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PUERTO VALLARTA
C. Constitución 130-Mezzanine, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48370 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
+52 (322) 286-7577
LA PAZ, BC
Paseo Álvaro Obregón 1775 Zona Comercial, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S.
+52 (612) 165-6145
BAHÍA DE BANDERAS, NAY
Lázaro Cárdenas, #86 local 6. Bucerias Centro, C.P 63732 Bucerias, Nayarit.
Author: Pedro Robin
20 March, 2025
Puerto Vallarta holidays and events are celebrated throughout the year. Fireworks light up the Malecón on New Year’s Eve, and parties spill onto the beach, creating the mood for the year. One of the most significant events in Puerto Vallarta and poignant festivals is the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, December 1 to 12. Locals celebrate Mexico’s patron saint with pilgrimages and elaborately decorated altars throughout the event, which includes parades, music, and dance. The Festival Cultural de Mayo, held in May, celebrates Puerto Vallarta’s cultural exchange and artistic expression with foreign and local music, dance, and theatrical events. Top chefs worldwide perform in the November Gourmet Festival, a major event for foodies. Visitors must experience Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant and culturally rich holiday, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrated every Nov 1st and 2nd. It’s a time for families to honor and remember deceased loved ones, not as a mournful occasion but as a joyful celebration of life.
Visitors enjoy Mexican Independence Day on September 16th, parades, fireworks, and the “grito” or cry for independence, mirroring the nation’s historic struggle for freedom. The city celebrates Easter and Christmas with communal meetings, unique events, and public shows of joy despite their religious roots. Visiting PV during one of its many holidays creates a perfect picture of Puerto Vallarta as a colorful and fun place. Puerto Vallarta’s exuberant Carnival, which runs until Ash Wednesday, features bright parades, lavish costumes, and samba music, reflecting the city’s love of festivals. Puerto Vallarta events entertain and connect visitors and locals to Puerto Vallarta’s rich cultural legacy, making the town a dynamic year-round destination. Visitors and locals alike look forward to Puerto Vallarta’s upcoming events.
The holidays and events in Puerto Vallarta for each are listed below.
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is during the months of April and June when the climate is pleasant. Temperatures climb slightly around April to June, although the season is moderate. Spend the late evenings on any of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s lovely beaches as most tourists have left. One of the sweet spots is when the beach waters are warm enough for long swims but not hot enough to limit one’s time in the water. The beach’s fauna is out and about, making it the greatest time for snorkeling despite the cooler water.
January 1st is one big celebration in Puerto Vallarta. It marks the 1s day of the new year. Many exciting New Year’s Eve activities happen in local eateries and nightclubs. The fireworks show over Banderas Bay, the largest bay in Mexico, is spectacular. A walk along the Malecon is the perfect way to ring in the new year. The streets of downtown PV will be bustling with people on December 31st, and they spill over into the Malecon for a night of live music, festivities, and a midnight fireworks display. One of the most common ways Mexicans ring in the new year is with a family meal eaten late at night. Mexico City hosts a massive street carnival on the last night of every year, making it the country’s biggest public event.
February 5, 1917, is the formal founding date of the Mexican Constitution Day. It has been a national holiday since Venustiano Carranza signed Santiago Queretaro’s Public Constitution of the United Mexican States or Fundamental Law of Magna Carta. Mexico obtained independence from Spain in 1810, but writing a constitution took nearly a century after multiple versions. The war crippled Mexico’s economy, generating massive unemployment and severe economic instability. Total sovereignty and replicating the US Constitution were unacceptable for the first stable constitution. The Mexican constitution was changed in 1957 to prevent outsiders from taking control! Racial warfare lasted for decades after settling. Mexico has always had disagreements like other large, diverse nations despite its grit.
Religious freedom is an essential Mexican constitutional achievement. Non-Mexicans don’t know Catholics were killed for their beliefs. The government sought to undermine the Catholic Church’s influence on Mexicans. Armed civilians fought the government in the Cristero War, murdering many before Venustiano Carranza’s administration and the current constitution. Catholics, other religions, the press, media, and expression are protected under the Constitution.
March marks the beginning of Spring Break in Puerto Vallarta. Spring Break begins in the last week of March for high school and college students nationwide. The high-octane party season peaks through April and May after the starting week, making it a perfect time to stay in Mexico’s friendliest city.
