Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – As the Day of the Dead approaches, Puerto Vallarta is gearing up for a series of vibrant celebrations, highlighted by the unveiling of the “World’s Largest Catrina” exhibit.
“We will showcase the Catrina that holds the Guinness World Record. It will be the same Catrina, but she will be dressed in a magnificent new outfit,” declared Christian Preciado Cázares, the municipal director of tourism.
The “Festival de Muertos Puerto Vallarta 2023” will begin on Friday, October 27 and run through Sunday November 5. Municipal officials are preparing to make this coastal tourist destination a hub for celebrating the departed, appealing not only to tourists but also to the local community.
“We’re planning contests and Day of the Dead altars throughout the city hall, and there’s a parade in the works with several companies already signed up to participate. The procession will begin at the 5 de Diciembre cemetery, wind its way down San Salvador Street, passing by the Ley store, and conclude at Lázaro Cárdenas Park. We are inviting all businesses and schools to join in, because death is an integral part of our culture,” added Preciado Cázares.
Furthermore, Preciado Cázares mentioned that there would be a traditional parade with Charros and their horses dressed for the occasion. “Every year we have a charro maleconeada, and though Halloween is also quite popular here, we want to honor our culture, our roots, and our traditions. So, on October 30th, we will have a maleconeada with all the charros dressed in their distinctive attire, riding horses to continue promoting our heritage,” he said.
In addition to the Guinness World Record Catrina, it is expected that other monumental Catrinas will make appearances during the festivities. So far, more than 25 hotels have signed up to take part in this cherished tradition, according to the director of tourism. The city is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to embrace the rich cultural heritage of Día de los Muertos.
This year’s Día de los Muertos celebrations promise to be a captivating blend of tradition and innovation, uniting locals and visitors in the spirit of honoring and celebrating the departed.
Click HERE to see the full schedule of events.