What to Do

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Components of the Altar
A traditional Day of the Dead altar must include a cross, candles, flowers, incense, glass of water, photographs, tablecloth, tissue paper, liquor, food, fruit, candied pumpkin, music, pan de muertos (a traditional sweet bread prepared for the occasion), sugar skulls and salt on a plate.
Placed together, all these offerings represent the four natural elements: earth (food), wind (tissue paper, moving with the slightest breeze), water (for the souls to quench their thirst after their long journey) and fire (a candle lit for each of the deceased). The cross symbolizes the four cardinal points, needed so our special visitors can find their way back.
The Catrina: Creativity and Jibing Death
Mexico is unique in the way satire is used to mock death. A classic example is La Catrina, an elegantly clad skeleton popularized by acclaimed engraver and cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada. This enigmatic character is usually portrayed as a high society grand dame, to convey the fact that death happens to all, regardless of social stature.
Due to its unique blend of culture and tradition, Day of the Dead was inscribed in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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What to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Given the broad spectrum of activities surrounding Day of the Dead, it seems ironic that a celebration about death brings so much life to our city, with events for visitors and locals alike where tradition, music, gastronomy, dance, art and folklore take center stage.
· Day of the Dead Cultural Festival
Most Day of the Dead festivities take place in Puerto Vallarta’s El Centro, with activities scheduled to begin October 29 and continue until November 2. During those days, you will be able to enjoy live performances and other attractions that will allow you to experience this age-old Mexican tradition. Neighborhood streets are dressed with special decorations that include catrinas, papel picado (perforated paper), and Day of the Dead altars, which is why we strongly recommend you take the time to explore the area.
During the entire celebration, Parque Hidalgo (one block from the Malecón’s north end) becomes the stage for folkloric dance performances, traditional music, plays and death-related storytelling. Parque Lázaro Cárdenas (in colonia Emiliano Zapata) and Puerto Vallarta’s main plaza are other venues where a variety of events are scheduled, along with the display of special altars commemorating important personalities. The Municipal Market (next to the Río Cuale bridge on Insurgentes street) is a must-visit spot for those looking to purchase traditional Day of the Day bread and other edibles.
Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón is another important venue, with a not-to-be-missed catrina parade that starts at Hotel Rosita and continues all the way to Los Muertos Pier.

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· Visit the Municipal Cemetery
Puerto Vallarta’s 5 de Diciembre municipal cemetery is located near El Centro, and it is the oldest in the city. This landmark offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to folks looking for an insider’s view of the way locals honor their deceased during Day of the Dead. Expect families to gather there on November 1 and 2, placing flowers and offerings on their loved ones’ graves and remembering them with their favorite music.
A visit to the cemetery is also an ideal opportunity to purchase fresh cempasúchitl, or Mexican marigolds (Tagetes erecta), used to commemorate the occasion and difficult to find during the rest of the year.
If you are planning on bringing a camera (and you should), just keep in mind that time shared by families at the cemetery is more solemn in nature. As such, we suggest respecting their intimacy by keeping a safe distance and using your gear discreetly.
5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery
Brasilia 715, Colonia 5 de Diciembre

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Horseback Riding in Vallarta · Nayarit, VallartaLifestyles, Bucerías

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The First Step
<blockquote>“To practice riding in any of its disciplines, we must take into account that it is a matter of interacting with a half-ton living being, a harmless animal—as long as man has not made it aggressive—that usually responds according to how we have treated it,” he says.</blockquote>
 
What Does It Consist Of?
The goal of riding is to maintain precise control over the horse, and it requires good care and grooming of the animal by the rider. At the basic level, the main thing is to learn to ride, but as you advance you can jump, race, herd cattle and participate in shows and dressage.

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To practice riding is to understand the horse, to try to improve as a person through a sport, a passion. You cannot be a good rider before being a good person.
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English Riding
Ecuestre Bucerías offers lessons in English (as opposed to Western) riding, where “the rider should sit upright in the center of the saddle, shoulders back and with the back arched. The hands are placed down and in front of the saddle, so that the reins and arms form a straight line from the bit to the elbow. A rein is held in each hand, and the horse is guided with a slight pull toward the side the rider wants it to turn. The stirrup supports the foot with the heel pressing down slightly, the knee bent and the calf vertical. A well-adjusted stirrup should reach the ankle bone when the leg is allowed to hang freely from the saddle.”

