Events

Día de los Muertos

Description: This annual event harkens back to pre-Hispanic times when the soul was believed to return to visit in early November. All Saints Day is the 1st of November while Día de los Muertos is the 2nd. Altars are constructed in homes, in the cemeteries and in public places for the dearly departed. They are decorated with dried flowers, candles, favorite food and/or drink of the loved one who has passed on, maybe a photograph or other image of the person, and even personal items. The flower particularly connected to these days is the cempasúchil, from the marigold family, which is frequently sprinkled in front or on the altar. Copal may be burned on the altar as well.
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Festival Nacional de Danza Folclórico

Description: The annual Festival Nacional de Danza Folclórico is Puerto Vallarta's opportunity to host national folklore dance troupes from around the country. Sponsored by local group Azteca, all events throughout the region (El Pitillal, Ixtapa, Las Juntas, Las Palmas, Los Arcos on the Malecón and auditorium of CUC campus) are free.
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Fiestas Patrias

Description: This national event celebrates the Cry for Independence of the evening of the 15th of September, 1810. In 2010, the bicentennial was celebrated throughout the country with year-long events in some venues. In any case, September is the month in which you see the tri-color (red, white and green) flown from doorways, attached to vehicles, wheeled on peddle carts. Fireworks are the hallmark of the evening of the 15th, with the 16th of September a national holiday. Leading into it is the National Charro Day on September 14th, celebrated by charro parades in all of Jalisco. (Even though it's not actually a part of the Fiestas Patrias, it leads into it very well.)
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Fishing Tournaments

Description: Just being out on Banderas Bay is an exhilarating experience, but for those who love fishing, the thrill is beyond just looking at the horizon. With two major fishing tournaments, locals and visitors as well as fishermen from all around the world have the chance to win amazing bonuses. The Annual PV Marlin & Sailfish Tournament (www.fishvallarta.com) takes place in November with prizes (cash, vehicles, fishing gear) for the biggest Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna and Dorado. Riviera Nayarit (www.fishingnayarit.com) features a summer tourney as well.
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Golf Tournaments

Description: With nine professional golf courses in the Banderas Bay region, a numerous pros have played tournaments in PV, including World Champion Lorena Ochoa of Guadalajara. Many of the most important tour events were initially held at pristine Vista Vallarta (like the Taylor Made Invitational from 2001 to 2008). Lorena Ochoa's farewell tour was held at El Tigre, which offers annual tournaments such as the LPGA Futures, American Juniors' and MVS, and a Greg Norman-designed course in Litibú hosted the Riviera Nayarit Classic in 2010. Check course websites for specific tour event info.
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Gourmet Festival

Description: There cannot be a more scrumptious event than the annual Gourmet Festival, which started in the mid-1990s. This festival provides a local/international focus on the enticing world of gastronomy via an extensive program of classes, workshops, chef's tables, special menus, gourmet safaris (progressive dinners), tastings, pairings and just delicious dining opportunities.
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Semana Santa

Description: While Semana Santa (Holy Week) is originally a religious holiday, it's what might be parallel to Spring Break in other areas of the continent. Yes, it's related to Easter, and yes, there is the aspect of religion, but in reality, it's an opportunity for the big big annual party. Vallarta receives visitors from all major urban centers of the country as people vie for the best spot on the beach, the most attractive tables in the restaurants (or taco stands!) and the best positions on the dance floors. It is party time, and if you don't have reservations, you probably won't get in!
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Vallarta Wine Fest

Description: What could be more natural than combining wine with culture? In this case, the focus is viticulture. Founded by oenophiles of Puerto Vallarta, this event brings wine related events, classes, tastings and pairings together with poetry, images, literature and, of course, gastronomy. Venues will be throughout the city in hotels, restaurants, the Los Arcos Theater and galleries.
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Virgin of Guadalupe

Description: When Puerto Vallarta was founded, the Virgin of Guadalupe was taken as the town's patron saint. Over the years, the peregrinaciones (pilgrimages) to the Virgin have grown to be one of the city's signature annual events. If you're here during that time, anywhere along Juárez Street after 31 de Octubre is a good place to appreciate the processions. Traditionally the "pilgrims" are dressed in white, and each group carries a banner to identify them, with baskets of fruit and flowers as an offering to the poor. At the church, when each group arrives, usually proceeded by Aztec dancers, a military marching band and singing choir, they are blessed and take place in a special short mass. Custom has grown to include colorful, allegorical floats from most of the main companies in the city.
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Yacht Races & Regatta

Description: Even if the winds don't seem to be right, yacht races are always fun. During the month of March, Vallarta Yacht Club and Paradise Village Marina are frantically involved in their annual yacht races, events, competitions and dinners. Regattas, boat races, a governors' cup, fish fries, an art & wine festival - it's all there for your enjoyment.
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