Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – El Pitillal’s traditional celebration honoring San Miguel Arcángel begins today, September 21, bringing nine days of religious observances, cultural activities, music, food, and community gatherings to Puerto Vallarta’s most populous district.
The annual festivities run through September 29 and also commemorate the 34th anniversary of the consecration of the parish dedicated to San Miguel Arcángel.
The church and surrounding plaza serve as the heart of the celebration. The parish atrium has been decorated with an elaborate carpet made from colored sawdust and flower petals, while the plaza has been transformed into a traditional fair with food stalls, vendors selling mementos and accessories, and family-friendly carnival rides.
Parish priest Father Francisco Javier Santiago Dueñas has announced a full schedule of religious and community activities. Each day begins at 6:00 am with dawn prayers and Mass, followed by a community breakfast featuring traditional favorites such as hot chocolate, bread, tamales, and tacos.
Throughout the day, residents gather for religious services, processions, and cultural events. Daily pilgrimages are organized by local families, businesses, senior citizen groups, and other community organizations. The processions conclude with Mass, followed by live musical performances in the main plaza beginning at 7:00 pm.
The program also includes a special Mass for the Anointing of the Sick and other cultural and community activities. On Monday, September 28, norteño music and dancing will take over the plaza and continue late into the night.
September 29 Brings the Grand Finale
The celebration reaches its peak on Tuesday, September 29, the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. The day begins before sunrise with Las Mañanitas to San Miguel, followed by dawn Mass and breakfast.
The traditional charro activities and pilgrimages will continue throughout the morning, including the Mega Cavalcade of Pitillal at 9:00 am and the Charros and Charras Pilgrimage, “Remembering is Living,” at 11:00 am.
At noon, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, Archbishop of Mexico, will preside over the Solemn Eucharist of the People as part of the commemoration of the parish’s 34th anniversary.
The evening program includes a community Mass at 8:00 pm and the arrival of the GASMA Torch from San Miguel el Alto, Jalisco. The festivities will conclude at 10:30 pm with the traditional fireworks display and burning of the castillo in the town square, followed by music and dancing.
For El Pitillal, the annual celebration of faith and community is a long-standing tradition that brings together families, neighbors, businesses, religious groups, and various organizations to honor San Miguel Arcángel while keeping local customs alive.
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