Puerto Vallarta celebrates Day of the Dead with festivals and art

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is hosting extensive celebrations for the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) from late October through early November 2026. The festivities include the Festival de las Almas (Festival of Souls), which features an open-air exhibition of 50 monumental Catrinas along the Malecón waterfront.

In downtown, the Art Walk Studio Gallery will host a three-day event from October 31 to November 2, featuring 16 visual artists who will pair original works with traditional altars. The gallery is also contributing a nearly four-meter-tall Catrina made from corn and corn husks to the citywide display.

Additional cultural activities include food stalls serving traditional cuisine such as pan de muerto and tamales, alongside live performances of mariachi, marimba, and folkloric ballet. The celebrations involve various community members, including local businesses, hotels, and educational institutions, through the construction of altars throughout the area.