Stunning Punta Mita, Mexico, provides the perfect tropical vacation all year around thanks to the fabulous weather, the ultra-luxury accommodations and the many fun and exciting activities, but there’s a very special reason that may make you want to plan a visit for late October through early November. The Day of the Dead is celebrated each year at this time, and it’s an extremely festive occasion despite the rather dismal name.
About the Day of the Dead
If you’re not from Mexico, then you may think that this holiday is just like Halloween in America or some depressing ritual that is only observed by the natives, but that’s all completely off base. The Day of the Dead is all about celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed on, and this is done in true style with incredible festivals all over the country. Festival enthusiasts from all around the world turn up in Mexico each year at this time just for the opportunity to participate in this popular event.
A Bit of History
Traditionally, the Day of the Dead has been celebrated each Nov. 1-2. The first day is dedicated to remembering children, and the second day is reserved for honoring adults. Mexico’s early people believed that death was nothing more than a passage to a new life, so they created a festive holiday to celebrate all of the things that their loved ones enjoyed during their lives rather than mourning for them with great sadness.
Enjoy the Celebrations
You’ll find varying degrees of celebrations and festivities going on in Punta Mita and the surrounding areas on both Nov. 1 and 2. These are just a few of the events that you’ll not want to miss.
Punta Mita
Many small and larger celebrations will be found throughout Punta Mita on both days. You’re welcome to join the locals for some excellent live music and dancing in the streets each night, and a wonderful variety of authentic Mexican cuisine and tropical drinks will be offered by local restaurants and street vendors. As you walk through the village, you’ll see many altars that are elaborately decorated with beautiful flowers and other bright and colorful decorations. Altars left for the children will also be covered in toys and candy treats, and it’s normal to see such things as cigarettes and shots of tequila left on the altars for the adults.
Candy makers will offer vanilla and chocolate sugar skulls that are carefully crafted by hand for this special occasion. It may sound awful, but these handmade treats are delicious, and this is the only time of the year that you can enjoy them. A large fireworks display is usually held at sunset on the last night, and you should be able to see it from the beach down on Banderas Bay.
Puerto Vallarta
While most of the festivities in the area will be held only on Nov. 1-2, Puerto Vallarta goes all out to celebrate the Day of the Dead to the fullest. To make time for everything that the city has planned, activities and events will actually begin on Friday, Oct. 28, and continue through Wednesday, Nov. 2. These are just a few of the highlights that you can expect from this six-day extravaganza, and each will be held in various well-marked areas of the city:
- Friday, Oct. 28: Events will begin at 5:30 p.m. with welcome cocktails that are followed by an art walk.
- Saturday, Oct. 29: Highlights will include a film festival, and several area restaurants will be offering special dinners.
- Sunday, Oct. 30: You can expect to see the beautiful flower-carpet exhibit, watch the boat parade in honor of deceased captains and take part in the beer fest.
- Monday, Oct. 31: Children will enjoy watching the giant puppet parade and having their faces painted during the day, and a music and beer festival will be held in the evening.
- Tuesday, Nov. 1: A religious mass will be held in the morning, and this will be followed by a party in the park. The evening will bring a continuation of the music and beer fest.
- Wednesday, Nov. 2: A parade will be held in the morning, and the festival will come to an end with an impressive display of fireworks at sunset.
Make Your Festival Plans Today
However you choose to enjoy the Day of the Dead festivities, we have the perfect luxury villa for you here at Exceptional Stays. If you’d like a personal driver to be available to take you to the best places to celebrate, then let us know when you make your reservations, and we’ll be sure to have everything arranged for you upon your arrival.
