Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – The heart of Puerto Vallarta will celebrate a major milestone as Cuale River Island commemorates its 100th anniversary with three days of festivities, taking place October 25–27 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Cuale River Esplanade. The event invites residents and visitors to honor a landmark that has shaped the city’s cultural and artistic identity for a century.
The island’s unique history is a testament to Puerto Vallarta’s evolution. Formed in 1926 when the Cuale River naturally split, it was initially a temporary landmass. Over time, it became a central part of daily life, particularly in the late 1960s when it was a gathering spot for lavanderas, or washerwomen, who used the river to wash clothes. As the city grew, the island transformed, becoming a public park in the 1970s, known as Isla de Santa Clara or Isla de Los Niños.
Today, La Isla Rio Cuale is a permanent and bustling cultural hub. It features tranquil parks, charming riverfront restaurants, and artisan markets where visitors can find unique local crafts. The island is also home to significant cultural sites, including the Cuale Cultural Center and an archaeology museum, which displays pre-Hispanic artifacts discovered in the “Cuale” mining town, where the river originates.
Access to the island is made easy by its famous hanging bridges that connect visitors to downtown and the Romantic Zone, while a pedestrian bridge built in 2012 links Gringo Gulch, offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding areas.
The centennial celebration promises a wide array of activities designed to honor the island’s rich heritage. Attendees can enjoy a Verbena Popular, or community fair, along with various cultural activities, historical exhibitions, workshops, and film screenings. The event will also feature traditional music and a variety of artistic performances.
This gathering offers an opportunity to reconnect with the city’s roots and experience moments filled with history and emotion. It is a chance for everyone to be part of a celebration that pays tribute to a century of culture, tradition, and community spirit.
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