Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta (Tips & Festivities)
Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta offers rich traditions, lively parades, and meaningful holiday events. Towering Calavera Catrinas and golden marigolds transform this beachfront city into a vibrant tribute to the dearly departed. As an American fascinated by Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, I was honored to experience Día de los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta. Here’s what you need to know about this Mexican celebration of life, memory, and community.
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What is Día de los Muertos?
The Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos honors the lives of relatives and friends who have passed away. It is not meant to be a sad occasion. Instead, this holiday is a time to commemorate those who are no longer here on Earth through celebrations. It also serves as a reminder that death is a part of our life’s journey. This holiday in Mexico blends indigenous beliefs with the spiritual traditions of All Saints Day and All Souls Day celebrated by the Catholic Church.
Traditionally, loved ones visit local cemeteries to clean grave sites and leave ofrendas (offerings) of the deceased’s favorite foods, drinks, and hobbies. This welcomes spirits back to reconnect with those who are still alive. Calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls) and flowers, especially marigolds, are also left at grave sites. Other Day of the Dead celebrations include parades and fiestas.
When is Day of the Dead celebrated?
This holiday takes place at the end of October and early November over the course of several days throughout Mexico. Día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) or Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels) falls on November 1st and honors children who have died. November 2nd recognizes adults who have passed away. There is even a day to celebrate beloved pets and animals called Día de los Animales, which takes place on October 27.
Cinco de Diciembre Cemetery Ofrendas
One of the most moving ways to experience Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta is by visiting the Cinco de Diciembre Cemetery, located just north of downtown. During Día de los Muertos, this historic cemetery comes alive with flowers, music, and heartfelt tributes.
Families gather to clean and decorate graves with personal ofrendas. These tributes often include photos, candles, sugar skulls, flowers, and personal items that reflect the spirit of the departed. Some stay all night long playing their loved one’s favorite music and sharing stories about their lives.
Visitors are welcome to respectfully observe the traditions and witness the deep cultural connection between life and death. I found it touching to read the notes left for loved ones, and to see locals taking such care in cleaning the grave sites.
Plaza de Armas Decorations
Papel picado banners decorate Puerto Vallarta’s main square, Plaza de Armas, to celebrate Día de los Muertos. At the square’s center, look for an ofrenda honoring Puerto Vallarta’s founder, Don Guadalupe Sánchez. Fresh marigold flowers, candles, and skulls surround the display.
Ofrendas Along Calle Paseo Diaz Ordaz
While private ofrendas are displayed at home or in cemeteries, public ofrendas offer travelers a chance to witness the beauty of this Mexican holiday. Stroll along Calle Paseo Díaz Ordaz, the street opposite the boardwalk known as the Malecón, to view a display of ofrendas honoring those who have passed.
Calaveras Catrinas on the Malecón
Created by Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada and popularized by Diego Rivera, La Calavera Catrina is a skeleton dressed in elegant attire. These figures serve as a reminder that death is the great equalizer, affecting all lives regardless of status.
One of the most iconic sights during Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta is the display of Calavera Catrina figures along the oceanfront Malecón boardwalk. Puerto Vallarta showcases the world’s tallest Calavera Catrina, which has reached over 75 feet in past years and draws crowds from around the world.
View around two dozen Catrinas lining the Malecón and stop to pose with your favorites. Each one is unique and full of personality. Local businesses and cultural organizations sponsor these towering sculptures, and I even spotted one hosted by Quebec.
Gran Dia de los Muertos Parade
The most festive Day of the Dead Puerto Vallarta event is the Gran Día de los Muertos Parade. On November 2, 2025, it starts at the Cinco de Diciembre Cemetery and winds its way through the city, ending at Los Arcos on the Malecón. The streets come alive with Catrinas, mariachi music, and folkloric dancing.
