Along the street of the Municipal Mercado, Agustin Rodriguez, there will be traditional altars set up from October 31 to November 2. A Church fair will be installed selling antojitos. Large 2 meter catrinas will be available for tourists to take photos with. There will also be altars and Day of the Dead art exhibited on the Malecon and at the Presidencia.
On November 2, from 7 to 11 pm, there will be a celebration/fiesta for the Day of the Dead in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
There will be a mariachi show, a performance by the Xiutla Folkloric Ballet and fireworks.
CEMETERY VIGIL
On the night of November 1, relatives and friends of those who have died will spend the night in local cemeteries. The 5th of December cemetery is the main one visited locally. It is possible for tourists to visit the cemetery at this time, but extreme reverence is cautioned and expected. This is not a tourist activity but rather a personal and emotional family experience. There will also be a strong police presence regulating alcohol consumption.
MUNICIPAL MERCADO FIESTAHOTEL ALTAR DISPLAYS
8 Vallarta Hotels and the Presidencia will also have altar displays and there will be a contest with prizes (including stays in some of the hotels) for people who complete the altar circuit.
- The Hotel Posada del Río will have an altar honoring the actrice Dolores del Río
- The Hotel Rosita for don Miguel Hidalgo
- The Hotel Rio for Mario Moreno Cantinflas
- The Hotel Eloísa for Frida Kahlo
- The Catedral for Francisco Villa
- The Los Arcos for Emiliano Zapata
- The Hotel del Mar for Guadalupe Sánchez
- The Hotel Villa Mercedes for Porfirio Díaz.
This year, because of city budget restraints, the events will be sponsored by private interests.
VALLARTA ALTAR COMPETITION
The altars at the Presidencia are placed through a competition.
The competition for the altars of the dead remains open until October 28 and is open to all residents of Vallarta who are interested in participating. This event is meant to disseminate and enhance this Mexican tradition.
The works must express aesthetic values, traditions and customs. They must also be devoted mainly to family or friends and not contain elements alien to the tradition, both in concept and material (in other words, not be commercial or political). The altars will be placed on October 31 at 18 hrs and removed on November 3 early in the morning.
If you are interested in participating or obtaining more information, please phone 2230095 or 1130107.