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Ages and Categories
<blockquote>“The ideal age to start is four, when children are still developing their mental abilities. Since each human being and each horse is different, I have seen six-year-olds who are already out competing or who jump a considerable height and children who are eight or more who are not ready yet. As in all sports, the sooner you start, the better chance you have. On the other hand, the maximum age is what your body will handle. At my school, riders older than 70 come in and ride every day.”</blockquote>
This is the only sport where competitions are not regulated by sex or categories. “Everyone can compete at the same level. It is not so much the physical part, but rather the feeling and the mental aspect.”
Riding is governed by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports and has been included in the Olympics since 1900 in the disciplines of jumping, dressage and eventing.

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What Do You Need to Get Started?
<blockquote>“The only thing you must bring is the desire to ride. Each person evolves at a different speed, and there are those who love horses, but have tremendous fear. The first class is completely private, because the beginning is very important and we need to see the rider’s initial reactions. Depending on the result, we determine if you can join a group or if you need more private classes, which I give on my own, since the goal is for the beginner to feel comfortable, safe and in control. Regarding dress, you will need long pants and closed shoes. During the first month, we provide all the necessary equipment: helmet, crops and chaps. By the second month, it is ideal if the rider has his own equipment.”</blockquote>
 
Benefits
In addition to developing musculature in the legs, abdomen and back, riding strengthens joints and improves balance. This sport requires dexterity, decision-making, attitude, perseverance, time, dedication and, above all, great concentration. It also promotes socialization, enhances positive values and develops self-confidence, self-control and self-esteem. “We have seen a very positive trend in those who practice riding, because it becomes a whole way of life. You come for the horses and you end up finding something else. The atmosphere in the club has become very family-oriented; the parents of 60 percent of my students also ride. They began to come because of their children and curiosity, which became passion and spread to them,” he concludes.

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Riding can also be used for therapeutic purposes, since recreational riding helps to improve both physical and emotional health.
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In addition to classes, they also offer boarding, sale of horses for all types of competitions and initial consultations to relocate horses from anywhere in the world. If you are interested in taking beginner’s classes, improving your skills or simply going to socialize, you can contact them at (322) 140-7625 or <a href="mailto:ecuestrebucerias@gmail.com">ecuestrebucerias@gmail.com</a>. You find them on Facebook as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ecuestrebucerias" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ecuestre Bucerías</a>. The club is located on the old road to Valle de Banderas, in Bucerías, Nayarit.

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Food &amp; Drinks

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Vallarta · Nayarit Gastronómica

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Ángel León

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Name: Ángel León
Nationality: Spanish
Restaurant:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Aponiente-%C3%81ngel-Le%C3%B3n--118642035763/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Aponiente</a>
Location: Cadiz, Spain
Michelin stars: 3
Soles Repsol: 3
He’s known as The Chef of the Sea, since his restaurant focuses on marine products. In 2011, the Wall Street Journal featured Aponiente among the best 10 European restaurants; while The New York Times appointed it as “one of the 10 restaurants around the globe worth a plane ride.”

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Andoni Luis Aduriz

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Name: Andoni Luis Aduriz
Nationality: Spanish
Restaurant:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mugaritz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Mugaritz</a>
Location: Gipuzkoa, Spain
Michelin stars: 2
Soles Repsol: 3
From 2006 to date, the British publication Restaurant Magazine has featured Mugaritz on its annual ranking Best 10 Restaurants in the world.

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Kiko-Moya

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Name: Kiko Moya
Nationality: Spanish
Restaurant:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lescaleta-130410670328696/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> L’escaleta</a>
Location: Alicante, Spain
Michelin stars: 2
Soles Repsol: 3
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He’s one of the key ambassadors of the avant-garde gastronomy of Southeast Spain. L’escaleta products and ingredients are locally sourced from market gardens and the Mediterranean Sea.

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Diego-Guerrero

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Name: Diego Guerrero
Nationality: Spanish
Restaurant:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dstage/431971023612403" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> DSTAgE</a>
Location: Madrid, Spain
Michelin stars: 2
Soles Repsol: 3
Diego graduated from the prestigious Escuela de Zabalburu (Bilbao) and worked for important Spanish restaurants (such as Martín Berasategui, Goizeko Kabi and el Bulli) before opening his own business.

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Roberto-Ruíz

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Name: Roberto Ruiz
Nationality: Mexican
Restaurant:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RestaurantePuntoMX/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Punto MX</a>
Location: Madrid, Spain
Michelin stars: 1
Soles Repsol: 2
Punto MX was the first restaurant by a Mexican chef to be awarded Michelin star.

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Diego-Gallegos

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Name: Diego Gallegos
Nationality: Brazilian
Restaurant: Sollo de Benalmádena 
Location: Málaga, Spain
Michelin stars: 1
Soles Repsol: 1
He’s known as the Caviar Chef. In 2015, he was awarded Chef Revelación Madrid Fusión 2015.

