Day of the Dead Festivities

This year, Puerto Vallarta features a broad spectrum of activities surrounding Day of the Dead. Following are some of the events that will allow you to participate in one of the most important Mexican traditions through music, gastronomy, dance, art and folklore. Moreover, Mexico observes Halloween on October 31, so you will be able to experience the best of both celebrations!

Seventh Day of the Dead Cultural Festival

This festival takes place from October 29 to November 5 in Puerto Vallarta’s El Centro neighborhood and comprises a large array of events taking place at some of the most visited spots in town such as the Malecón, Hidalgo Park, Emiliano Zapata neighborhood and Main Square.

During the festival, neighborhood streets are dressed with special decorations that include catrinas, papel picado, or perforated paper, and Day of the Dead altars. We strongly recommend you take the time to explore the area and make sure you charge your camera batteries before you leave your home or hotel.

Activities include Day of the Dead altars exhibition at the Malecón, a concert by the Puerto Vallarta Youth Orquestra at City Hall, folk dance performances, Los Muertos Film Festival at Lázaro Cárdenas Park, free guided tours at the Municipal Cemetery and a traditional catrina parade in El Centro.

Click here to check out the complete schedule of activities. For more information, please visit the festival’s Facebook page.

The catrina parade route begins at the Municipal Cemetery and goes south towards the Municipal Market.

Folk dance performance in El Centro neighborhood.

Galerías Vallarta

This popular shopping center located across from Puerto Vallarta’s Maritime Terminal will feature a series of Day of the Dead and Halloween activities for people of all ages to take place October 29 – November 2.

October 29 • 7 pm: Dead Dancers

Dancing catrinas performing salsa, bachata, belly dance, ballet, hip hop, jazz and Mexican folklore.

October 30 • 6 pm: Halloween Fest

Dancing and circus acts by performing arts school Danzirco.

October 31 • 7 pm: Halloween Costume Contest

Featuring prizes for the best costumes!  

November 1 – 2  •  11 am – 9 pm: Day of the Dead Altars and Catrinas Exhibition

Presented by educational institutions in Puerto Vallarta. Prizes will be awarded for the best Day of the Dead altars on November 2 at 7 pm.

Amapas Neighborhood Association Day of the Dead Party

On Monday, October 31, the Amapas Neighborhood Association in collaboration with local bars and restaurants will be hosting a bicultural and bilingual outdoor party on Púlpito street, featuring musical entertainment, face-painting, costume competition and a Day of the Dead altar honoring popular Mexican singer Juan Gabriel.

Entertainers include Piel Canela, Elviz Martinez, Moruno and The Jokers Trio Band.  

Nearby restaurants and bars, such as Coco’s Kitchen, Pulpito 116, Garbo’s and Blondies will be offering food and beverage specials during the event, which is scheduled from 7 – 11 pm.

For more information, please visit their Facebook Event.

Day of the Dead altars are decorated with the dead’s former possessions and objects that symbolize things they valued, owned or found meaningful.

Los Muertos Brewing Annual Day of the Dead Street Party

This will be the fourth consecutive year in which Los Muertos Brewing honors Day of the Dead with a street party featuring live music, brick oven pizzas and homemade brews. The event will take place November 5 on Constitution street right across from the restaurant, starting at 2 pm.  

Proceeds from the event will be donated to a local non-profit organization.

Guest bands and performers:

2:00 pm – Bad Weathers

3.30 pm – Vallarta Azteca Folkloric Dance Group

4:30 pm – Roxy’s Rock House Band

6:00 pm – Texas Embassy Blues Band

8:00 pm – Funk Schwa

10:00 pm – Mariachis

Look for more details at www.losmertosbrewing.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/losmuertosbrewing.

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 for thoselooking for a more intimate look at 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.

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 space and intimacy, and using your gear discreetly.

5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery

Brasilia 715, Colonia 5 de Diciembre