Puerto Vallarta proudly represented Mexico for the first time ever at the iconic New York City Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30th. The delegation, led by the Mexican Consulate in New York and including representatives from Puerto Vallarta’s City Council and LGBTQIA+ community, joined over 75,000 participants on 55 floats, watched by a staggering 2.5 million spectators lining the famed Fifth Avenue.
This marked a significant moment for both Mexico and Puerto Vallarta. New York City, a global center for LGBTQIA+ rights activism since the Stonewall Riots of 1969, hosted the world’s first Pride march in 1970 with nearly 5,000 participants. Today, that number has grown to an estimated 2.5 million, a testament to the movement’s progress.
“Puerto Vallarta shone brightly on the international stage,” said Director of Tourism and Economic Development Christian Preciado Cázares. “This is the first time in history that Mexico has been represented at the New York Pride Parade, and we’re honored to have played that role.”
The Mexican delegation, led by Consul General Jorge Islas and his staff, expressed their solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, both globally and within Mexico. Marching alongside them were representatives of Puerto Vallarta’s Pride movement and the city’s tourism department.
“The partnership between our two Pride communities has been a resounding success,” Preciado Cázares added. “As the only Mexican municipality invited, Puerto Vallarta took this opportunity to showcase its vibrant LGBTQIA+ tourism scene. We distributed city souvenirs throughout Times Square, highlighting our destination’s importance in this sector.”
The Vallarta delegation’s agenda extended beyond the parade, with meetings scheduled with New York business leaders and the Mexican Consulate to discuss new projects and strengthen tourism ties. The two direct flights between New York and Puerto Vallarta facilitate a steady stream of visitors, fostering economic growth for both cities.
