Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – On November 3, Puerto Vallarta concluded its memorable Recuérdame Festival 2025, a heartfelt celebration of Mexico’s beloved Día de Muertos tradition. This year’s edition drew record-breaking crowds, reflecting the community’s unity and deep respect for remembrance.
One of the festival’s most anticipated events was the Día de Muertos Parade, which filled the city’s streets with music, costumes, and color before culminating in a lively gathering at Los Muertos Pier. The atmosphere was one of joy and reverence, as residents and visitors came together to honor the past while celebrating the present.
A notable highlight of this year’s festivities was the transformation of the 5 de Diciembre Cemetery. This historic site became a living canvas through a new series of murals commissioned by the Vallarta Institute of Culture with the support of Mayor Luis Munguía González’s administration. Eight talented local artists contributed their work, turning the cemetery into a space of beauty and reflection.
The project not only revitalized a treasured public space but also created an inviting setting for families to reconnect with tradition. The unveiling ceremony featured an elegant performance by the Cuauhtémoc Folkloric Ballet, underscoring the cultural and emotional depth of the occasion.
Throughout the festival, more than 40,000 residents visited local cemeteries – including 5 de Diciembre, Santa María, Progreso, and Ixtapa – to pay tribute to loved ones. The Progreso Cemetery saw the highest turnout as families gathered to decorate graves with flowers, candles, and offerings, creating a serene and heartfelt atmosphere that honored memory and togetherness.
The celebration concluded with a delightful event that captured the spirit of inclusion and joy – the “Paw Prints from Beyond” dog walk. Organized by the Animal Welfare Department, the walk invited families and their pets to stroll from the Malecón to Los Arcos in honor of the bond between humans and their animal companions.
Dozens of dogs, many dressed in catrina and skull-themed costumes, charmed spectators along the route. The event also carried an important message about responsible pet ownership, encouraging the community to care for their pets through veterinary attention, spaying or neutering, and safe walking practices.
The Recuérdame Festival 2025 ended on a heartwarming note, celebrating not only the memory of those who have passed but also the love that endures in every form. The spirit of remembrance continues in Marina Vallarta, where Día de Muertos festivities will extend through November 10.
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