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Dia de los Muertos Festival Runs Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 – See Full Schedule Below
Photos by Oscar Almeida
With the theme “Remember Me”, one of Puerto Vallarta’s largest festivals of the year kicks off to celebrate and recognize the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration.
Running from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, you’ll find a diverse program of events for everyone to enjoy. From cemeteries to the malecon, you’ll be able to see much that reflect the city’s culture and heritage.
An ofrenda (altar) in honor of the founder of Puerto Vallarta, Don Guadalupe Sánchez, has been constructed on the main square around the Presidential Palace.
On the Malecon, you’ll be able to enjoy the 28-meter-high Catrina, and this year she will accompanied by her pet.
The Day of the Dead Parade is scheduled for November 2, starting at 5:00 pm in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, continuing through the streets of El Centro, and ending at Los Arcos del Malecón.
There will be performances by the Puerto Vallarta School Orchestra and the Xiutla Municipal Folkloric Dance Group. Cemeteries such as 5 de Diciembre, Ramblases, Ixtapa, and Las Palmas will offer photo booths, guided tours, storytelling, and workshops in specially designed Interactive Pantheons.
“We are excited to offer a unique and inclusive Day of the Dead celebration,” said Alejandra Cornejo, Municipal Tourism Director. “By incorporating pet-friendly elements, we hope to attract even more visitors and create lasting memories.”
Luis Villaseñor Nolasco, director of the Tourism Promotion Trust, added, “We believe that this year’s festival will be a great success. By focusing on the pet-friendly aspect, we aim to appeal to a wider audience and generate positive feedback on social media.”
October 31: The Recuérdame Festival Begins
Puerto Vallarta’s main square, Plaza de Armas, sets the stage for the Festival Recuérdame. Beginning with an opening ceremony at 6:00 PM, this event brings traditional dance performances, colorful art displays, and a chance for visitors to taste “El Pan de la Catrina”—a beautifully decorated bread honoring La Catrina, the iconic skeleton figure associated with Día de los Muertos. Lazaro Cardenas Park will feature the Tradiciones Show, with music, dance, and even a saxophone concert under the stars, creating a heartfelt start to this four-day celebration.
November 1: Festival Isla de los Muertos
November 1 honors children who have passed, with events across the city celebrating this cherished part of Día de los Muertos. From 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the Isla de los Muertos Festivalon the banks of the Cuale River offers families a chance to explore traditional altars, participate in face painting, and enjoy musical performances, all while supporting local charities. A gathering of local writers and poets at Los Arcos on the Malecón adds a reflective touch, while a performance by Ballet Xiutla and the Puerto Vallarta Orchestra School at Lazaro Cardenas Park captures the beauty of Mexican folklore.
November 2: The Grand Día de los Muertos Parade
The heart of the Día de los Muertos celebrations falls on November 2, when a grand parade honoring adults who have passed weaves through Puerto Vallarta, beginning at 5:00 pm. Starting at the Cinco de Diciembre cemetery, this procession moves through the city and ends at Los Arcos on the Malecón, filling the streets with Catrinas, skeletons, and folkloric dancers. T
The celebration continues with a Catrina Contest, where participants showcase elaborate costumes inspired by José Guadalupe Posada’s La Catrina. Mexican singer Ximena Esparza will close the night with a performance that blends tradition and modern sounds.
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