Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Thousands gathered along the Malecón on May 31st to celebrate Puerto Vallarta’s 107th anniversary as a municipality and its 57th as a city. The day was filled with culture, community, and excitement from sunrise to well past midnight.
The celebration began with a patriotic flag-raising ceremony at 8:00 am in the Plaza de Armas. Civil and military authorities joined citizens to honor the city’s origins, remembering its founding on December 12, 1851, by Guadalupe Sánchez Torres, and its designation as a municipality on May 31, 1918. Puerto Vallarta became an official city in 1968.
Throughout the day, the Malecón filled with families, tourists, and locals, all drawn to the festive atmosphere. One of the most thrilling highlights was a skydiving demonstration by the “Guerreros Águila,” who made precision landings on the beach. The excitement continued with a stunning air show by the Mexican Air Force’s “Águilas Aztecas,” flying T-6C Texan II aircraft in acrobatic maneuvers high above the bay.
Despite changing weather, the performances went off flawlessly, earning cheers from the crowd. Mayor Luis Munguía praised the Mexican Army and Air Force, calling their participation a historic moment for Puerto Vallarta. Formal recognitions were also presented to the aviators and to the musicians of the War and Music Band from the 5th Military Zone in Zapopan, who added energy to the day with festive tunes.
Later in the afternoon, a solemn City Council session was held at the Malecón Arches, followed by cultural showcases including the Xiutla Ballet, a piano solo by Diego Meza Terrones, and a performance from the Puerto Vallarta School Orchestra. As evening fell, the celebration turned musical with performances by Rino, Reno y Los Cumbia Friends, Latoya London, and Evelin Guerra.
The night reached its peak with Banda La Matona from Compostela, Nayarit, energizing the crowd. A spectacular fireworks display lit up the sky, closing the festivities on a high note.
Puerto Vallarta’s anniversary celebration was a joyful expression of its history, unity, and enduring spirit—a day that will long be remembered by all who were part of it.
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