Isla de los Muertos Celebration
Held on the lush Isla del Río Cuale (Cuale River Island), in Puerto Vallarta, the free Island of the Dead party takes place on November 1, 2025. It features beautifully crafted memorial altars, including tributes to deceased pets. This small island in the center of Puerto Vallarta is known not only for its artisan markets but also for being a sanctuary for stray cats. Partygoers will enjoy live music, local art, and festive face painting at this fiesta.
Traditional Day of the Dead Foods
Food plays a central role in Day of the Dead Puerto Vallarta celebrations. Mexicans cook their favorite dishes, once enjoyed by their departed loved ones, and savor traditional foods deeply tied to the holiday. To learn more about Mexican culture through its cuisine, sign up for a Puerto Vallarta food tour through my trusted partner, GetYourGuide.
Pozole
This hearty soup made with hominy and pork (or chicken) is a staple at many Día de los Muertos gatherings. Pozole is made with garlic, onion, and spices, and topped with shredded cabbage, radishes, lime, and oregano. Look for white, red, and green varieties. It’s often served during late-night vigils or family meals after altar visits. To taste this dish, head to El Campanario in Centro or Cenaduría Celia in the Zona Romántica, which are renowned for their pozoles.
Tamales
According to TasteRead, tamales have special significance in Mexican holidays, including Day of the Dead. These are Mexico’s version of a dumpling, made with seasoned masa (corn dough) and then filled with meats, cheeses, or fruits. Then, the tamales are wrapped in a corn husk and steamed to cook. I love the slightly sweet green corn version made with roasted chilies and queso fresco.
Tamales represent tradition, togetherness, and ancestral memory. Family members often gather for a tamalada, a communal cooking session that becomes a ritual of love and storytelling. Many place tamales on Día de los Muertos altars, believing the aroma and flavor help guide spirits home.
Diners rave about the tamales from El Andariego Restaurante Bar in the Cinco de Diciembre neighborhood. Wrapped in banana leaves, Café de Olla‘s also serves tamales in the Romantic Zone.
Pan de Muerto
The most iconic food of Día de los Muertos is pan de muerto (bread of the dead). It’s common to see pan de muerto placed on altars as a sweet welcome back to the world of the living.
Grocery stores, panaderías (bakeries), and pastelerías (pastry shops) in Puerto Vallarta sell pan de muerto in late October and the beginning of November. This soft, round loaf is decorated with bone-shaped pieces of dough and dusted with sugar, symbolizing the inevitability of death and the sweetness of life. This special bread is often infused with orange blossom or anise. Some versions include fillings like chocolate or cream.
Celebrations at Velas Vallarta & Casa Velas
Would you like to stay at a hotel that embraces Día de los Muertos and Halloween in Puerto Vallarta? I have two excellent options for you. Choose the family-friendly Velas Vallarta and sister property, the chic adult-only Casa Velas.
Holiday Decorations
From late October through early November, Velas Vallarta and Casa Velas embrace Día de los Muertos with beautiful seasonal décor. Velas Vallarta displays several Catrinas, orange marigolds, and an ofrenda. The decorations at Casa Velas are more subtle, with papel picado flags adding a burst of bright colors on the outdoor patio and an adorned altar featuring traditional offerings.
Day of the Dead Hotel Activities
Velas Vallarta offers Día de los Muertos programming for all ages. Enjoy calavera painting in the gardens, a display of artistic Catrinas, and a traditional ofrenda remembering loved ones. Guests can also enjoy an ancestral mariachi-accompanied dinner that blends music, memory, and Mexican cuisine. Both resorts serve pan de muerto and other traditional foods to honor the holiday’s culinary heritage.
To learn more about the holiday, sign up for a Día de los Muertos guided tour of Velas Vallarta. The guide wears traditional calavera face paint and teaches the meaning behind the symbols. Learn an explanation of each of the displayed Catrinas’ deaths and the lessons they impart.
Halloween Festivities
Day of the Dead and Halloween often go hand in hand since the holidays are so close together. Both of these fall traditions embrace themes of death and the supernatural with elaborate costumes, symbols, and social festivities. Halloween isn’t a Mexican tradition, but the holiday is becoming more popular in the country, especially among younger generations.
