Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta
Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta
Our first Day of the Dead experience in Puerto Vallarta was long before 2008, when UNESCO recognized the holiday on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, those traditions that are passed down from generations. Día de los Muertos is an occasion of the reaffirmation of indigenous life and is celebrated by all Mexicans, regardless of religious or ethnic or origins. You will be fascinated by the ofrendas, magical altars covered in marigolds, emanating with their rich earthy scent, multitudes of candles, and intriguing offerings to the dead.
While we walk along, admiring the ofrendas, moving from one display to another, most of us miss the meaning of this important day for the locals of Puerto Vallarta. The entire purpose of the Day of the Dead is about honoring those who have passed beyond this world and in doing do, asking their guidance for when it’s time for us to follow such a pathway. Ofrendas are found in various plazas, in private homes, on doorsteps, and in the cemeteries. The expectation is that loved ones will pop in for a visit and to lure them, friends and family place photographs of those who are gone, plus items they loved when they inhabited this world. It’s not unusual to find cigars, a pack of cigarettes, a favored lighter and matches, shot glasses with tequila, bottles of alcohol and cans of beer or soft drinks. Books, letters written in this realm, candy, food, perhaps a piece of clothing they wore. Chocolate, a cup of tea or coffee, fruit, tamales, lipstick, a pipe, jewelry; an unfinished crocheting project, embroidery scissors, thimbles, a pack of cards, dice, dominoes, musical instruments. It’s sad to see toys, well loved dolls, small trucks and cars, but we must remember the whole purpose is joy. Candles are everywhere, to help light the way back from the land of the dead to that of the living for this one night of the year.
Recently in Puerto Vallarta, people have taken to having La Catrina painted on their faces. The Catrina, a symbol of death itself, is a reminder that no matter who you are, how much money or social status you have, we all end up dead; the great equalizer. You can paint your own face (there are great tutorials on youtube) or pay a small fee to have someone with talent do it for you. It’s fun and a safer way to costume yourself than wearing a mask and a welcomed new tradition in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.
You won’t want to miss the procession along the malecón, a presentation of creative costumes, mariachi bands and minstrels, dancers, riders on horseback and decorated cars, marching down the street and winding in and out of revelers.
The Day of the Dead grows every year in Puerto Vallarta to expand on the traditions and invite more celebrants!
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