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When is Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta?
Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is observed on November 1 and 2 in Puerto Vallarta. November 1 honors deceased children, known as angelitos, and November 2 honors deceased adults. Events, altars and cemetery visits often begin in the final days of October, so plan a visit from about October 30 through November 3.
Key takeaway: Día de Muertos is a remembrance of loved ones, not a Halloween party, and it is one of the best times to see Mexican tradition up close in Puerto Vallarta.
Event dates and details in this guide follow the Vallarta Adventures Day of the Dead guide (accessed October 2026). Organizers sometimes change dates and routes, so confirm times with the city or the event host before you go.
What is Day of the Dead and why does it matter?
Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition for remembering family members and friends who have died. UNESCO inscribed the Indigenous festivity dedicated to the dead on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008, and describes it as taking place each year from late October to early November. Families build ofrendas, or altars, with photographs, favorite foods, water, candles, copal incense, marigolds and papel picado.
Traditional foods include pan de muerto, tamales, mole, sugar skulls, calabaza en tacha, atole and hot chocolate.
Where are the best Day of the Dead events in Puerto Vallarta?
Many events cluster around Old Town, the Malecón and the Zona Romántica. According to the Vallarta Adventures guide, highlights have included:
- Candle-lit evenings, sand sculptures and an ofrenda contest on the Malecón on November 1 and 2, plus a monumental Catrina near the Malecón lighthouse.
- A Grand Parade of Catrinas and Catrines, which has departed from the Colonia Cinco de Diciembre cemetery toward the waterfront. The 2026 date is unconfirmed, so check before you plan around it.
- Altars and activities in Old Town, including Lázaro Cárdenas Park, the Los Arcos Amphitheater, Isla Cuale and café altar contests in the Romantic Zone.
- A boat-access beach party at Majahuitas on October 31, 2026, and an ALMA show near Las Caletas that runs from October 26 to November 9, 2026.
- Altars, a costume contest and folkloric ballet at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, which close on Mondays through November 30.
If you plan to stay in town for the festivities, our Zona Romántica guide explains why the walkable Old Town suits this kind of visit.
How should visitors behave at cemetery visits?
Families gather at the Panteón Municipal 5 de Diciembre with flowers, food and music to remember their loved ones. Visitors are welcome in a respectful, quiet tone. Ask before taking photographs of families or altars, and follow local guidance on where to stand and how to move through the grounds.
What should I know about visiting in November?
November sits between the summer rains and the start of high season. The Let's Travel to Mexico guide to the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta (accessed October 2026) lists September through November as part of the shoulder season, which it describes as having fewer crowds, and high season as beginning in December. Check the forecast close to your dates and book lodging early if you want to stay near the Malecón and Old Town.
Many people who visit during the festivities go on to explore Puerto Vallarta as a place to live. Learn how the expat community connects, understand seasonality in Banderas Bay, or browse homes for sale in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
Frequently asked questions
When is Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta?
Día de Muertos is observed on November 1 and 2. November 1 honors deceased children and November 2 honors deceased adults, with events often starting in the final days of October.
What is the difference between Day of the Dead and Halloween?
Day of the Dead is a remembrance of loved ones who have died, centered on altars, cemetery visits and family. Halloween customs such as costumes on October 31 are a separate celebration, although the dates overlap.
Where are the best Day of the Dead events in Puerto Vallarta?
Many events take place around the Malecón, Old Town, Isla Cuale and the Zona Romántica, with additional events at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens and Majahuitas. Confirm dates and times with organizers.
What do people put on a Day of the Dead altar?
An ofrenda commonly includes photographs, favorite foods, water, candles, copal incense, marigolds and papel picado.
Can visitors go to the cemetery on Day of the Dead?
Visitors are welcome at the Panteón Municipal 5 de Diciembre when they keep a respectful, quiet tone. Ask before photographing families or altars.
Thinking about making Puerto Vallarta home?
If the festivities have you curious about living on Banderas Bay, our team can walk you through neighborhoods and homes.
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