Day of The Dead Celebrations in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. 2026 Festival de las Almas in Puerto Vallarta. Day of the Dead by the Pacific October 31 – November 2 · Free Admission
Vibrant marigolds, aromatic copal incense, and candlelit vigils bring Puerto Vallarta’s iconic oceanfront boardwalk, the Malecon, to life.
As the premier beach destination for Jalisco’s state-wide Festival de las Almas (Festival of Souls), Puerto Vallarta welcomes returning spirits with over 28 curated cultural events throughout the Malecón and Historic Downtown.
Cobblestone streets sloping toward the ocean become symbolic gateways, turning every Pacific sunset into a sacred observance.
View Schedule of Events https://visitpuertovallarta.com/lp/day-of-the-dead#actividades
About the Festival de las Almas
As Jalisco’s official state-wide Dia de Los Muertos celebration, the 2026 Festival de las Almas honors the rich cultural legacy of Western Mexico.
Running from October 24 to November 15, 2026, this region-wide festival features over 350 free public events across eleven municipalities, showcasing each community’s distinct heritage and traditions.
The event is organized by the Government of Jalisco through the Ministry of Tourism and the State Entertainment Agency.
The Beach Destination with a Mexican Soul
Serving as the festival’s exclusive host along the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta presents 28 free public experiences from Saturday, October 31 through Monday, November 2, 2026.
During the event, El Centro and the Malecon boardwalk become a grand Day of the Dead cultural corridor. Visitors can admire oceanfront ofrendas (altars), marigold-adorned pangas (traditional fishing boats), and the legendary monumental Calavera Catrina standing near the Malecón lighthouse, alongside dusk candle-lighting rituals by the ocean.
What Makes Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta So Special?
Puerto Vallarta stands out as the only oceanfront destination among the eleven official host sites for the 2026 Festival de las Almas in Jalisco.
Where coastal beauty meets rich Mexican heritage, traditional altars look out over the Pacific, turning every sunset into a meaningful element of the spiritual celebration.
Record-Breaking Giant Catrina: Situated along the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Calavera Catrina achieved official Guinness World Records honors as the tallest worldwide in both 2022 and 2023.
A Rich Celebration of Culture: Event organizers report that the flagship November 2 parade in 2025 brought more than 35,000 residents and travelers together in El Centro (Downtown) and along the Malecon boardwalk.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Universally honored by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Dia de Los Muertos celebration converts the main streets of El Centro and the Romantic Zone into lively, pedestrian-friendly cultural corridors throughout the event.
Day of The Dead Celebrations in Puerto Vallarta
Schedule of Events
As the only oceanfront venue among the eleven Festival de las Almas locations, Puerto Vallarta offers an unmatched backdrop where rich heritage meets coastal beauty.
Explore the signature highlights of the official program.
Puerto Vallarta Featured Experiences Saturday, October 31 – Monday, November 2
Vestimenta de Catrina Roja
Ritual de atardecer con las velas
Tradición en el mar
La catrina más alta del Mundo
Camino de flores y luz hacia el Faro de las Ánimas
Conciertos sorpresas
Experienia inmersiva con copal, velas y sombras y leyendas
Gran desfile de catrinas y catrines
Itinerary day by day
Browse the complete Festival de las Almas program in Puerto Vallarta, organized day by day.
From Saturday, October 25 to Saturday, November 7
Sabores que Vuelven
Culinary Celebrations Across Puerto Vallarta. Connecting generations through shared heritage, flavors awaken timeless memories. During the festival, top-rated dining establishments throughout Puerto Vallarta, El Centro, and the Romantic Zone highlight regional Mexican cuisine, feature iconic Día de Los Muertos culinary traditions, and offer specially crafted seasonal menus.
Seasonal menus of regional Mexican cuisine
Participating restaurants · In collaboration with CANIRAC
Wednesday, October 28
Shore of Souls
Art & Heritage by the Ocean. Transforming the renowned Malecón boardwalk into a lively oceanfront cultural hub, monumental catrinas and creative displays pay homage to Mexican traditions. Visitors are invited to pause at each installation, uncover a unique story, and immerse themselves in genuine Day of the Dead customs along the Pacific shore.
Start of the Monumental Catrina Exhibition
Puerto Vallarta Malecón · Through November 3
Lining Puerto Vallarta’s celebrated Malecón boardwalk, an open-air gallery showcasing 50 monumental catrina sculptures introduces vibrant art, rich folklore, and fine regional craftsmanship to the waterfront. Set along Banderas Bay, their elaborate attire, striking colors, and deep cultural motifs pay tribute to Mexican heritage while honoring loved ones who have passed.
Developed in collaboration with area businesses, local organizations, and distinguished Mexican artists, every giant catrina presents a distinct narrative of Dia de Los Muertos customs, turning the coastal boardwalk into a magnificent public art walk. Both residents and international visitors are welcomed to wander along the promenade, take memorable photographs, and experience this premier cultural celebration in Puerto Vallarta’s El Centro.
