Official illustration by Claudio Limón
2026 Festival de las Almas in Puerto Vallarta
Day of the Dead by the Pacific October 31 – November 2 · Free Admission
Vibrant marigolds, aromatic copal incense, and candlelit vigils bring Puerto Vallarta’s iconic oceanfront boardwalk, the Malecon, to life. As the premier beach destination for Jalisco’s state-wide Festival de las Almas (Festival of Souls), Puerto Vallarta welcomes returning spirits with over 28 curated cultural events throughout the Malecón and Historic Downtown. Cobblestone streets sloping toward the ocean become symbolic gateways, turning every Pacific sunset into a sacred observance.
About the Festival de las Almas
As Jalisco’s official state-wide Dia de Los Muertos celebration, the 2026 Festival de las Almas honors the rich cultural legacy of Western Mexico.
Running from October 24 to November 15, 2026, this region-wide festival features over 350 free public events across eleven municipalities, showcasing each community's distinct heritage and traditions. The event is organized by the Government of Jalisco through the Ministry of Tourism and the State Entertainment Agency.
The Beach Destination with a Mexican Soul
Serving as the festival's exclusive host along the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta presents 28 free public experiences from Saturday, October 31 through Monday, November 2, 2026. During the event, El Centro and the Malecon boardwalk become a grand Day of the Dead cultural corridor. Visitors can admire oceanfront ofrendas (altars), marigold-adorned pangas (traditional fishing boats), and the legendary monumental Calavera Catrina standing near the Malecón lighthouse, alongside dusk candle-lighting rituals by the ocean.
What Makes Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta So Special?
Puerto Vallarta stands out as the only oceanfront destination among the eleven official host sites for the 2026 Festival de las Almas in Jalisco. Where coastal beauty meets rich Mexican heritage, traditional altars look out over the Pacific, turning every sunset into a meaningful element of the spiritual celebration.
- Record-Breaking Giant Catrina: Situated along the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Calavera Catrina achieved official Guinness World Records honors as the tallest worldwide in both 2022 and 2023.
- A Rich Celebration of Culture: Event organizers report that the flagship November 2 parade in 2025 brought more than 35,000 residents and travelers together in El Centro (Downtown) and along the Malecon boardwalk.
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Universally honored by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Dia de Los Muertos celebration converts the main streets of El Centro and the Romantic Zone into lively, pedestrian-friendly cultural corridors throughout the event.
Schedule of Events
As the only oceanfront venue among the eleven Festival de las Almas locations, Puerto Vallarta offers an unmatched backdrop where rich heritage meets coastal beauty.
Explore the signature highlights of the official program.
Puerto Vallarta Featured Experiences* Saturday, October 31 – Monday, November 2
Itinerary day by day
Browse the complete Festival de las Almas program in Puerto Vallarta, organized day by day.
From Saturday, October 25 to Saturday, November 7
Sabores que Vuelven
Culinary Celebrations Across Puerto Vallarta. Connecting generations through shared heritage, flavors awaken timeless memories. During the festival, top-rated dining establishments throughout Puerto Vallarta, El Centro, and the Romantic Zone highlight regional Mexican cuisine, feature iconic Día de Los Muertos culinary traditions, and offer specially crafted seasonal menus.
Seasonal menus of regional Mexican cuisine
Participating restaurants · In collaboration with CANIRAC
Wednesday, October 28
Shore of Souls
Art & Heritage by the Ocean. Transforming the renowned Malecón boardwalk into a lively oceanfront cultural hub, monumental catrinas and creative displays pay homage to Mexican traditions. Visitors are invited to pause at each installation, uncover a unique story, and immerse themselves in genuine Day of the Dead customs along the Pacific shore.
Start of the Monumental Catrina Exhibition
Puerto Vallarta Malecón · Through November 3
Lining Puerto Vallarta's celebrated Malecón boardwalk, an open-air gallery showcasing 50 monumental catrina sculptures introduces vibrant art, rich folklore, and fine regional craftsmanship to the waterfront. Set along Banderas Bay, their elaborate attire, striking colors, and deep cultural motifs pay tribute to Mexican heritage while honoring loved ones who have passed. Developed in collaboration with area businesses, local organizations, and distinguished Mexican artists, every giant catrina presents a distinct narrative of Dia de Los Muertos customs, turning the coastal boardwalk into a magnificent public art walk. Both residents and international visitors are welcomed to wander along the promenade, take memorable photographs, and experience this premier cultural celebration in Puerto Vallarta's El Centro.
7:30pm
Ancestral ofrenda (altar) ceremony
La Isla Shopping Mall Amphitheater
From Friday, October 30 to Monday, November 2
Memorias entre Tumbas
At the historic 5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery, local folklore and history come alive through theatrical tours, open-air Mexican horror film screenings, and traditional oral storytelling. All events and activities are presented in Spanish only.
Film screenings, folklore, storytelling and theatrical tours
5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery
Friday, October 30
Echo of Souls
Live Performances, Music, and Folk Dance. Celebrating Mexico's vibrant living traditions, Puerto Vallarta's open-air venues host a series of captivating concerts, folk dances, and storytelling performances. A thoughtfully selected schedule of cultural and artistic gatherings awaits residents and visitors across renowned destinations, including Lázaro Cárdenas Park in the Romantic Zone, Plaza de Armas (main square), and the Los Arcos Amphitheater.
6:00pm
Grand opening of the public art gallery
Hidalgo Park
Grand opening of the public art gallery in Hidalgo Park, open through November 3.
6:30pm
Inauguration of altars and offerings with pan de muerto tastings
Plaza de Armas (Main Square), opposite City Hall
Guided tour and inauguration of altars and offerings with traditional pan de muerto (bread of the dead) tastings in Plaza de Armas square, opposite City Hall.
