Over the past century or so, Puerto Vallarta has come to be one of Mexico’s most beloved tourism destinations, largely due to its stunning situation, its enviable location on one of the world’s largest and most breathtaking bays, BahÍa de Banderas, its idyllic climate, beautiful beaches, tropical environs, and rich history and heritage.
If you’re considering a vacation in this cultural gem on Mexico’s Pacific coastline, you may be wondering what is the best time of year to visit. While the summer months are always popular, coinciding with school breaks, other seasons might actually suit your travel style better. Many outdoor activities are best undertaken in other seasons, when it’s less humid and rainy, but the weather is still sunny and warm.
The local events calendar also offer plenty of exciting happenings and iconic celebrations that you might want to plan your visit around. For instance, this coming autumn will see community-wide celebrations of everything from the nation's history, Mexican cuisine and fall holiday traditions to sporting tournaments, awareness marathons, beach parties, nightlife productions, wellness retreats and more.
A traditional Mexican Mariachi band. (Source: Sectur Guadalajara)
Here are a few of Puerto Vallarta’s highly anticipated local events that will be arriving this fall:
Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day)
September 15 – 16, 2023
Puerto Vallarta’s annual celebrations of this national holiday in offer an incomparable opportunity for visitors to experience authentic Mexican fare, get swept up in exuberant Mariachi music, sample some Tequila and other local spirits, while joining in the patriotic shouts of "Viva México!". You can expect to enjoy live music, dancing and various traditional antojitos (snacks) in historic Downtown Puerto Vallarta’s Plaza de Armas (Main Square), which transforms into a family-friendly festival venue.
Krystal Grand Nueva Vallarta will host the 2023 Vallarta Nayarit Gastronomica event. (Source: Krystal Hotels & Resorts)
15th Annual Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica 2023
September 29 – October 7, 2023
The number-one gastronomic event held throughout Mexico and Latin America, the 15th edition of ‘Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica’ will be held at the Krystal Grand Nueva Vallarta The expo’s theme this year is ‘The Cooking Factor: Cooking a New Era’, heralding “the beginning of a new era of culinary experiences”, according to the event website. Its programming, set to take place at various paradisiacal venues around the bay, will feature appearances and presentations by some of the most innovative chefs and mixologists, including Michelin-starred, ‘Top 50’ and celebrity chefs from all across Mexico, Latin America and even Europe. The program of events includes a series of exclusive gourmet dinners, wine tastings hosted by premier sommeliers, and other tastings and workshops for both culinary professionals and the general public.
Performers painted up for Day of the Dead in Mexico. (Source: iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus / loeskieboom)
Day of the Dead Festival 2023
November 1 – 2, 2023
Puerto Vallarta’s Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) festivities are pretty epic, so much so that last year it was named the Guinness World Records Record Holder for ‘The World’s Tallest Calavera Catrina’, which stood 75.5 feet high the Malecon boardwalk and became the site of various ofrendas (altars created to memorialize deceased family members) and more than 80 enormous, elaborately decorated “sugar skulls’. The traditional Catrina character served as the artistic centerpiece for the citywide celebration of the dearly departed that is observed on the day following what Americans consider Halloween.
Puerto Vallarta puts on a comprehensive program of cultural activities and festivities to commemorate the time-honored Mexican feast day, which, for residents, culminates in an obligatory visit to the cemeteries, where families gather to honor their loved ones who have passed on. Rather than being a solemn occasion, the spirit of the holiday is celebratory, so you will find local graveyards filled with live Mariachi music, and vendors selling decorative marigold flowers and Mexican food.
For more information, head over to visitpuertovallarta.com.
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