Ash Wednesday is a major local holiday, reflecting the nation’s Catholic roots. Local and international churchgoers attend services at churches throughout Puerto Vallarta on such a day, notably the crown-topped Church of Our Lady of Guadelupe. English and Spanish services welcome the local faithful to worship and fellowship.
Benito Juarez, a revered former president who helped build Mexico, is commemorated on March 21. Juarez implemented the “Juarez Law” while leading the country, giving indigenous peoples more autonomy and advancing democracy. It’s a national holiday in Mexico, and numerous local events celebrate the key independence fighter.
April is an important month for most Catholics in Puerto Vallarta. Spring is a great season to visit for several reasons. Easter “Pascua” is a significant religious feast on April 17, 2023. Numerous municipalities have religious processions. The majestic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, near the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, hosts multilingual service on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Its magnificent architecture and distinctive crown make it worth seeing for Easter, regardless of religion.
Easter is a terrific time to vacation with friends and family, in addition to its religious significance. People go picnic at the beach, paddle boarding, snorkeling, surfing, hiking in nature or zip line, or ride an ATV through forest paths. Warm weather and little rain in April are the first reasons. Spring has less tourists than the winter busy season from December to March, making travel cheaper. The lone exception is Semana Santa (Holy Week), April 2–8 for 2024. Many Mexicans take a break from work or school to visit the beaches during Semana Santa, making it a busy week in Puerto Vallarta. Small communities like Sayulita and San Pancho become busy.
May in Puerto Vallarta is bustling with cultural and festive activities. The May Cultural Festival, running throughout the month, showcases artists, painters, musicians, and actors, offering a rich cultural experience. Fiestas de Mayo in El Pitillal provides traditional Mexican fair attractions, including animal exhibits and various entertainment options. The month features the Puerto Vallarta International Sports Classic from May 2–5, attracting international athletes and spectators. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla. The battle of Puebla isn’t extensively celebrated in Puerto Vallarta. Local tourist bars and restaurants still see higher patronage.
Travelers must note that on Mother’s Day, May 10, increased traffic and fully booked restaurants are typical. Culinary enthusiasts enjoy Restaurant Week towards the end of May, where top local restaurants offer fixed-price, creative three-course menus. The month concludes with the Puerto Vallarta Anniversary on May 31, celebrated with cultural and sporting events, live music, and fireworks over Banderas Bay, marking a highlight in the city’s festive calendar.
June 1st is designated as Navy Day in Puerto Vallarta. Navy Day is a festival that celebrates the memories of those who started out on the ship “Tabasco” in Veracruz, the first Mexican commerce ship, and all of the sailors who lost their lives while at sea. Sailing races, parties, fireworks, and general enjoyment follow a ceremony where captains place wreaths in Banderas Bay.
July 2nd is the day of the national elections in Puerto Vallarta and the rest of Mexico, once every six years. The spring break season comes to an end on July 6. The end of July marks the beginning of the school year vacations in Mexico. Numerous hotels in Puerto Vallarta provide turtle release programs from July through December.
August is significant in Puerto Vallarta as it hosts the Manos y Magia pairing dinner, a collaborative creation by @gaviotas.vallarta and @vinomafest. The event marks a significant moment as it coincides with the conclusion of the national vacation season at the end of August, just as school activities have resumed, signaling a return to routine for many.
September 14 celebrates Día de Charro in Puerto Vallarta. Mexico’s cowboys and the well-known family ritual called Charreria, commonly known as Mexican rodeo, are honored and celebrated. Local churros, dressed in enormous sombreros and coats, are the first to begin the celebrations on such a particular day. They ride horses for their journey through the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. Various celebrations are planned in the evening, during which delicious food and beverages are served, with dance parties and musical performances.
October is a month of cultural events and celebrations in Puerto Vallarta. The Art Walk, starting at the end of October and continuing through the end of May, invites visitors to explore numerous art galleries that stay open late, offering free drinks and an opportunity to appreciate classical and contemporary art amidst lively conversations. The city hosts the Gastronomic Vallarta Nayarit, a prestigious food event that is the most celebrated in Mexico and Latin America, marking its 14th uninterrupted edition from October 12 to 18. Halloween on October 31 is a vibrant affair in Puerto Vallarta, mirroring the United States’ celebrations but with even more elaborate and ghoulish costumes. Serious costume contests occur with venues offering substantial cash prizes, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.