Look for a fun display of jack-o-lanterns and other spooky symbols at Velas Vallarta during the week of Halloween. Children can go trick-or-treating throughout the resort, make themed crafts, and decorate holiday cupcakes. On October 31st, hotel guests of all ages gather for a Halloween fiesta filled with costumes, candy, and live entertainment. Top off the evening with a Haunted Cinema under the stars.
Want to celebrate the vibrant Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos? Book your Day of the Dead Puerto Vallarta vacation stay at Velas Vallarta or Casa Velas now!
Mexico Magic & Fall Escapes
Discover an elegant adult-only resort in Puerto Vallarta with my Casa Velas review, highlighting the hotel’s pools, spa, restaurants, resident peacocks, and more.
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For even more fall fun, read about these Halloween-themed hotels throughout the U.S., featuring autumn festivals, costume contests, or other haunted events.
Save These Day of the Dead Puerto Vallarta Events
For future travel inspiration, keep this list of Día de los Muertos Puerto Vallarta events and tips. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow me on Pinterest while you’re at it!
Which part of Puerto Vallarta’s Day of the Dead festivities would you most want to experience?
A Note from Colleen: Velas Resorts hosted my fall trip to Puerto Vallarta with my sister. I did not receive any monetary compensation related to this blog post. All opinions are mine, as always.
This was such an educational post! I had no idea this much was behind the day of the dead. Thanks for sharing.
Ebony – I loved learning about and experiencing this rich tradition, and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned with readers like you! Thanks for your comment!
This sounds like such a beautiful and meaningful experience. I love how Día de los Muertos celebrates life instead of mourning loss. It’s such a warm and uplifting tradition!
Catalina – Agreed! I’m sure families also feel melancholy around this holiday season, but it’s such a great reminder to celebrate the good times shared with those who have passed.
The part about the ofrendas and how families gather in cemeteries to honour loved ones really got me… It’s such a powerful reminder of how love continues. Now I’m dreaming of visiting Puerto Vallarta during this time — it feels like a celebration I’d never forget.
Sonia – I wonder if you could still nab a plane to visit this year?! Of course, there’s always next year to plan for as well!
I’d love to attend a Day of the Dead event! I don’t think many people really understand the true meaning behind it. So much going on and hte food looks yummy
Barbie – I always love Mexican food! It was so fun to taste some of these traditional Day of the Dead dishes, too, especially the pan de muerto.
Every time I hear about the Puerto Vallarta’s Day of the Dead, it reminds me of the movie Disney’s CoCo, this tradition is vibrant, colorful, and showcase the beauty of Mexican traditions.
LisaLisa – I love that movie and how it showcases the beauty of this holiday in Mexico.
I would love to celebrate day of the dead at a true festival like this! It looks like so much fun, and with such rich cultural history.
Paula – I hope you can go to Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta someday — what a meaningful and memorable experience!
I’d love to go to Mexico when they celebrate Dia de los muertos. It must be quite incredible to see with all of the decorations. I’d also love to sample the foods as I do love Mexican. The tamales sound delicious, I haven’t tried those before.
Melanie – Writing this story has me missing Mexico so much…and I’ve been eating Mexican lunch every day this week! 😆
Is indeed very colorful . where I grew up, All Soul’s day is done somehow like this, graves cleaned up, and there are little stores to buy stuff but not as grand as the Mexicans do. 🙂
Sam – All Soul’s Day definitely influenced this Mexican holiday. I love the blending of the indigenous and Catholic traditions.
I want to experience the Gran Dia de los Muertos Parade. Looks so fun! Great list of tips too. I hope I can visit soon here. 🙂
Emmanuel – I didn’t get a chance to experience the parade myself on my last visit. I hope I can experience it next time. See you there?!
That looks absolutely amazing! I think the biggest tip would just be making sure you get there! I’d love to go one day.
Beth – I totally agree! Experiencing Día de los Muertos in Mexico is a must for those of us who love this country’s heritage and traditions!