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Kisco-García

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Name: Kisko García
Nationality: Spanish
Restaurant:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Choco.KiscoGarcia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Choco</a>
Location: Andalusia, Spain
Michelin stars: 1
Soles Repsol: 2
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In 2006, Kisko was appointed Andalusia’s Chef Revelación at the Madridfusión culinary summit. He is an international representative of the contemporary Andalusian gastronomy.

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Carlos-Gaytán

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Name: Carlos Gaytán
Nationality: Mexicano
Restaurant:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mexiquechicago/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Mexique</a>
Location: Chicago, United States
Michelin stars: 1
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In 2010, Mexique was appointed The City’s Best Restaurant by Chicago Magazine. The following year, Carlos Gaytán was named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.

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Paco-Méndez

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Name: Paco Méndez
Nationality: Mexican
Restaurant: Hoja Santa and Niño Viejo
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Michelin Star: 1
Soles Repsol: 2
Originally from Mexico City, Paco Méndez currently works alongside Albert Adrià, a prestigious chef which whom he partnered to open his restaurants.

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Activities

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Stroll the Malecón and El Centro
Probably, the first image to appear when we type “Puerto Vallarta” into our web browser is a photograph of the iconic Malecón, a mile-long walkway beside the sea. With construction beginning in the 1930s, it soon became a popular recreation area for residents. Today, it is one of the city’s main attractions, where you can find sculptures such as “El Niño sobre el Caballito de Mar” (The Boy on the Seahorse) and “Los Arcos del Malecón” (The Arches of the Malecón), symbols of Puerto Vallarta.
Thanks to its location in the city’s historic center, the Malecón is very close to other important sites such as the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (the crowned church) and the Plaza de Armas (main square), as well as the old adobe and tile buildings that characterize the enchanting landscape of this zone.

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Visit Los Muertos Beach and the Romantic Zone
The southern end of Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón leads to Los Muertos Beach, the bay’s most famous thanks to its location in the Romantic Zone, its history and attractions, including Los Muertos Pier, a metal structure offering an unbeatable view, as well as a light show at night.
As this area hosts countless restaurants overlooking the sea, cafes, boutiques, bars and lodging options, it has positioned itself as one of the hotspots for visitors. If you visit the beach during lunchtime, be sure to try the fish-on-a-stick, one of the city’s typical delicacies.

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Take a Tour to the South Shore
Puerto Vallarta also has very quiet beaches with a natural beauty that captivates anyone. The best way to discover them is through a boat tour to the bay’s South Shore. That way, you can get a unique perspective of the city from the ocean, visit the Los Arcos de Mismaloya Marine Park and disembark in charming and picturesque coastal towns such as Las Ánimas, Quimixto and Yelapa. Generally, food and drinks are included in these tours, so fun and a good time are guaranteed.

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Enjoy Classic Restaurants
Puerto Vallarta has an active and varied culinary scene, including restaurants with international, fusion, Mexican and contemporary dishes. Before saying goodbye to the city, you simply must try some of its most successful and longstanding restaurants, such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lapalapapv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Palapa</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaiserMaximilianPV/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kaiser Maximilian</a> in the Romantic Zone and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cafedesartistes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Café des Artistes</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/trio.mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trio</a> in El Centro.

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Dance and Discover the Nightlife
When the sun goes down, music begins to take over Puerto Vallarta. If you like salsa or Latin rhythms, you can’t miss La Bodeguita del Medio on the Malecón, where you can enjoy live music and a delicious mojito. Nearby, you will also find nightclubs with more modern musical options, whereas the Romantic Zone is home to bars of all genres, most with a special focus on the LGBT community.

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Relax at a Spa
Before ending your adventure in the city, indulge in a pleasant massage by the sea or a hydrotherapy session at one of the many spas in Puerto Vallarta. Your hotel will most likely have one! This is the best way to prepare for your return home and to contemplate the ideal time for your second visit.

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Carlos Elizondo and Consuelo Elipe, founders and organizers of Vallarta · Nayarit Gastronómica. 

Some of the local chefs that will participate at the event. Memo Wulff and Elías Sapién Jr., among them.

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OPA Greek Bistro.

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Mykonos-style fish fillet.

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Greek lamb gyro.

OPA Greek Bistro's decor takes you on a journey to the Greek Islands.

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Rack of lamb.

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OPA-style chicken breast.

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OYZO, a traditional beverage from the Greek Islands.

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Time for dessert! Delicious Baklava.

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Costillar de cordero.

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Plaza principal de San Sebastián.

Across from the main square, various establishments are located within an old building.

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