Día de Muertos (also known as Day of the Dead in English) is one of the most important and vibrant traditions in Mexico, where families gather to honor and remember their deceased loved ones. Tourists and those who have purchased a home in Puerto Vallarta look forward – and are welcomed – to attend and participate in this rich heritage, and we have an overview to help you understand some of the significance behind the traditions.
Altars: To commemorate loved ones, families or friends create elaborately decorated altars in homes or public spaces. These altars are adorned with marigolds, candles, photographs, and favorite personal items and dishes of the departed, to make them more comfortable in the afterlife.
Processions: Puerto Vallarta hosts processions and parades during Día de Muertos, where you will see participants dressed in traditional Catrina costumes with intricate face paint, carrying sugar skulls, incense, and various offerings while dancing and singing through the streets.
Art Exhibitions: Numerous art galleries and museums in Puerto Vallarta, especially in downtown and Old Town, hold special Día de Muertos exhibitions, showcasing traditional and contemporary artwork related to the holiday, which are a beautiful and artistic way to gain a deeper learning of this important cultural heritage.
Special Food and Drinks: During Día de Muertos, you'll want to try some of the special foods and drinks of the occasion, most notably pan de muerto (a sweet bread) and tamales, as well as atole (a warm, creamy sweet corn drink) and Mexican hot chocolate.
And of course, don’t forget that Puerto Vallarta is home to the world’s tallest Catrina, which is certainly an impressive sight on the Malecon and not to be missed. To learn more about 2023 Día de Muertos events in Puerto Vallarta, visit the Tourism Board website.
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