May

• 1 - Labor Day
• The international socialist remembrance of the first of May massacre of Chicago workers in 1886 who were striking for an 8-hour day. Banks and public government offices are closed. Unions parade in the streets.
• 5 - Cinco de Mayo
• The invading French army was defeated in the state of Puebla on the 5th of May, 1862. Although the victory was short-lived, this victory has come to symbolize the eventual withdrawal of foreign interests from Mexico. Banks and public government offices closed. A big deal in parts of the USA, but not here—since 2001 it is no longer a national holiday, merely a banking one.
• 10 - Mother's Day
• If May 10 happens to fall on a weekday, people work a half-day and celebrate the rest of the day with their mothers. Mother's Day is a main event
• May to December - Sea Turtle Preservation
• A community-wide preservation program that combines protected nurseries for turtle eggs with educational projects. Turtle liberation ceremonies are held daily during the season at participating hotel beaches, and eco-tour operators host nighttime tours to research camps designed to protect the eggs, where visitors witness sea turtles laying eggs and the baby turtles

June

July

August

September

• 14 - Charro Day
• Mexican horsemen/women parade through town wearing beautifully decorated jackets, pants and sombreros on beautiful horses decked with their best equipment. Festivities continue throughout the day and evening at various charro rings, including bullfights, calf-roping, food and dancing.
• 15 - Independence Eve
• The evening starts with the lighting of the flame of independence and a parade through the center of town. Later, the central plaza is filled with revelers participating in the traditional
• 16 - Independence Day
• Marks Mexico's liberation from the Spanish in 1810. Festivities include more brilliant fireworks and a parade that winds through the center of town. Banks and public government offices closed.

October

• 12 - Columbus Day
• Columbus Day is known as

November

• 1 - All Soul's Day
• Mexicans pay homage to the souls of children who have passed on. During this festival and the larger one the following day, the dead have divine permission to visit friends and relatives on earth. Family members leave sugar skeletons, skulls and treats on altars custom-designed for the occasion. Each year City Hall offers a special altar exhibition, as does the Cultural Center on Rio Cuale Island. Restaurants, nightclubs and stores also create altars. Banks and government offices are closed.
• 2 - Day of the Dead
• Mexicans pay homage to the souls of adults who have passed on. The most colorful annual festival on the Mexican calendar. The living welcome the souls of the departed with offerings incorporating favorite foods and beverages. Families hold a graveside vigil on this night, or at least leave their favorite food and drink (usually tequila) on a special altar constructed in their home or on the tomb of their departed loved one. Bakeries are filled with sweets shaped in the symbols of death, and flowers (especially marigolds) and memorials fill the cemeteries.
• 8 to 18 - Annual Gourmet Festival
• Mexico
• 20 - Mexican Revolution Day
• The anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1917. A parade through the center of town and celebrations throughout the country of Mexico mark the day. Banks and public government offices closed.
• November to March - Whale Watching
• Whale watching

December

• 1 to 12 - Guadalupe Processions
• During these twelve days, processions lead to the downtown cathedral of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of both Puerto Vallarta and Mexico. Almost every business, hotel, restaurant, neighborhood and civic association makes a procession to the church for a special mass devoted to the Virgin. For the larger groups, these processions resemble a small parade, with folk dancing, floats, singing and even fireworks following Mass.
• 1 to 12 - Posadas
• All over Mexico, families, businesses and neighborhoods celebrate the holidays with these parties. Candlelit processions, recreating Joseph and Mary
• 5 to 9 - Vallarta Film Festival
• This film festival presents the best of independent cinema with special events and movie industry panels, bringing together a mixture of celebrities, film buffs, film students and entertainment industry professionals.
• 12 - Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe
• This day marks the miraculous appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico
• 12 - Anniversary of the founding of Puerto Vallarta
• In 1851, Don Guadalupe S
• 24 - Christmas Eve
• The main Christmas celebration is a traditional family dinner on Christmas Eve, followed by Midnight Mass.
• 25 - Christmas Day
• A quiet religious celebration and national holiday. Banks and public government offices closed.
• 28 - Holy Innocents Day
• This day commemorates the child massacre perpetrated by King Herod on learning of the birth of Jesus. These deaths of innocents are nowadays represented by people playing tricks on their friends, family and colleagues, like on our April Fool
• 31 - New Years Eve
• Vibrant fiestas throughout Puerto Vallarta at hotels, nightclubs and homes. Special dinners are served. Traditionally, 12 grapes are eaten at midnight, with a wish made before eating each one.

January

• 1 - New Year's Day
• Mexico brings in the New Year with celebrations featuring music, dance, food and fireworks. Banks and public government offices are closed. This is the most relaxed holiday, taking it easy from the night before.
• 6 - Three Kings' Day
• The traditional gift-giving day when children receive toys and gifts in honor of the Three Kings

February

• 2 - Candlemas Day
• Marks the end of the Christmas season, and is celebrated with candlelit processions and dancing. Families and friends gather together to enjoy tamales and atole (a hot, sweet drink thickened with corn flour).
• 3 to 8 - Carnival
• Celebrations begin five days before Ash Wednesday and are marked by parades, parties and dancing in the streets. Resembles Fat Tuesday in the U.S.
• 5 - Constitution Day
• This day commemorates the signing of Mexico's third Constitution on the 5th of February 1917, which continues to be the basis of the Mexican legal system. Parade; banks and public government offices closed.
• 14 - Friendship Day
• In Mexico, both love and friendship are celebrated on February 14. Special menus presented in fine restaurants and live music in nightclubs.
• 24 - Flag Day
• On this day in 1821, the Iguala Plan was signed and Mexico officially became an independent country, thus ending the War of Independence. The military, citizens and officials parade in green, white and red to show their patriotism.

March

• 20 to 27 - Holy Week
• Beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Sunday, the week's religious celebrations include reenactments of the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion.
• 21 - Benito Juarez Day
• This day marks the birthday of Benito Juárez García, Mexico's most important leader. A Zapotec born in Oaxaca in 1806, he overcame prejudice and other obstacles to become president in 1857, and was known as "The Lincoln of Mexico." Also the First Day of Spring and the beginning of the spring break season.

April

• April to May - Senior Moments
• Senior travelers are offered a special welcome to Puerto Vallarta during these spring months. Hotels offer special rates and value packages, and the town puts together an extensive calendar of activities, events and excursions just for seniors. In addition, many shops and restaurants offer discounts for over-60 travelers enjoying springtime in Vallarta.