7:00pm
Catrina Fashion Show & Runway
Los Arcos Amphitheater
7:00pm
Live musical performance
Plaza de Armas gazebo
7:00pm
Screenings of classic Mexican horror cinema
5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery
Outdoor screenings of classic Mexican horror cinema, presented in Spanish with no subtitles.
7:30pm to 10:30pm
Day of the Dead video mapping
Malecón, opposite the Main Square
Created by Multimedia students from CUCOSTA.
8:00pm to 9:00pm
Gente Buena de Aguascalientes Folk Ballet
Los Arcos Amphitheater
Saturday, October 31
Echo of Souls
6:00pm
Live Mariachi band performance
Plaza de Armas (Main Square)
7:00pm
Live musical performance
Lázaro Cárdenas Park (Romantic Zone)
7:00pm
Day of the Dead art exhibition and kermesse
Pípila Street, opposite Art Walk Studio
7:00pm
Local Vallarta folklore and storytelling
5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery
8:00pm
Ancestral dance ceremony and altars
Pípila Street, opposite Art Walk Studio
8:00pm
Theatrical walking tour with live actors bringing legends to life
5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery
8:00pm to 9:00pm
Gente Buena de Aguascalientes Folk Ballet
Los Arcos Amphitheater
Sunday, November 1
Monumental Catrina Unveiling
7:00pm
Monumental Catrina Unveiling
El Faro Lighthouse Esplanade on the Malecón
Rising along the shores of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta's world-record Monumental Catrina stands as a guardian of local heritage and the heart of the Festival de las Almas. Harmoniously combining Mexican folklore with the city's coastal allure, this striking monument creates an extraordinary backdrop to honor Dia de Los Muertos.
7:00pm
Traditional Day of the Dead Mexican songs concert
Los Arcos Amphitheater
7:00pm
Theatrical walking tour with live actors bringing legends to life
5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery
7:30pm to 10:30pm
Day of the Dead video mapping
Historic Downtown
Created by Multimedia students from CUCOSTA.
8:00pm
Local Vallarta folklore and storytelling
5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery
All day
Unveiling of the commemorative murals and public art
5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery
Monday, November 2
The Grand Dia de Los Muertos Parade
5:30pm
Staging call for parade contingents
6:00pm
Grand Parade departure
Starts at the 5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery
An extravagant citywide celebration featuring spectacular catrinas, lively floats, dancers, and traditional attire. Sweeping from the historic 5 de Diciembre cemetery down to the Pacific coastline, this vibrant procession pays tribute to loved ones.
7:00pm
Live musical performance
Plaza de Armas gazebo
7:00pm
Live musical performance
Lázaro Cárdenas Park (Romantic Zone)
8:00pm
Grand Parade arrival
Los Muertos Beach Pier
Tuesday, November 3
Paws Remembered
A touching tribute to cherished pets. Through a pet memorial altar and a community dog walk on the Malecon boardwalk, visitors and locals honor the furry friends who hold a special place in their hearts.
6:00pm
“Little Paws from Beyond” pet walk
Starts at 31 de Octubre Street · Finishes at Los Arcos Amphitheater
7:15pm
Unveiling of the pet memorial altar
Esplanade of the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura (IVC), Cuale Island
Friday, November 6
Ballet Xiutla
Time TBD
Special Day of the Dead presentation
Lázaro Cárdenas Park Amphitheater
Saturday, November 7 & Sunday, November 8
Yolotl Atlapech Folk Dance Troupe
7:00pm
“Xantolo: The Great Celebration of the Huasteca Hidalguense” Folk Dance
Los Arcos Amphitheater
An extraordinary cultural presentation by the Yolotl Atlapech folk dance troupe, hailing from Atlapexco, Hidalgo, featuring ancestral music, traditional dance, and sacred rites dedicated to the departed.
Throughout the festival
Decorated Facades & Balconies
Across Historic Downtown and the Romantic Zone, vibrant cempasúchil (marigold) blossoms, colorful papel picado (perforated paper banners), and artisan crafts adorn balconies, doorways, and facades. Residents, boutique hotels, and local shop owners join together in a citywide artistic expression.
Citywide artistic display on facades, storefronts and balconies
Historic Downtown & Romantic Zone
Storefront windows across Puerto Vallarta's El Centro are converted into extraordinary cultural and artistic showcases. These eye-catching displays broaden the festival route, inviting visitors to wander through the lively city streets.
This program is subject to change by the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Puerto Vallarta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Festival de las Almas?
The Festival de las Almas (Festival of Souls) is Jalisco’s official state-wide Day of the Dead celebration, taking place from October 24 through November 15, 2026. Across eleven host municipalities, the event offers more than 350 free cultural activities.
When will Puerto Vallarta host the 2026 Festival de las Almas?
In Puerto Vallarta, the celebrations run from Saturday, October 31 to Monday, November 2, 2026.
Is admission free?
Yes, all official festival events are completely free to the public, as announced by the Ministry of Tourism and the Government of Jalisco.
What types of events and activities are available in Puerto Vallarta?
Visitors can enjoy over 28 free, family-friendly events, including art installations, seaside altars, live musical performances, and a spectacular cultural parade.
Where are the festival events held in Puerto Vallarta?
Activities span several popular venues, including the Malecón Boardwalk, El Centro (Historic Downtown), Los Arcos Amphitheater, Cuale Island, Los Muertos Pier, and various partner locations throughout the city.
When is the main Catrina parade scheduled?
Specific timing for the 2026 Tide of the Souls (La Marea de las Ánimas) parade will be shared shortly. For reference, the grand parade was held on November 2 in 2025.