2024 Día de los Muertos Events and Activities in Puerto Vallarta: Celebrate Life, Culture, and Tradition
Puerto Vallarta is bringing out all the stops to celebrate one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions—Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. From October 31 to November 3, this seaside city will transform into a lively mosaic of sights, sounds, and emotions that honor those who have passed. Whether it’s your first Día de los Muertos or you’re a seasoned visitor, Puerto Vallarta’s lineup of parades, music, art installations, and unique local traditions offer something magical for everyone. Here’s a rundown of what to expect!
🌟 October 31: Recuérdame Festival Kickoff
On October 31, Puerto Vallarta’s main square, Plaza de Armas, will be the stage for the Festival Recuérdame (Remember Me Festival). This multi-day festival is the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s Día de los Muertos events, showcasing traditional performances, delicious food, and art displays celebrating Mexican culture and honoring departed loved ones.
6:00 PM - Inauguración Festival Recuérdame
Location: Plaza de Armas
Feel the spirit of the festival come alive as it kicks off with an official opening ceremony at Plaza de Armas. Here, you’ll see traditional dance performances, vibrant decorations, and locals and visitors gathering to honor their loved ones.6:30 PM - El Pan de la Catrina
Location: Cuale Culture Center Esplanade
For those who can’t resist a tasty tradition, head over to the Cuale Culture Center Esplanade to taste “El Pan de la Catrina”—a symbolic bread honoring the iconic skeletal figure. This bread is made in an intricate design that represents both the beauty and fragility of life.7:00 PM - Pan de Muerto Tasting & Tradiciones Show
Location: Plaza de Armas & Lazaro Cardenas Park
Enjoy a tasting of the famed pan de muerto, prepared by Chef Pablo Diaz. At Lazaro Cardenas Park, the “Tradiciones” show brings traditional Mexican songs and dances to life, celebrating the unique customs of Día de los Muertos.8:00 PM - Saxophone Concert
Location: Lazaro Cardenas Park
Settle in for a soothing saxophone concert under the stars. This jazz-influenced performance creates an ambiance that’s both lively and introspective, ideal for the occasion.
🌄 November 1: Festival Isla de los Muertos
November 1 is dedicated to honoring children who have passed, and the day’s events include artistic and cultural celebrations that families of all ages can enjoy.
4:00 PM - Festival Isla de los Muertos
Location: Isla Cuale
The enchanting Isla Cuale will host the Isla de los Muertos Festival from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Here, families can explore traditional altars dedicated to children, get their faces painted as Catrinas or calaveras (skulls), and even participate in a Mexican Lotería game. The event also includes 11 musical performances, food stalls, and a twist on the traditional ofrenda, designed to honor loved ones from around the world. This festival also benefits local charities, Vallarta Cares and Vallarta Garden Club, adding a meaningful layer to the festivities.7:00 PM - Literary Gathering on Life and Death
Location: Los Arcos on the Malecón
A poetic reflection on life and death will be held at Los Arcos, where local writers discuss the essence of Día de los Muertos. Captures the spirit of this holiday with CoCo.7:30 PM - Ballet Xiutla Performance
Location: Lazaro Cardenas Park
Ballet Xiutla, Puerto Vallarta’s celebrated dance troupe, will dazzle with folkloric dances in colorful costumes, highlighting the traditional music and dance styles of Mexico.8:30 PM - Puerto Vallarta Orchestra School Performance
Location: Los Arcos on the Malecón
Close the night with an orchestral performance by the Puerto Vallarta Orchestra School, bringing classical and traditional Mexican music to the vibrant backdrop of the Malecón.
💀 November 2: Día de los Muertos Parade and Catrina Contest
November 2 marks the most significant day of the holiday, celebrating adults who have passed. This day’s events bring together locals and visitors for a lively and respectful tribute.
5:00 PM - Día de los Muertos Parade
Starting Point: Cinco de Diciembre Cemetery; Ends at Los Arcos on the Malecón
The highly anticipated Día de los Muertos Parade is a must-see! This grand procession will begin at the Cinco de Diciembre cemetery, moving through downtown, and ending at Los Arcos on the Malecón. Join the crowd as vibrantly dressed skeletons, majestic Catrinas, and folkloric dancers parade through the streets. The atmosphere is electric, with lively music filling the air and spectators joining the procession in a celebration of life and memory.7:30 PM - Catrina Contest
Location: Los Arcos on the Malecón
Right after the parade, the iconic Catrina Contest invites participants to showcase their intricate and elaborate Catrina costumes. This friendly competition celebrates the art of makeup and costume design inspired by José Guadalupe Posada’s famous La Catrina figure. Get ready for an array of colorful, haunting, and creative looks!8:30 PM - Live Musical Performance by Ximena Esparza
Location: Los Arcos on the Malecón
Mexican singer Ximena Esparza will close out the night with a musical performance, blending traditional and contemporary sounds to honor the Día de los Muertos spirit.
✨ Ongoing Events & Experiences (October 31 - November 3)
Monumental Catrina Installation
Location: Malecón
Make sure to see the Guinness World Record-holding Monumental Catrina, a towering 28-meter-high statue located along the Malecón. This year, she’s joined by a companion—a pet mascot symbolizing animals who have passed on. The statue will be displayed throughout the festival, and it’s a perfect spot for photos!Altars and Ofrendas Across the City
Wander through Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhoods to admire beautifully decorated altars that honor ancestors. Each ofrenda is unique, adorned with marigold flowers, candles, sugar skulls, and the favorite foods of the departed, providing a special glimpse into families’ connections with those they’ve lost.Casa Cupula Drag Show Dinner - October 31
Location: Casa Cupula, 7:00 PM
For a fun and vibrant take on Día de los Muertos, Casa Cupula’s drag show dinner promises an evening full of excitement. Enjoy a Mexican buffet and performances by Drag Race Mexico stars, mariachis, and fire dancers! Tickets are $1,200 MXN and sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot.Interactive Pantheon Experiences
Visit local cemeteries such as Cinco de Diciembre, Ramblases, and Ixtapa, where you can take part in storytelling, photo ops, and workshops in beautifully designed pantheons. This interactive experience is perfect for learning more about local customs and making meaningful memories.
🌺 The Heart of Día de los Muertos: Join the Celebration!
Día de los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta is more than just a festival; it’s a soulful celebration of life, love, and remembrance that brings people together across generations. Whether you’re taking in the grand parade, admiring the monumental Catrina, or sharing stories with locals, the beauty of this holiday lies in its power to connect the living with those who came before.
Bring your family and friends to join in these unforgettable festivities and immerse yourself in one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions. Let’s celebrate life, honor those we’ve lost, and create memories that live on!
