The Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is one celebration that is undoubtedly rich in tradition and culture in Mexico. These festivities are a great opportunity to honor our deceased with colorful offerings and a lot of folklore, thus welcoming them from the underworld.
These mystical festivities have been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, being internationally recognized thanks to everything that this celebration entails, such as its altars, parades, verbena and its intrinsic magic.
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the beach
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are well known for the immense biodiversity, their beautiful golden beaches, their culinary offering and the warmth the people offer to all their visitors. But the region is also famous for holding international events and representing our cultural traditions, such as the Day of the Dead.
For several days prior to the traditional festivities taking place on November 1st & 2nd, the preparations begin and the city as well as the main plazas of the various towns in the region, are decorated. The numerous celebrations take place from October 28th and can continue through to November 5th happening across Puerto Vallarta and as far as the famous surf town of Sayulita.
Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit: Main events
Right in the heart of Puerto Vallarta: around Los Arcos, in the Plaza de Armas –located in front of City Hall – and along the entire boardwalk (or Malecón), you will be able to witness the various events and exhibitions that will be held to give life and color to the city in commemoration of the deceased.
This year, the following activities are expected to be available: the commemorative parades, the traditional altars of the dead and skulls as well as the Catrinas contest. In addition to these, in the Lázaro Cárdenas park (on the opposite corner from where the boardwalk begins), there will also be different exhibitions and a food court where you can try the traditional “pan de muerto” and other Mexican snacks.
As of today, an exhibition of more than 20 giant Catrinas has been confirmed. Also, as is the case every year, the traditional altars of the dead will be exhibited on part of the boardwalk and around City Hall.
Every year, Sayulita commemorates this traditional Mexican celebration in a very colorful and joyful way. The cobblestone streets are filled with life, the main square with light, and people offer the dishes, drinks and the most symbolic possessions of their deceased in beautiful offerings.
Walk and admire how some of its streets turn into colorful flowered runways lit up by candles, creating shapes, outlines and patterns that invite tourists to take photos to immortalize this beautiful tradition.
Thanks to this type of celebration, the numerous ancestral traditions of Mexico such as the Day of the Dead live on, serving as a window into the world of the vast culture that we possess and the different artistic expressions that can be captured.
Keep in mind: All the events may be subject to availability due to the current health situation we are experiencing.
Let’s celebrate 100% safely
Travel with complete peace of mind, since Riviera Nayarit is certified as a safe destination, as well as several of its hotels including all the properties of Marival Resorts. Enjoy this celebration rich in tradition as well as its activities, and create memorable moments with your family.
If you liked this content, you may want to check out: Halloween vs Day of the Dead.