Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – History holds a special place in Mexico. To the Mexican people, “History is not only the story of how the present came to be, but the explanation of present realities and future possibilities.”
So it’s only natural that every year, the month of September is dedicated to the celebration of one of the most significant chapters in the country’s history – Mexico’s years-long struggle for independence from Spain.
Every September, known as El Mes de la Patria (The Month of Our Nation), cities throughout Mexico host a series of colorful and patriotic festivities celebrating the people and events that eventually led to the country’s independence.
Here in Puerto Vallarta, the celebrations are hard to beat. On nearly every street corner, vendors sell flags, balloons, sombreros and rehiletes, all in the national colors of red, white and green. There are also plenty of festivities, entertainment and activities taking place from September 13 through 16.
Puerto Vallarta 2026 Fiestas Patrias Schedule of Events
Sunday, September 13 – Aniversario de la Batalla de Chapultepec
8:00 am – A ceremony in the Plaza de Armas will commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Chapultepec and honor Los Niños Héroes, the young cadets who died defending Mexico City during the battle.
Monday, September 14 – Día Nacional de la Charrería
The next day is all about Mexican horsemanship. September 14 is el Día Nacional de la Charrería, and a celebratory parade will wind through downtown Puerto Vallarta beginning at 10:00 am on Ignacio L. Vallarta Street.
The procession will make its way down the Malecón to the Ley grocery store, showcasing the skill, traditions and pageantry of charrería, Mexico’s national sport.
Tuesday, September 15 – Aniversario del Grito de Independencia
The biggest celebrations take place on September 15, the eve of Independence Day. The day begins with a civic ceremony at 8:00 am in the Plaza de Armas, outside the Municipal Presidency, commemorating the 216th anniversary of the Grito de Independencia, the call that launched Mexico’s independence movement in 1810.
That evening, the Vallarta Institute of Culture invites everyone to the Malecón for a celebration of Mexican traditions. The program includes music, dancing and traditional food, making it an event for the whole family.
At 6:30 pm, DJ Zuar, accompanied by batucada music and pre-Hispanic dance, will take the main stage near the lighthouse on the Malecón. Next up will be Ballet Folklórico Cuauhtémoc, accompanied by Mariachi Internacional Real de América, at 7:30 pm.
At 8:30 pm, Mariachi Internacional Real de América will return to the stage for another performance, followed by Grupo Caché at 9:30 pm.
The evening reaches its traditional high point at around 11:00 pm, when Mayor Luis Munguía steps onto the presidential balcony to lead the famous Grito de Dolores. The ceremony recalls Father Miguel Hidalgo’s historic call for independence and honors the people who began Mexico’s fight to break free from Spanish rule.
The ceremony will be followed by a fireworks display over Banderas Bay, along with the lighting of castillos and toritos at 11:30 pm. The festivities will continue with a public street dance featuring Banda Vallejo at midnight.
Wednesday, September 16 – 216° Aniversario del Inicio de la Guerra de Independencia de México
September 16 is a national holiday, much like the Fourth of July in the United States. Many banks, government offices and businesses will close so residents can take part in the celebrations.
The day begins with a civic ceremony at 8:00 am in the Plaza de Armas, followed by the traditional civic-military parade at 10:00 am. The procession features Army, Navy and National Guard contingents, along with schools, firefighters, Civil Protection teams and Citizen Security groups, all marching through downtown along the same route as the charro parade.
With the official celebrations wrapping up on September 16, residents and visitors can continue enjoying Mexican food, music and traditions at venues throughout Puerto Vallarta during the remainder of the month.
¡Viva México!
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