Top 10 Puerto Vallarta Festivities this 2023
Puerto Vallarta is one of the top vacation destinations in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta has stunning beaches and a great climate making it a favorite place for visitors. There are also excellent restaurants, art galleries, great shopping, and a happening nightlife scene. There are many hotels and resorts to stay at if you want to take a vacation to Mexico. While some vacationers don’t even leave the resorts, there are lots of fun things to do in town. For example, Puerto Vallarta hosts many cultural events, celebrations, and holidays. Continue to read below to learn more about Puerto Vallarta festivities that may interest you.
Puerto Vallarta Festivities – Top 10
1. Restaurant Week in Puerto Vallarta
If you didn’t already know, Restaurant Week is an annual event in Puerto Vallarta. Restaurant Week is typically held in September or October, and the restaurants that are participating offer special menus of their best dishes. Plus, they provide the special menus at a discounted price, too. It’s a great time for visitors and locals to try out tasty dishes from the area’s top restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.
2. Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Puerto Vallarta
On November 2nd, Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated in Puerto Vallarta and in other cities and towns throughout Mexico. Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated on November 2nd. This holiday is a time where people pay tribute to loved ones that have passed away before us. Family members will make altars with flowers, framed pictures, and favorite foods and drinks to honor their loved ones. Sometimes families will also visit the gravesite of their loved one and spend the night there sharing stories and remembering their loved one.
3. Festival Gourmet International in Puerto Vallarta
The Festival Gourmet International is an annual event in Puerto Vallarta where well-known chefs come to participate and showcase their culinary skills. The event is held from November 12th – November 21st, and this year they will be having different programs such as workshops along with wine and cheese tastings. Many chefs from local resorts and restaurants participate as well as locals and visitors who love food, too.
4. Sea Turtle Release in Puerto Vallarta
Did you know that each year hundreds of sea turtles come back to Puerto Vallarta where they were born to lay their eggs? When sea turtles lay their eggs, local conservation groups collect all the eggs to protect them until they hatch. Then, once the baby sea turtles hatch, they are released back to the sea waters in Banderas Bay. From July through December is when you can join in and participate in the release of baby sea turtles in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a fun and magical experience the whole family will enjoy.
5. Dia de La Independencia (Independence Day) in Puerto Vallarta
Another popular celebration and holiday celebrated in Puerto Vallarta and across Mexico is Día de La Independencia, or Independence Day. The entire month of September is full of exciting Independence Day celebrations and colorful decorations at local homes and businesses. On the night of September 15th, el Grito will re-enact the cry made by Dolores Hidalgo signaling the call to arms for Mexicans to rise up against Spanish rule to reclaim their Independence.
6. Las Posadas (The Inns) in Puerto Vallarta
Las Posadas (which means “The Inns” in English) is a celebration that occurs each holiday season from December 16th – December 24th. Las Posadas is an event meant to symbolize the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem so Mary could birth baby Jesus. This religious celebration is celebrated in Puerto Vallarta and around Mexico. Today, posadas usually mean any holiday celebrations where friends and family get together to eat great food, break a piñata or two, and enjoy general Christmastime cheer.
7. Historic Downtown Art Walk in Puerto Vallarta
The Historic Downtown Art Walk in Puerto Vallarta is another one of the best Puerto Vallarta festivities. During the high season, there are various modern and contemporary art galleries that will stay open late on every Wednesday from October 31st – May 29th. They will provide drinks and snacks, and visitors can see art pieces from local artists. It’s a great way to browse through the art galleries checking out the local talent during your vacation in Mexico.
8. Municipal Xiutla Ballet in Puerto Vallarta
The Municipal Xiutla Ballet in Puerto Vallarta is a popular festivity. They perform at 7:30pm every Friday in Old Town at the Lazaro Cardenas Plaza, then on Saturday evenings they perform on the Malecon Boardwalk at 8:00pm. Get ready to enjoy music, dancing, and beautiful costumes by the talented group of young dancers.
9. Semana Santa in Puerto Vallarta
From April 10th – April 16th the annual Semana Santa event is held in Puerto Vallarta. This is also known as Holy Week, which is the most sacred week in the year. It typically coincides with Spring Break from schools in other parts of the world. As a result, the area sees a large increase in tourism in PV and you can bet that the top beaches in the area will be packed.
10. Cinco de Mayo in Puerto Vallarta
The last Puerto Vallarta event in our list is Cinco de Mayo. While it is actually celebrated more in the US, the May 5th holiday is a tribute to the Battle of Puebla when Mexico defeated French invaders. However, since PV is a tourist town, there are often Cinco de Mayo decorations and promotions around town. It’s a great day to try delicious food and drinks at some of the local restaurants, resorts, and bars.
You have just read the Puerto Vallarta festivities, the top 10. Are you ready for a Puerto Vallarta vacation now? If so, why not contact the Villa Group? They are a family-friendly resort provider with luxury resorts in Mexico’s top destinations including Cabo, Cancun, Islands of Loreto, Puerto Vallarta, and the Riviera Nayarit. Resorts have spacious accommodations, world class amenities, and top services. Right now, there are low-cost deals on all-inclusive packages available. COVID sanitation protocols have been implemented so that visitors can safely relax during their stay. If you’re ready to visit Mexico, call the Villa Group and book your accommodations today!