Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
A solemn and moving ceremony marked the centenary of the Isla del Río Cuale (Cuale River Island), an emblem of history, nature, and culture in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Mayor Luis Munguía, alongside city councilors, unveiled a commemorative plaque on Monday, October 28, 2025, cementing the island’s place in the city’s living memory.
The island’s unique origin was a central theme of the celebration. Local historian Moisés Hernández recounted the island’s birth, tracing its formation back to a powerful cyclone in 1925. This natural disaster dramatically altered the Cuale River’s course, dividing its flow into two channels and gradually giving rise to the island. It has been a public space ever since, where nature, memory, and Vallarta life meet in a unique way.
Mayor Munguía echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the island’s role as a symbol of the city’s cultural and social identity.
“Today, we celebrate not just an anniversary, but the very essence of our city,” he affirmed. “The Isla del Cuale is where our history and culture meet, and it is our collective duty to preserve it for future generations.”
The ceremony culminated with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, a lasting tribute to the island’s 100 years of history and tradition.
Commemorative Festival
This past weekend, culminating on Monday, October 28, the Cuale River Island (Isla del Río Cuale) was the setting for a cultural festival featuring commemorative activities for its centennial. Festival attendees enjoyed a wide array of activities, including traditional music performances, artisan workshops, lectures, film screenings, exhibitions and displays featuring local art and historical perspectives on the island’s 100-year history since its formation in 1925.
The festival served as a tribute to the island’s cultural significance, celebrating a full century of the place serving as a central meeting point for arts, culture, and community in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
About the Isla del Río Cuale
The Isla del Río Cuale is a narrow, peatonal oasis that physically divides Puerto Vallarta’s downtown area from the southern Romantic Zone (Zona Romántica). It is connected to both sides of the city by picturesque pedestrian bridges, making it easily accessible for a leisurely stroll. It is home to local restaurants, craft shops, murals, art, and the Puerto Vallarta Culture Institute, which offers several art workshops for the local community.
The island’s lush greenery serves as a “lung” for the city center, offering a peaceful escape from the surrounding urban bustle. Visitors enjoy spotting local wildlife, like the omnipresent iguanas, while browsing for unique souvenirs and exploring the area’s rich history.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
