How to Celebrate Independence Day in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is well prepared for the national Independence Day holiday. Here, the celebration is filled with color, folklore and traditional cuisine to delight locals and visitors alike. We have selected three of the best Mexican festivities for enjoying and celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day in this enchanting beach paradise.
“Maleconeando”
The meeting place par excellence, the Malecón is already dressed in red, white and green to treat merrymakers to a big celebration. On September 14th, National Day of the Charro, downtown Puerto Vallarta is enlivened by charro men and women in traditional costumes, with a parade down the main street featuring equestrian shows – horses are also ‘dressed’ with ribbons and fine saddles. In the Lienzo Charro (rodeo arena) thousands of spectators gather to admire the art of charrería, as well as dances and bullfights.
On the morning of September 15th, traditional food stands await, offering many representative dishes of Mexico; food has always played a leading role in the country’s Independence Day festivities!
Los Arcos by the Malecón is the main stage for folkloric dance, live mariachi and fireworks that light up the Main Square and Guadalupe Parish.
If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t flock to crowded events, you might enjoy having a place reserved to enjoy the celebration. You can still enjoy the festivities without giving up any of the show and atmosphere that makes this time of year so exciting. The following two options are for you.
Celebrating Mexican Traditions
In the heart of the residential Marina area, the Mariachi 2000 performs live shows every night, just as they have for the past 12 years, paying tribute to this intangible heritage of humanity and Mexican pride. The show is hosted by Velas Vallarta, a resort that features a Mexican Fiesta like no other for September 15th. Colorful decor with balloons, streamers and flags welcomes attendees along with margaritas (the signature drink of the evening), and the sound of live mariachi music and regional dance from states including Chiapas, Jalisco and Veracruz makes for a great ambiance.
Delicious Mexican ‘antojitos’ and crafts such as ceramics, wooden toys, jewelry, textiles from different states and alebrijes add folklore of the event. Games, raffles and romantic tableside Mariachi serenades are also part of the program; all led by a master of ceremonies that is sure to make you smile.
Experiencing the Essence of Mexico
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has organized a celebration in Mexican kermesse-style, with food stands from four different states in the country. Sample shrimp ceviche and chilorio from Sinaloa; cochinita pibil, salpicón and lime soup from Yucatán; pork carnitas and churipo from Michoacán; and from the host state of Jalisco, mini tortas ahogadas, traditional beef birria and red pozole. The typical Mexican candy and dessert stations are also not to be missed, with a display of jericallas, buñuelos, capirotada, atole and café de olla.
Each state represented during this grand evening will captivate guests with regional dances as they enjoy tequila-based drinks served in the famous clay jarritos. The mariachi is a must on a day like this and will be performing classic songs, and games of Mexican lotería, or bingo, also provide endless entertainment.
If you are ready to join in the chorus of “Viva México!”, Puerto Vallarta awaits with a festive atmosphere and tons of Independence Day fun.