DAY OF THE DEAD / DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
One of Mexico’s most important religious holidays!
One of Mexico’s most important religious holidays is celebrated on All Saint’s Day (November 1) and All Soul’s Day (November 2): Dia de los Muertos (sometimes called Dia de los Fieles Difuntos) – Day of the Dead.
Traditionally, November 1st honors deceased children and November 2nd honors deceased adults. Day of the Dead is celebrated passionately throughout Mexico, and especially so in smaller provincial towns and cities. November 2nd is an official holiday in Mexico..
Why Mexicans Embrace the Celebration of Day of the Dead/Día de Muertos?
In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is not a somber affair but a vibrant and lively celebration that pays homage to departed loved ones. Families gather at cemeteries, adorning graves with colorful decorations, creating an atmosphere of joy and remembrance.
The history of Día de Los Muertos/ Day if the Dead.
Dating back around 3,000 years, the indigenous people of Mexico have been honoring their ancestors through rituals. Originally spanning the ninth month of the Aztec calendar, the celebration evolved into a condensed three-day extravaganza: Halloween on October 31, Day of the Innocents on November 1, and Day of the Dead on November 2.
Puerto Vallarta List of Events for Day of the Dead
Schedule of Events FESTIVAL DE MUERTOS 2023 IN PUERTO VALLARTA
FESTIVAL DE MUERTOS 2023 IN PUERTO VALLARTA
OCTOBER 27TH, 2023
Emiliano Zapata and 5 de Diciembre Markets
8:00am | Altars Exhibition
City Hall and Malecón
7:00pm | Opening of Altars and Catrinas
OCTOBER 28TH, 2023
Courtyard of the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura
6:00pm | Day of the Dead Festival “Rescatando Tradiciones”
OCTOBER 29TH, 2023
El Pitillal Main Square
6:30pm | Tour Altars
6:45 Pm | Azucena Campos (Singer)
7:30pm | Drawing Presentation
8:00pm | Catrinas Catwalk
8:30pm | Drawing Award Ceremony
8:45pm | José Alfredo Samaniega (Singer)
9:30pm | Altars and Catrinas Award Ceremony
Río Cuale Market
8:00am – 6:00pm | Mini Altars Tour
OCTOBER 30TH, 2023
Agustín Rodríguez Street (El Centro)
11:00am – 10:00pm | Altars Exhibition
6:00pm | Maleconeada (Malecón Tour)
Las Mojoneras Main Square
6:30pm | Altars Tour
6:45pm | Martín “El Auténtico de Nayarit” (Singer)
7:30pm | Draw Presentation
8:00pm | Catrinas Catwalk
8:30pm | Drawing Award Ceremony
8:45pm | Angélica Santiago (Singer)
9:30pm | Altars and Catrinas Award Ceremony
OCTOBER 31ST, 2023
Ixtapa Main Square
6:30pm | Altars Tour
6:45pm | Rubén (Saxophonist)
7:30pm | Draw Presentation
8:00pm | Catrinas Catwalk
8:30pm | Drawing Ceremony Award
8:45pm | Luz García (Singer)
9:30pm | Altars and Catrinas Award Ceremony
NOVEMBER 1ST, 2023
Centro Cultural El Pitillal
3:30PM | Opening of the Itinerant Mummy Museum (Encarnación de Díaz)
Malecón Lighthouse
6:30PM | Prehispanic Dance
7:30PM | Rubén (saxophonist)
8:00PM | Giant Catrinas Opening
8:45PM | Grupo Zafiro (Band Music)
NOVEMBER 2ND, 2023
9:00AM – 12:00PM | Cemetery Tour
5:00PM | Day of the Dead Parade
Faro del Malecón Stage
6:30PM | Martín “El Auténtico de Nayarit” (Singer)
7:00PM | Pitillal Group Dance
8:00pm | Miadance
9:00pm | Mariachi Fiesta Jalisciense PV
NOVEMBER 3RD, 2023
Centro Cultural La Lija
6:00pm | Day of the Dead Festival
Faro del Malecón Stage
7:00pm | Jessi Valente (Singer)
7:45pm | Catrinas and Catrines Catwalk
8:30pm | Firework Show
9:00pm | Award Ceremony
NOVEMBER 4TH, 2023
La Lija Sports Court
5:00pm | Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Ballet Folclórico Vallarta Azteca
Faro del Malecón Stage
6:00pm | Fabiola Mantecón (Storyteller)
6:45pm | Angélica Santiago (Singer)
7:30pm | Costumed Pet Catwalk
8:00pm | José Alfredo Samaniega (Singer)
8:30pm | Award Ceremony
8:45pm | Los 3 del Ranchito (Grupo Norteño)
NOVEMBER 5TH, 2023
Faro del Malecón Stage
6:30pm | “Mimox” Storyteller
7:15pm | Janeth (Saxophonist)
8:00pm | Alas · Escuela de Canto
8:30pm | DJ
Where did La Catrina come from?
La Catrina that we know today came to be in the early 1900s by controversial and political cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada. Artist and husband of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, included José’s La Catrina in one of his murals which depicted 400 years of Mexican history. His mural, “Dreams of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park”, includes himself and a young child holding hands with La Catrina, who is dressed in sophisticated garb and a fancy feathered hat.
The Iconic La Catrina and Puerto Vallarta's Dynamic Celebrations
La Catrina, a towering female skeleton, adorned with vibrant makeup and a flamboyant feathery hat, is a symbolic figure of the Day of the Dead. Worshipped by the Aztecs, she protected departed loved ones, guiding them through the cycles of life and death.
Savor the Flavor: Pan de Muerto
Every dinner during these celebrations features the star of the show – pan de muerto (bread of the dead). With various styles and forms, the most popular is round, covered in white or red sugar, with strips that simulate bones.
Puerto Vallarta Malecón Day of the Dead * photo credit Alondra Muca
Puerto Vallarta Malecon Transforms into an Artistic Wonderland
Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon transforms into an open-air art gallery, with hotels and restaurants adorning palm trees with Dia de Muertos characters and building shrines to honor loved ones.
Welcoming Back Souls: Traditions in Action
The belief is that the souls of departed loved ones return during the Day of the Dead. Families prepare offerings with favorite foods, drinks, fruits, sweet calaveritas, and even toys for the children. A crucial tradition involves visiting cemeteries, where candles illuminate the path for the souls on their journey back home, whether day or night. The festivities continue until November 4th, creating a memorable blend of traditional and modern experiences for both locals and visitors alike.
We love celebrating with our friends and clients here in Puerto Vallarta ❤️
