Mexican Independence Celebrations, Around The Corner

Mexico celebrates its independence on September 15 and 16. That said, many cultural festivities take place in the days preceding and following this important milestone. We took the official activities calendar, available at Puerto Vallarta’s official website, and translated it, for your convenience. This, of course, is subject to last-minute changes. All of the festivities organized by the city are free of charge, presenting our international residents and visitors with an excellent opportunity to learn about, and participate in Mexico’s most important official celebration.

Monday, September 12

8:30 am • Civic Ceremony
Puerto Vallarta Main Plaza
A commemoration of Saint Patrick’s Batallion.

Tuesday, September 13

9 am • Civic Ceremony
Pitillal Main Plaza
A commemoration of Mexico’s Niños Heroes, or Boy Heroes.

Wednesday, September 14

8 am • Civic Ceremony
Puerto Vallarta Main Plaza
Celebrating the accession of Chiapas to Mexico’s territory.

10 am • National Charro Day Parade
Starting at Morelos and Guerrero Sts., El Centro
(Great photo ops!)

6 pm • Pata Salada Party
Parque Hidalgo, Emiliano Zapata
Pata Salada literally means “salty foot” and is the nickname used to refer to people that are born in Puerto Vallarta. Unfortunately, there is no moniker for those of us that consider Puerto Vallarta our home, as Pata Saladas take pride on their heritage and are quick to say that we are “almost, but not quite,” a part of their brotherhood. The party will feature traditional Mexican fare, and will include a Pre-hispanic dancers at 7 pm, a ranchero singers at 7:30, and folkloric dancers at 8:30 pm.

6 pm • Revolutionary Party
Puerto Vallarta Main Plaza
Featuring traditional Mexican fare.

7 pm • Mexican Music Showcase
Malecón Lighthouse, El Centro
Featuring local and regional singers.

9 pm • Charro Malecón Stroll
Starting at Hotel Rosita.

9 pm • Youth Mariachi Performance
Malecón Lighthouse, El Centro
Starring the Polvitos de Jalisco Mariachi Ensemble

9 pm • Mexicanísimo Ballet
Malecón Lighthouse, El Centro

10:30 pm • Mariachi and Charro Performance
Puerto Vallarta Main Plaza

Thursday, September 15

8 am • Civic Ceremony and Solemn Celebration
Puerto Vallarta Main Plaza
Commemorating Mexico’s Independence War, 1810. ()

6 pm • Pata Salada Party
Parque Hidalgo, El Centro (see above)

8 pm • Cultura Musical Huichol Ensemble
Puerto Vallarta Main Plaza

9 pm • Xiutla Folkloric Dance Troupe
Puerto Vallarta Main Plaza

10 pm • Nuevo Imperial Mariachi
Puerto Vallarta Main Plaza

11 pm • Official Military Protocol
Puerto Vallarta Main Plaza
This is the official commemoration of Mexico’s Independence, celebrated throughout the country at the same time. Ours is officiated by Puerto Vallarta Mayor, Arturo Dávalos Peña.

11:15 pm • Fireworks Display
Malecón

Friday, September 16

9 am • Civic Ceremony
Parque Hidalgo
Commemorating the beginning of the Mexican Independence War, 1810.

10 am • Traditional Military Parade
Morelos St., El Centro

4 pm • Taco Festival
Lazaro Cardenas Park
Yes, free tacos for all!

6 pm • Pata Salada Party
Parque Hidalgo, El Centro (see above)

9 pm • Cultura Musical Huichol Ensemble
Lazaro Cardenas Park

Tuesday, September 27

8 am • Civic Ceremony
Parque Hidalgo, El Centro
Commemorating the end of Mexico’s Independence Movement, 1821.

Friday, September 30

8 am • Civic Ceremony
Puerto Vallarta Main Plaza
Commemorating the birth of Mexican revolutionary leader, José María Morelos.

Photo: Mural depicting Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and the Mexican Independence movement.