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Puerto Vallarta is gearing up to celebrate its sixth annual Kukur Tihar festival on November 9th. This unique event, inspired by the Nepalese tradition of honoring animals, will take place at the picturesque Jardín de La Luna.
A recent press conference was held that included Martha Dau, Kukur Tihar Coordinator; Jeff Wilkie – Board Member, Yvonneka Foundation; Silvia Álvarez – Legal Representative, Sociedad Animal A.C.; Laura Espinoza – President, Sociedad Animal A.C.; Brenda Montoya – Commercial Manager, Grupo COMEX; Vicent O’Halloran – Deputy Director of Animal Welfare, Municipality of Puerto Vallarta, and Carlos Santana – Composer and Music Producer, PROSANTANA.
“It is a day to honor and thank our pets for their love,” said Dau. “Kukur Tihar is a ceremony of Nepalese origin that pays tribute to animals, choosing the dog as its ambassador.”
In Puerto Vallarta, for six years, this altruistic event has blended this celebration with Día de Muertos, uniting two spiritual traditions of tribute. The 2,000-square-meter garden space will welcome Vallarta locals and visitors alike, alongside their loyal canine friends.
This year’s Kukur Tihar promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a focus on community, compassion, and animal welfare. Join the celebration and show your love for animals.
The festival, organized by a dedicated team of animal lovers, aims to raise awareness about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Attendees can expect a variety of activities, including:
- Animal Blessing Ceremony: A special ceremony to honor and bless pets.
- Live Music: Enjoy the sounds of renowned composer Carlos Santana, who has created a special soundtrack for the event.
- Art and Culture: Admire a live mural painting by talented artists and explore art exhibitions. The Live Mural Painting will take place on a 13×2 meter wall, by muralists José Luis Torres (Frase) from Guadalajara and Herenia González Zuñiga from Mexico City, sponsored by Comex and WAWAYI – Parque Lúdico.
- Food and Drinks: Savor delicious treats from local vendors and enjoy refreshing beverages.
- Pet Adoptions: Meet adoptable dogs from local shelters.
- Educational Talks: Learn from experts on animal health, behavior, and legal rights.
Manuel Zepeda – Canine Rehabilitation, Dog For Life
Abel de la Torre Velasco – QFB, Vallarta Adventures
Mariana Medina – Veterinarian, Valle Dorado Veterinary Clinic
Daniela Medina – Legal Expert, National Alliance of a Million Hopes
Armando Rubio – Environmental Legislation Specialist, Heaven’s Pets
Puppet Theater Performance by Sociedad Animal A.C.
Adoptable Dog Show by Doggy Home. - Kids’ Activities: Keep the little ones entertained with fun games and activities.
A Kids’ Area and bouncy house will be provided for young attendees, facilitated by Club Koala Kids and WAWAYI – Parque Lúdico.
Raffle Prizes donated by:
Hotel Mío, Helados Buonissimo, Hotel Puerto de Luna, and Movie Picnic, as well as an art piece by renowned visual artist Mery León.
Ceremonial Blessing where dogs will be adorned with garlands and blessed by their owners, followed by a moment of silence in honor of pets that have passed away.
Free Event
The event is free and open to the public. Pets must wear a collar, leash, and identification tag. Only dogs are allowed; no pets in heat or aggressive behavior are permitted.
Parking
Parking will be available next to the event venue for a fee of 50 pesos. Sponsors of the event are: Grupo Comex, Grupo Chalita, Hotel Puerto de Luna, Movie Picnic, El Jardín de La Luna, Hotel Mio, aMi Agencia, CodigoTres Comunicación, Buonissimo, Heza Accounting Services, and the Municipality of Puerto Vallarta.
Facebook: Kukur Tihar PV
Instagram: kukur.tiharpv
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