November in Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant month marked by two significant events. Dia de Muertos, a deeply rooted Mexican tradition, sees families honor their ancestors by merging pre-Hispanic beliefs and Catholic practices on the 1st and 2nd of the month. Homes and streets come alive with ofrendas, adorned with marigolds, candles, and offerings, symbolizing the return of spirits. Cemeteries become gathering places where graves are decorated as families come together in remembrance. The marigold, or cempasúchil, with its vivid orange petals, plays a crucial role, guiding spirits back to the living world and contributing to the fragrant atmosphere during this celebration of life and death. The International Gourmet Festival takes place in November, turning the city into a gastronomic hub with the finest culinary offerings from Mexico and beyond. The festival includes exclusive tastings and demonstrations by internationally acclaimed chefs, making it a highlight for culinary enthusiasts.
December in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers a unique taste of Christmas, blending conventional Mexican customs with the beauty of a top beach resort. Holiday activities run from December 1st to January 6th, featuring events like the Virgin of Guadalupe Festival and Posadas, which reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. The city buzzes with vibrant piñatas and Nativity scenes, which remain until February 2nd, alongside Christmas dinners filled with authentic Mexican fare. Various customs ensuring love, prosperity, and travel fill the festive air as the New Year approaches. The holiday season culminates on January 6th with Three Kings Day, highlighted by cutting the Rosca de Reyes cake. Finding the baby Jesus figurine in the cake promises more gatherings, rounding off a month of joyous gatherings and cultural richness in Puerto Vallarta.
The things to consider when visiting Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
The public holidays in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
Some activities and events commonly held in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
The other things to do in Puerto Vallarta, aside from the popular events, offer various activities catering to a range of activities. Puerto Vallarta is a versatile destination for travelers. Nature enthusiasts explore the lush landscapes of the Sierra Madre Mountains on guided hikes or zip-lining adventures, while water lovers enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing in the clear waters of Banderas Bay. One of the top Puerto Vallarta things to do is explore the vibrant art scene by taking a walking tour of the numerous galleries and outdoor sculptures that decorate the city. The city’s vibrant art scene is experienced through visits to local galleries and the famous public sculptures along El Malecón. Visitors wander through the cobblestone streets of the Zona Romántica for a taste of local culture and history, stop by the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or take a stroll on the Isla Cuale to browse the craft markets. Foodies delight in the culinary offerings of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from street tacos to gourmet dining, and even participate in cooking classes to learn how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes. Puerto Vallarta ensures visitors find something to enrich their travel experience beyond the city’s scheduled events with these diverse activities.
You can visit Puerto Vallarta by following the steps listed below.
You can stay in Puerto Vallarta for about 4 to 7 days. Planning to spend at least four days in Puerto Vallarta guarantees visitors don’t feel rushed and have enough time to experience all the sights and activities the area offers.
A foreigner holding a visitor visa is allowed to stay in Puerto Vallarta for a maximum of 180 days, provided no for-profit activities are being conducted. A visitor visa grants permission to enter Mexico for a maximum of 180 days on the condition that no for-profit activities are being conducted. It involves tourism, volunteering, short-term study courses, transit, and attending business meetings, among other things, as long as visitors are certain that their actions in Mexico do not result in monetary rewards.
Foreigners are allowed to enter Puerto Vallarta or Mexico for up to 180 days, but the immigration officials decide the maximum length for all foreign visitors based on the information they provide about what they plan to do in Mexico. Each visitor presents a copy of their travel arrangements, itinerary, invitation letter, or travel reservations at the entry point. The visitor permit is non-renewable and terminates upon its expiration date. Foreign visitors must leave the area by the date it expires. People who overstay must pay a fine when they leave the country.
Foreigners who wish to stay longer than 180 days in Puerto Vallarta or any part of Mexico must apply for a Temporary Residency. Tourist visas only allow foreigners to stay in Mexico for 180 days. Temporary residency lets foreigners stay longer and gives them residency rights, like having a bank account, which they are not allowed to do as visitors.
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from April to June. The weather is lovely during these months, and lodgings are reasonably inexpensive. Rainfall is relatively minimal during such a period, and the tourist crowds are smaller than around the winter peak. December to March are prime times for people keen on whale watching, though travel costs are significantly higher during these windows.
Puerto Vallarta traffic tends to diminish between April and June, making it a more serene time to visit. The weather remains temperate during these months, with temperatures peaking in the mid-80s, creating perfect settings for enjoying the beach. The ocean water is pleasantly warm, ideal for various water activities. The months of April and June are known for offering attractive hotel discounts. Be prepared for higher temperatures as they climb into the 90s when visiting a trip in June.
