Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – El Pitillal, the most populous district of Puerto Vallarta, is in the midst of its traditional San Miguel Arcangel patron saint celebrations, a cherished tradition that combines faith, community, and culture. The festivities, which began September 21, run through September 29 and mark both the patronal feast and the 33rd anniversary of the parish’s consecration.
The church itself is a centerpiece of the celebration, with its atrium adorned with a beautiful carpet of sawdust and flower petals. Outside, the plaza has been transformed into a bustling fair, complete with food stalls, vendors selling clothing and accessories, and classic carnival rides.
Father Francisco Javier Santiago Dueñas, the parish priest, shared details of the daily program, which is filled with activities for all ages. Each day begins at 6:30 am with dawn prayers, Mass, and a community breakfast that often includes hot chocolate, bread, tamales, or tacos. Throughout the day, the community gathers for religious services, processions, and cultural events.
A key part of the celebration is the daily pilgrimages, which start at 7:00 p.m. and are organized by various groups, including local families, businesses, and senior citizen clubs. These processions culminate in a Mass, followed by an artistic performance in the plaza. The program also includes special events, such as a dedicated Mass for the Anointing of the Sick on Thursday, September 25th, at noon.
On Sunday, September 28, the plaza will come alive with live norteño music and dancing late into the night. The following morning, September 29, the community will gather before sunrise to sing Las Mañanitas to San Miguel, followed by dawn Mass and breakfast. The day will feature the traditional Charro procession, horseback skirmishes, and performances by senior citizen groups, along with the torch arrival from San Miguel el Alto, Jalisco.
The culmination of the celebration will be the bishop’s concelebrated noon Mass, evening pilgrimages, and a grand finale of fireworks, including the traditional burning of the castillo, followed by dancing in the square, bringing a joyous close to the week-long tribute to faith and community in El Pitillal.
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