Day of The Dead Celebrations in Puerto Vallarta PUERTO VALLARTA DÍA DE MUERTOS 2026
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
| OCTOBER 28 – NOVEMBER 3
Get ready for monumental Catrinas, traditional altars, live music, folkloric dancing, art and the spectacular Día de Muertos parade!
Save this schedule so you can plan your festival outings!
See website for all the information:
There are some differences, but the Government post says official!
https://visitpuertovallarta.com/lp/dia-de-muertos…
Check for changes.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28
MONUMENTAL CATRINA EXHIBITION
MALECÓN
50 monumental Catrinas on display.
7:30 PM – Ancestral Ofrenda
LA ISLA SHOPPING MALL
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
ABASOLO Street
6:00–11:00 PM | Día de Muertos Kermés: Between Altars & Flavours
MALECÓN Arches
7:00 PM | Catrina Fashion Show
PLAZA DE ARMAS
6:00–7:00 PM | Inauguration & Tour of the Altars
7:00–10:00 PM | Jazz Trio
7:30 PM | Día de Muertos Video Mapping
PARK HIDALGO
6:00–6:30 PM | Pre-Hispanic Dance Performance
6:30–7:00 PM | Opening & Tour of Public Art Gallery
7:00–9:00 PM | Live Painting
7:00–9:00 PM | DJ Jovanna
PARK LÁZARO CÁRDENAS
8:00–9:00 PM | Ballet Hidalgo
Cemetery 5 DE DICIEMBRE
7:00–7:30 PM | Ballet Cuauhtémoc
7:30–8:00 PM | Opening & Tour of Murals
10:00, 10:30, 11:00 PM | Guided Theatrical Cemetery Tour
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31
PLAZA DE ARMAS
8:00–10:00 PM | Live Music Group
PARK HIDALGO
7:00–10:00 PM | Public Art Gallery
7:00–9:00 PM | Live Painting
7:00–9:00 PM | DJ J Zuart
PARK LÁZARO CÁRDENAS
7:00–10:00 PM | Jazz Trio
MALECÓN Arches
8:00–9:00 PM | Gente Buena Folk Ballet from Aguascalientes
PÍPILA Street
7:00 PM | Art Exhibition & Kermés
8:00 PM | Ancestral Dance & Ofrenda Ceremony
Cemetery 5 DE DICIEMBRE
10:00, 10:30, 11:00 PM | Guided Theatrical Cemetery Tour
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1
MALECÓN Arches
7:00 PM | Traditional Mexican Songs for Día de Muertos
8:00–9:00 PM | Folkloric Ballet
PLAZA DE ARMAS (city Hall)
6:00–7:00 PM | Municipal Band
7:00–9:00 PM | Danzón
9:30–10:30 PM | Music of the Past with Jorge Gasca
MALECÓN Lighthouse
7:00 PM | Monumental Catrina Unveiling
Plaza de Armas
7:30–10:30 PM | Día de Muertos Video Mapping
PARK HIDALGO
7:00–10:00 PM | Public Art Gallery
7:00–9:00 PM | Live Painting
7:00–9:00 PM | DJ Performance
PARK LÁZARO CÁRDENAS
7:00–9:00 PM | Grupo Caché (Cumbias)
Cemetery 5 DE DICIEMBRE
10:00, 10:30, 11:00 PM | Guided Theatrical Cemetery Tour
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | THE GRAND PARADE
Cemetery 5 DE DICIEMBRE
6:00 PM | Grand Día de Muertos Parade Begins
Parade finishes at Los Muertos Beach Pier
PLAYA LOS MUERTOS Pier
7:00–8:00 PM | Ballet Cuauhtémoc
8:00–9:00 PM | Mariachi
9:00–10:00 PM | Lucio Silva with Mariachi
PARK HIDALGO
7:00–10:00 PM | Public Art Gallery
7:00–9:00 PM | Live Painting
8:00–10:00 PM | DJ
PARK LÁZARO CÁRDENAS
8:00–9:00 PM | Jazz Group
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 | PAWS REMEMBERED
PARK HIDALGO
6:00 PM | “Huellitas del Más Allá” Pet Walk
Starts at Hidalgo Park and finishes at Malecón arches
7:00–10:00 PM | Public Art Gallery
7:00–9:00 PM | Live Painting
8:00–9:00 PM | Bolero Music Performance
INSTITUTO VALLARTENSE DE CULTURA
7:15 PM | Pet Memorial Altar Opening
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Throughout the festival
Decorated Facades & Balconies
Across Historic Downtown and the Romantic Zone, vibrant cempasúchil (marigold) blossoms, colorful papel picado (perforated paper banners), and artisan crafts adorn balconies, doorways, and facades. Residents, boutique hotels, and local shop owners join together in a citywide artistic expression.
Citywide artistic display on facades, storefronts and balconies
Historic Downtown & Romantic Zone
Storefront windows across Puerto Vallarta’s El Centro are converted into extraordinary cultural and artistic showcases. These eye-catching displays broaden the festival route, inviting visitors to wander through the lively city streets.
This program is subject to change by the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Puerto Vallarta.
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