The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most representative celebrations, a festivity that unites the pre-Hispanic worldview with the Catholic traditions inherited during colonial times. Every November 1st and 2nd, altars are illuminated with candles and marigolds, the air is filled with the scent of copal incense, and families remember their loved ones through offerings that include pan de muerto, sugar skulls, and their favorite dishes. More than a tribute to death, this tradition is a song to life and memory.

In Puerto Vallarta, a destination that combines the warmth of its people with the beauty of Banderas Bay, the Day of the Dead takes on a very special character. Streets decorated with papel picado, a monumental catrina surrounded by smaller ones, and displays of folk art intertwine with the city’s festive atmosphere, inviting locals and visitors to immerse themselves in one of Mexico’s most colorful traditions.

Velas Vallarta: Family traditions

At Velas Vallarta, the celebration takes on a festive and family-friendly spirit. The resort’s gardens transform into a creative space with activities that invite everyone to participate: sugar skull painting workshops, a walk through a life-size catrina labyrinth, and, as night falls, an ancestral dinner with live mariachi music alongside a traditional altar. It’s an experience that blends the playful with the solemn, allowing both children and adults to connect with the heart of the celebration.

Casa Velas: Intimacy and reflection

In Casa Velas, the adults-only boutique hotel, the Day of the Dead is experienced intimately and serenely. On the lobby terrace, a traditional altar is installed, carefully decorated with marigolds, candles, and offerings. This space invites guests to reflect, remember, and pay tribute in a peaceful setting that evokes the true meaning of the celebration.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: Mixology with Mexican essence

Just a few minutes from Puerto Vallarta, in the Riviera Nayarit, another side of the festivity comes alive with the return of the Mexology Fest on October 28th and 29th. Included in the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit All-Inclusive experience, this festival pays tribute to Mexico’s traditional spirits under the theme “Liquid History.”

Tequila, mezcal, raicilla, and tepache take center stage in workshops, tastings, and interactive experiences guided by renowned international mixologists. More than a gastronomic festival, Mexology Fest is a sensory narrative that connects the flavors and aromas of ancestral Mexico with modernity—an homage to life and memory.

Experiencing Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta

Living the Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta means stepping into a celebration that honors life through memory, music, art, and gastronomy. From family workshops to world-class mixology festivals and moments of quiet contemplation, this destination offers experiences that go beyond tourism. It’s an opportunity for travelers from around the globe to discover the essence of Mexico through one of its most heartfelt traditions.