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The inaugural edition celebrated performers from different generations of Puerto Vallarta’s drag and transformista scene, highlighting their careers, artistic contributions and role within the LGBTQ+ community.
Las Más Divas de Vallarta was launched by Carlos De Niz, known onstage as Karla Fifi, Jojis and Divas Bar to celebrate the careers and contributions of Puerto Vallarta’s drag and transformista performers, including artists with more than 35 years on the city’s stages.
“It came from the need to value the pioneers of Vallarta’s drag and transformista entertainment scene,” De Niz told Out & About PV.
The artists were selected based on their individual careers and their contributions to the visibility of the local scene, with experience ranging from around a decade to more than 35 years. The first edition honored Diva Divine, Angie Star, Hugo la Gemela de Vallarta, Alex la Gemela de Vallarta, Grace, Jaqueline Hernández, Michelle García, Karla Fifi, La Súper Wendy de Vallarta, Ariel The Top, Mizz Peaches, Diva Daniela and Edgar Treviño.
But the history the organizers wanted to highlight goes beyond the number of years spent onstage.
De Niz said these performers have helped establish spaces where LGBTQ+ people can express themselves freely and have used entertainment as a platform for visibility. Some have participated in marches against homophobia, used the stage and microphone to speak out for the rights of the community, and taken their work beyond Mexico.
Their contributions also extend to those working behind each show. According to De Niz, the growth of the scene has generated jobs for makeup artists, hairstylists, designers, dancers, choreographers and other professionals involved in producing the shows, supporting a broader network of local talent around this artistic community.
“Their legacy goes beyond the stage. They have shown that art can also transform, unite and open doors,” De Niz said.
Support From the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura
The awards presented during Las Más Divas de Vallarta were issued by the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura, which supported the initiative and honored the artists’ careers and contributions to the local arts scene.
According to De Niz, the Institute became involved following efforts coordinated with Puerto Vallarta City Council member Luis Escoto, whose office helped connect the organizers with the cultural agency and facilitate the presentation of the awards.
“The Instituto Vallartense de Cultura joined the initiative by providing its support and acknowledging the importance of the drag scene within Puerto Vallarta’s culture and arts,” De Niz said.
For the organizers, the Institute’s participation helps bring greater visibility and appreciation to drag and transformista performance as artistic expressions within Puerto Vallarta’s cultural life.
The project is a collaboration between De Niz, Jojis and Divas Bar. According to De Niz, Jojis, his project partner, worked with Divas Bar to bring the participating performers together for the first edition, with additional support from members of the private sector.
One of the most meaningful moments for the organizers came during the presentation of the awards. “Their words of gratitude and the audience’s reaction confirmed that the event had achieved its purpose: to honor their careers, their dedication and the mark they have left on Puerto Vallarta,” De Niz said.
A Story That Will Continue
Organizers confirmed that Las Más Divas de Vallarta will return for future editions, with plans to honor other artists and careers that have yet to be included while also supporting new talent in the local scene.
“We want Las Más Divas de Vallarta to continue growing and become a tradition in the city,” De Niz said. “We want it to be a space that celebrates established careers, supports new talent and celebrates drag as an important part of Puerto Vallarta’s culture and identity.”
The first edition looked not only at the performers in the spotlight, but also at what has been built around those stages: years of artistic work, spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, activism and employment opportunities for a network of creative professionals.
Las Más Divas de Vallarta aims to keep those stories visible and ensure that the people who have contributed to the local drag and transformista scene have a place in Puerto Vallarta’s cultural memory.
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