The Malecón transforms during Día de los Muertos. Violet clouds hover above Banderas Bay as candles illuminate marigold paths, their fragrance blending with ocean salt. A towering Catrina stands sentinel near the lighthouse, her silhouette dramatic against the fading light while families arrange sugar skulls and pan de muerto on vibrant public altars.
The celebration radiates joy, not sorrow, as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) honors life's enduring connection with those who have passed—a tradition UNESCO recognizes as intangible cultural heritage.
November delivers perfect conditions for outdoor festivities. Temperatures range from low to upper 80s (°F), evenings remain pleasantly warm, and the rainy season has concluded. This creates ideal comfort for street processions and beachside gatherings during this prime weather period.
From late October through early November, Puerto Vallarta weaves Pacific coastal beauty with centuries-old Mexican tradition. Here are five experiences that connect you to authentic local celebrations while embracing the warm evenings.
1. Stroll the Malecón & Join the City-Wide Celebration
As the sun sinks behind Banderas Bay, the Malecón glows with hundreds of candles. Copal incense rides the sea breeze while marigold petals create bright paths toward intricate ofrendas. The boardwalk buzzes with energy every night of the festival, and you'll see why within minutes of arriving.
On November 1 and 2, the Malecón transforms into a vibrant open-air gallery. Sand artists sculpt life-size scenes beside an ofrenda contest that fills the promenade with color. Look up and you'll spot the world's tallest Catrina, a 75.5-foot skeleton in lace and velvet standing sentinel at the Malecón Lighthouse. Her silhouette against the pink sky draws as many cameras as any firework show.
The comfortable climate, with low humidity and almost no rain, keeps the celebration pleasant for hours. Arrive about thirty minutes before dusk to take it all in. Parts of the Malecón become pedestrian-only, so comfortable shoes matter.
The Grand Parade of Catrinas and Catrines steps off from the Colonia Cinco de Diciembre cemetery and winds south, spilling rhythm, face paint, and laughter onto every cobblestone.
For those who wish to dive deeper into the spirit of the season, discovering hidden corners, local traditions, and meaningful moments, we invite you to explore this guide. It offers inspiration, insights, and suggestions to enrich your Día de Muertos journey in Puerto Vallarta: What to Do During Day of the Dead Weekend in Puerto Vallarta
2. Dance Under the Stars at the Majahuitas Music Festival – Nov 1
The celebration continues at sea as a catamaran cuts across Banderas Bay toward a torch-lit cove where jungle vines meet the surf. Twenty minutes later, you step onto Majahuitas beach, and the "jungle-meets-sea dance floor" comes alive before your sandals hit the sand.
The 2025 Day of the Dead at Majahuitas features marigold décor woven into the palapa roofs and is officially presented as a family-friendly cultural celebration.
November nights are balmy with minimal rain, perfect for barefoot dancing beneath the stars as warm Pacific breezes roll through the palms. Pack light, slip your phone into a waterproof pouch, and trade sneakers for flip-flops you can kick off at the first beat. We recommend booking, as spots on the catamaran disappear fast.
3. Experience Rhythms of the Night: Día de Muertos Special – Oct 27 to Nov 1
Step onto a torch-lit, festive-decorated pier at Las Caletas after a serene sunset cruise. This exclusive event transforms the celebrated Rhythms of the Night into an immersive journey through ancestral traditions via ALMA, a performance art piece created by Mukhtar Mukhtar.
The production expertly weaves cultural authenticity with spectacular theatrical elements, inviting you to explore the rich symbolism within a naturally privileged jungle amphitheater known for its international performance standards.
The event offers Standard and VIP options, with VIP including exclusive oceanfront tables and wine pairing.
4. Follow the Ofrenda Trail: Altars & Cemeteries in Old Town
Beyond the waterfront spectacle, Old Town transforms into an open-air gallery of ofrendas—hand-built altars that welcome loved ones back to the world of the living. Step off the Malecón and let the glow of copal-scented candles guide you through Puerto Vallarta's historic core.
Your walking route begins at Lázaro Cárdenas Park, where artisans stack marigold arches as high as the palms. From there, head to Los Arcos Amphitheater, lined with municipal altars and live music after dusk. Cross to Isla Cuale's riverside festival, a maze of papel picado and food stalls, then wind through the side streets of the Romantic Zone, where cafés compete in a friendly altar contest.
Respect is non-negotiable. Lower your voice near prayers, skip flash photography, and leave graveside offerings undisturbed—especially on November 2nd, a ten-minute uphill detour that locals cherish. We suggest bringing water, walking shoes, and arriving an hour before sunset to watch the altars come alive.
5. Taste the Flavors of the Season
The sensory journey extends to your palate as the unmistakable scent of fresh pan de muerto floats through the warm November nights. Every loaf, sip, and stew placed on an altar nourishes returning spirits—and you as well.
We recommend starting with the city's street-side traditions. Look for vendors stacking golden rounds of pan de muerto beside bubbling pots of tamales. For drinks, try a thick cup of atole or the spiced richness of Mexican hot chocolate. Prices stay friendly, so bring small pesos and graze as you wander.
Experience Dia De Los Muertos
Puerto Vallarta's celebration of Día de los Muertos offers something extraordinary: the chance to witness death transformed from ending to continuation, from sorrow to celebration. Whether you're dancing on torch-lit beaches, following marigold trails through ancient streets, or sharing pan de muerto with strangers who become friends, you'll discover that this festival isn't about the dead—it's about the eternal vitality of memory, love, and community.
Pack your respect along with your camera, and prepare for five days that will change how you see both life and death.