Puerto Vallarta is enjoyed by various tourists all year round. It is known to have pleasant climates, and most people enjoy it at most times of the year. It is upon an individual’s preference which time to visit the beautiful Puerto Vallarta.
The Romantic Zone, or Zona Romántica, stands out as the premier location to stay in Puerto Vallarta for several compelling reasons. It offers convenience and accessibility as the city’s most walkable part, allowing visitors to explore its charming streets easily. The area features an extensive array of fantastic dining establishments and clubs, providing a taste of the local cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Its proximity to the southern beaches is unmatched for beach buffs, offering convenient access to some of the most beautiful coastal spots in the region. The abundance of boutique hotels around Old Town/Romantic Zone ensures a unique and personalized lodging experience, diverging from the standard fare found in larger hotel chains. Visitors to the Romantic Zone have peace of mind knowing that the area is very safe, making it a perfect location to enjoy the best Puerto Vallarta offers.
Yes, there are hotels in Puerto Vallarta where you can stay. Puerto Vallarta, a premier beach resort city on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, is famous for its wide range of accommodation options catering to diverse tastes and budgets, ensuring that every traveler finds a suitable place to stay. The city accommodates all types of visitors, from luxurious resorts nestled along the pristine beaches offering world-class amenities and unparalleled ocean views to charming boutique hotels in the heart of the city’s historic center, providing a more intimate and culturally rich experience.
All-inclusive resorts are popular among those looking for a worry-free vacation, where meals, activities, and entertainment are included, allowing guests to enjoy everything Puerto Vallarta offers without the need to venture far. Smaller, family-run hotels and bed & breakfasts are scattered throughout the city for travelers seeking a more authentic experience or traveling on a budget, offering comfortable accommodations, personalized service, and a chance to connect with local culture. Many Puerto Vallarta hotels and resorts emphasize eco-friendly practices and sustainable tourism, appealing to environmentally conscious travelers. Puerto Vallarta ensures that whether guests are looking for luxury, comfort, sustainability, or a touch of local flavor, they are going to find a hotel that meets their needs and enhances their vacation experience in the vibrant coastal city with its variety of lodging options.
Yes, Puerto Vallarta is a joyful destination for a vacation. Puerto Vallarta stands out as a joyful vacation destination for numerous reasons, combining natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality to create an unforgettable experience for visitors. PV offers breathtaking landscapes that promise tranquility and thrills. It is nestled between the sparkling waters of Banderas Bay and the lush greenery of the Sierra Madre mountains. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods, from the romantic cobblestone streets of the Zona Romantica to the bustling Malecón with its sculptures and street performers, are brimming with life and color.
Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene is another highlight, offering everything from street tacos to gourmet dining, showcasing the best of Mexican cuisine. The city’s calendar is packed with festivals and events celebrating its rich cultural heritage, inviting travelers to partake in local traditions and festivities. Puerto Vallarta embodies a joyful spirit coupled with genuinely friendly locals who welcome visitors with open arms, making it an ideal getaway for people seeking a mixture of relaxation, culture, and fun in a stunning setting.
Based in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México.
Pedro moved to Puerto Vallarta Bay In 2011 and was intensively dedicated to Real Estate Research and practice. AMPI, NAR, ABR, GREEN, CIPS, RSPS Certifications achieved as part of traditional real estate training. After 2015, to widen the scope, his focus was to exceed expectations for Developer clients for Tourist Areas, so hundreds of hours of training with the bests made it possible to show extraordinary results in all Real Estate Developments involved today.
As Business Architect and Concept Advisor for Developments, the whole 360 of Real Estate Development Business experience was achieved. A strong sense of balance in the quality of life, cultural respect, environmental care, and purpose has always been part of the core concepts proposed in all projects involved.
Before his advocacy to Real Estate Industry, he became Industrial Engineer, Enterprise Organization, and Advanced Management Specialist. He was on IT consulting services and mid-size corporations projects for 25 years. Always available. Pedro is a problem solver, out-of-the-box thinker, and doer, continuously needing to improve everyone’s life.
Pedro supports all the MexLife Real Estate Advisors in their everyday tasks and interaction with clients. His primary purpose is to enhance the experience of everyone who interacts with MexLife and to keep company standards ahead through high-quality services and innovation.
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