Día de los Muertos

Mexico's Day of the Dead — colourful, moving, and very much alive in Puerto Vallarta.

By Sam Med · 1–2 November · Last updated September 2026

Day of the Dead ofrenda with candles and marigolds — A Day of the Dead ofrenda, Mexico. Photo: Luisroj96, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Día de los Muertos, on 1–2 November, is one of Mexico's most important traditions — a warm, colourful remembrance of those who've died, not a sombre one. Puerto Vallarta marks it across the city, and it's one of the most rewarding times to visit culturally.

What you'll see

The ofrenda (altar) is the heart of it: photographs of the dead, marigolds (cempasúchil) whose scent is said to guide them, candles, water, pan de muerto and the food and drink the person liked in life. It is a welcome, not a mourning. The Catrina — the elegant skeleton in a large hat — is a satirical figure, a reminder that death comes for the wealthy too. Catrina parades feature elegantly costumed and face-painted figures of the iconic skeleton lady.

Where to see it

The Malecón — the main concentration of altars, sand tapestries and art, and Catrina figures, busiest in the evening.
Plaza de Armas and downtown — public ofrendas, processions and music around the main square.
The cemeteries — where the observance is genuinely private and family-centred. Visitors are generally welcome but this is not a spectacle; go quietly or not at all.
Isla Cuale and Old Town — smaller altars outside businesses and homes, often the most personal, and processions and music in Old Town.

Experiencing it respectfully

It's a genuine cultural and family occasion, not a costume party, and not Halloween either: they are different occasions with different meanings, two days apart. Enjoy it and join the public events — but treat altars and observances with respect.

Public displays are made to be seen and photographed. Private family observances in cemeteries are not.
Ask before photographing people, as anywhere.
Face painting stalls are everywhere and taking part is welcomed, not appropriation — this is a public celebration.

Timing your trip

Early November is one of the better weeks to visit: the dry season has begun and the weather is excellent. It's the start of high season, but before the Christmas rush — prices haven't yet climbed to the Christmas peak. The city is busier than usual but nothing like Semana Santa.