Puerto Vallarta Welcomes the Festive Season with Culture, Wildlife and New Luxury Hotel

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Situated along the Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. As the rainy season transitions to the festive season, the city is set to host a range of exciting events. These include the opening of a new luxury hotel, the annual whale migration, a turtle season expected to see over 300,000 hatchlings, and a variety of food and cultural festivals, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy.

Alaska Airlines is introducing the only nonstop service between New York and Puerto Vallarta, with flights from JFK airport starting on January 8, 2025. These flights will operate four times a week until April 20, 2025. Additionally, there will be weekly flights from Sacramento, Kansas City, and St. Louis to Puerto Vallarta throughout the winter, with schedules as follows:

Sacramento to Puerto Vallarta: January 11 to April 19
Kansas City to Puerto Vallarta: January 25 to April 5
St. Louis to Puerto Vallarta: January 25 to April 5

Experience the Miracle of Turtle Season
Now through December 2024
Witness the incredible journey of sea turtle hatchlings as they make their way from nests to the ocean during Puerto Vallarta’s turtle season, spanning July to December. The peak months of August to November offer the best viewing opportunities. Participate in this essential conservation effort by joining free public releases hosted by various turtle camps and hotels before sunset.

Stay at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta
Opening Fall 2024
Embrace luxury and inclusivity at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta, a new 55-room hotel opening this fall. This stylish addition to the city’s LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations combines modern elegance with traditional Mexican charm, providing a unique retreat in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

Celebrate Fiestas Patrias for Mexican Independence Day
September 15-16, 2024
Join the festivities for Mexican Independence Day at Fiestas Patrias, where vibrant Mariachi music, delicious food, and the iconic “Viva México!” cry fill the air. The celebrations unfold in downtown’s Plaza de Armas, featuring live performances, dancing, and traditional snacks. The Grito de Independencia ceremony at midnight on September 15 and a spectacular fireworks show at Los Arcos del Malecón amphitheater are the main highlights, followed by a lively parade along the Malecón the next day.

Explore the Art Scene at Puerto Vallarta Art Walk
October 30, 2024, to June 25, 2025
Dive into the vibrant art scene of Puerto Vallarta with the Art Walk, running from October through June. This free weekly event invites visitors to explore diverse artworks by Mexican and international artists, meet local creators, and enjoy a cultural immersion in the city’s dynamic art community.

Savor Culinary Delights at Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica
October 11-18, 2024
Under the theme “The Only Constant is Change,” Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica brings together top chefs and mixologists from Mexico, Latin America, and Europe. The event features exclusive dinners, wine tastings by renowned sommeliers, and various gourmet workshops. Tickets start at US$110.

Celebrate Día de Los Muertos in Vibrant Tradition
November 1-2, 2024
Join the colorful celebrations of Día de los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta, a time to honor and remember departed loved ones. The city, known for its cultural richness, holds the Guinness World Record for “The World’s Tallest Calavera Catrina,” standing over 75 feet tall and adorned with giant sugar skulls and altars. The festivities include visits to local cemeteries, Mariachi performances, and vendors selling vibrant marigold flowers and traditional treats.

Indulge in Fine Cuisine at Festival Gourmet International
November 7-17, 2024
Experience Mexico’s premier culinary event over ten days, featuring 32 restaurants, 75 acclaimed chefs, 14 events, and more than 25,000 food enthusiasts. Complemented by 20 wineries, the festival showcases the finest culinary offerings from Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Tepic. The event kicks off with a grand opening at TierraLuna Gardens and concludes with a Picnic Under the Trees in Tepic, Nayarit. For more information, visit the official Festival Gourmet International Facebook page.

Join the Fiestas Guadalupanas Celebration
December 1-12, 2024
Fiestas Guadalupanas, celebrating the Virgin of Guadalupe, is a vibrant festival of faith and gratitude in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Over 12 days, enjoy 400 processions featuring carriages, folkloric dancers, Mariachi music, and fireworks, culminating at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. The bustling plazas are filled with vendors offering fruits, traditional foods, crafts, and specialties. The Peregrinación de los Favorecidos, attracting up to 20,000 devotees on December 12, is the largest procession, recognized as the “Intangible Heritage of the State of Jalisco.”

Enjoy Marc Anthony at the Vidanta Concert Series
December 6, 2024
Don’t miss an unforgettable performance by Marc Anthony, the globally renowned King of Salsa, at the Vidanta Vallarta Esplanade on December 6, 2024. Known for his powerful vocals and genre-blending music, Marc Anthony promises a night of electrifying dance and emotion. This exclusive event is part of the Vidanta Concert Series, with tickets starting at US$120.

Observe Humpback Whales During Whale Season
December through March
Puerto Vallarta offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe majestic humpback whales and their calves from December through March. Tailored whale-watching excursions, suitable for all ages, provide close encounters with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Tour prices average US$87 per adult and US$77 per child, with various packages available.

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Tags: cultural festivals, festive season, Hotel News, luxury hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Sierra Madre Mountains, Travel News, variety of food