Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – September is shaping up to be a busy month in El Pitillal, where Mexico’s Independence celebrations will share the spotlight with the district’s annual festivities honoring Saint Michael the Archangel.
Arnulfo Esparza Muñoz, municipal delegate of El Pitillal, has invited residents from surrounding neighborhoods and communities to take part in the wide-ranging program of cultural, artistic, civic, recreational, and religious activities.
The celebrations officially launched on September 5 with a double milestone, marking the 89th anniversary of the Ejido El Coapinole alongside a lightning soccer tournament in the town square. Featuring local sports legends, the kickoff drew an energetic crowd of roughly 3,000 spectators to set the tone for the weeks ahead.
Anticipation is now building for the National Holidays Queen pageant, which features eight candidates representing the neighborhoods of Coapinole, Bobadilla, Centro, Villa de Guadalupe, Loma Bonita, Del Toro, Vista Hermosa, and San Esteban. Coordinated by Ricardo González, the grand finale takes place on Sunday, September 13 at 8:00 pm, with contestants evaluated in casual wear and evening gown categories.
Independence Day activities will take center stage September 15. The traditional Grito de Independencia will be held in the El Pitillal plaza, preceded by a torchlight procession and honors to the Mexican flag. The ceremony will conclude with fireworks and a live performance by Banda La Tierrona.
A civic parade is planned for the morning of September 16. Organizers are still evaluating the final route, with Ecuador Street and 20 de Noviembre among the streets included in the proposed path. One option would continue down Independencia and turn at Abasolo before reaching the plaza, with traffic flow being considered in the final decision.
Inclusivity takes center stage on September 19 as the plaza hosts the third annual “Miss Trans of the National Holidays” pageant, organized by the Sexual Diversity Department to showcase and celebrate the local LGBT community.
Religious festivities begin September 21 with the novena honoring Saint Michael the Archangel. Daily pilgrimages and services will start with a 6:00 a.m. dawn Mass followed by a community breakfast. The religious program will be accompanied by performances and dances, beginning with Astilleros Band.
The festivities will culminate September 29, the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel. A procession of charros will lead into a Mass celebrated by the bishop, followed by the arrival of the torch from San Miguel El Alto and the traditional burning of a castillo.
The final evening will feature a broad entertainment program with mariachi musicians, clowns, folkloric ballet, artists, and live bands.
With activities stretching from early September through the final day of the month, El Pitillal is preparing for a celebration that brings together national traditions, local culture, community events, and religious customs in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s most populous district.
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