginning each day with the thunder of ceremonial cannons that signal the start of festivities. Daily masses are held at the church, while local organizations lead religious processions through town. As evening approaches, streets fill with vendors, carnival rides, and live performances that reflect the Banderas Bay region’s rich traditions.
Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including beauty pageants, dancing horses, clown shows, and live music featuring popular regional styles such as norteña and banda. These events draw residents and visitors alike into the heart of the celebration, creating a welcoming atmosphere that highlights Bucerías’ strong sense of community.
The festival reaches its most meaningful moment on January 24 with the Blessing of the Boats, held around 11:00 am. Decorated fishing vessels depart from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and sail across Banderas Bay in the shape of a cross, symbolizing unity among coastal towns.
Upon arrival in Bucerías, the maritime pilgrims will join the community at the Church of Our Lady of Peace to offer prayers for a bountiful fishing season, steady tourism, and the continued prosperity of their families.
While the festival is deeply rooted in faith, it serves as a bridge between cultures, bringing together local families, domestic travelers, and international residents from Canada and the United States. The celebration provides a substantial economic boost to the locals, who take pride in sharing their home’s natural beauty.
Located between Nuevo Nayarit and Punta Mita, Bucerías is known for its eight kilometers of beach – the longest in Bahía de Banderas. Calm, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and kitesurfing, while its shoreline invites long walks and morning jogs, offering visitors even more reasons to enjoy this special time of year.
As the festivities draw to a close, the Our Lady of Peace Patron Saint Festival leaves Bucerías strengthened by shared faith, tradition, and community pride. The celebration not only honors a cherished spiritual protector, but also supports local families, welcomes visitors, and reinforces the bonds that connect this coastal town to its neighbors across Bahía de Banderas.
For 25 years, Banderas News has been the pulse of Puerto Vallarta, bringing you stories that matter most to residents and visitors alike. From breaking news to exciting events and cultural features, we’ve been dedicated to keeping you informed and connected – free of charge. Your contribution helps us maintain this commitment and continue serving our community.