Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The heart of Puerto Vallarta will pulsate with rhythm and color as the 18th Festival Vallarta Azteca de Folclor Internacional explodes onto the scene from April 28th to May 5th, 2024. This renowned celebration of dance transcends borders, showcasing the rich folkloric traditions of Mexico alongside international troupes.
The festival kicks off at 5:30 pm on Sunday, April 28 with a dazzling parade of national and international dancers in colorful costumes that starts at Lazaro Cardenas Park and continues down the Malecón to the iconic Lighthouse, where the 18th Festival Vallarta Azteca de Folclor Internacional will be officially inaugurated.
Get ready to shake your hips on April 29th at the Plaza de Armas in the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta. “Baile Conmigo” (Dance with Me) invites everyone to join the merriment at 9:30 am. While you’re there, be sure to check out a fascinating display of international dolls adorned in traditional attire, exhibited in the central patio of the Municipal Presidency. As dusk settles, the international spotlight shines on Los Arcos de Malecón, where dance groups from Germany, Romania, Serbia, Honduras, Canada, and the United States take center stage at 6:30 pm.
The festival caters to all ages. On Tuesday, April 30th, FESTVA Niños brings the magic of dance to children with delightful performances by troupes from Michoacán, Jalisco, and Hidalgo at the Los Arcos Amphitheater.
After taking the day off on May 1st, International Workers’ Day, the vibrant tapestry of cultures resumes at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 2nd with “Sembrando Paz” (Sowing Peace) at Los Sauces II Park. Later that evening, Los Arcos de Malecón welcomes dance presentations from Serbia, Romania, and the United States at 7:00 pm, while the main plaza in La Floresta explodes with energy as troupes from Canada and Honduras showcase their talents at 8:00 pm.
May 3rd takes you to Ixtapa, where folkloric dance groups from Germany, the United States, and Mexico City captivate audiences. On May 4th, the energy returns to Los Arcos del Malecón with dazzling performances by troupes from Jalisco, Nayarit, and Michoacán.
The grand finale takes place on May 5th at the La Lija Cultural Center. This unforgettable evening features a spectacular performance by a fusion of local, national, and international folkloric dance groups, bringing the festival to a heart-stopping close.
Prepare to be swept away by a dazzling spectacle of dance, music, and cultural exchange at the 18th Vallarta Azteca International Folkloric Dance Festival. For a glimpse into past festivals and detailed information about this year’s program, visit the Festival Vallarta Azteca del Folclor Internacional Facebook page.