The Christmas and New Year holiday period is an amazing time, no matter where you are in the world. And the beach town of Puerto Vallarta is no exception. If you are planning a vacation to Puerto Vallarta, then the holiday season is the perfect time to do so. Not only are there amazing experiences to have and attractions to see, but there are so many events that are steeped in tradition to celebrate Christmas. Even if you are not a Christian or Catholic, it is still worth immersing yourself in these celebrations.
Check out some of the celebrations and traditions in Puerto Vallarta below.
Things to do during Christmas Season in Puerto Vallarta
Getting involved with the local culture for Christmas is something that will create memories for a lifetime:
Festival of Guadalupe
Kicking off the festival season is the Festival of Guadalupe. Starting on December 1st and ending on December 12th, the streets come alive with people as they make their way to the Cathedral of Our Lady Guadalupe. This important religious holiday marks the anniversary of the day the Virgin Guadalupe made her miraculous appearance to a peasant in Mexico. On this day, fireworks abound and the central plaza is filled with people street vendors selling fruits and other local specialties. Also, in the small south shore community of Quimixto, a “flotilla” of decorative fishing boats makes its way down the shoreline.
Gifts are placed at the downtown cathedral for the Virgin and a blessing is received. The streets are vibrant and colorful, with floats and dancers. The square outside the cathedral is also full of street vendors, featuring Mexican street food and sweet treats. You may also find stalls selling souvenirs, art, and craft. At the closing of the festival, you will be able to catch a magnificent fireworks display over Banderas Bay.
Posadas
Celebrated throughout many communities in Mexico, Posadas are a recreation of when Joseph and the Virgin Mary set out looking for a shelter for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Occurring nightly from December 16th until December 24th, each community gets involved within their neighborhood. Processions travel to designated homes to ask for lodging in song, and the party begins when the host throws open the door.
Christmas Day Traditions & Events
December 24th is when the main Christmas celebrations happen around Mexico. Turkey is the main part of the feast, accompanied by many other delicious dishes, including sweet and savory tamales.
Pinatas are a fun part of the Christmas traditions around Mexico. The paper mache and clay star shapes are filled with sweets. People take turns to be spun around and hit the pinata with a stick, trying to break it, to then collect all the sweets that are scattered everywhere.
Day of the 3 Wise Men
Christmas season doesn’t end in December in Mexico. Every year on January 6, children in Mexico look forward to “Three Kings Day”, as it is also synonymous with gifts for all little ones. It is intended to commemorate the adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men, who came from the East to pay honors and bring presents to the newborn.
Things to do on New Year’s in Puerto Vallarta
Like many places around the world, New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta is full of color, celebration, and, of course, fireworks! Below are some really fun and unique things to do on New Year’s day in Puerto Vallarta.
New Year’s Traditions
Even as a visitor, taking part in traditions and rituals during a special time of year is all part of enjoying a culture. At midnight, join in the local ritual of eating one grape for each time the bell tolls at midnight. Then make your wish as you go, for each month of the coming new year.
Not all traditions can be seen. Some suggest that the color underwear you choose to wear to see in the New Year will bring you certain fortunes for the year to come. Red will attract love, yellow will attract money, and green will attract health.
New Year’s Events in Puerto Vallarta
Street parties, music, and dancing are easy to find all around the beach side of town. A stroll along El Malecon bay is the perfect way to welcome the New Year. While some neighborhoods are known for their late New Year’s dinners to see in the new year, others are known for impromptu dance parties and late-night food stalls.
At midnight, there is always a spectacular fireworks display that can be seen from wherever you are. We would suggest heading to the beach to see how fireworks fill the skies along the ENTIRE coastline of Banderas Bay. It is a sight to be seen.
Don’t worry if you brought along your kids to Puerto Vallarta for New Year’s. It is a very family-friendly destination and New Year’s Eve is no exception. There are special areas full of kids activities to see in the New Year too.
For those who also wish to celebrate the New Year with a more religious tradition, many churches are open for midnight mass and lighting of candles for new year remembrance and blessings.
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