Visiting Puerto Vallarta during one of Mexico’s most iconic celebrations: Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, was a long-time dream of mine. When I thought about visiting, I wanted to be respectful of local traditions while experiencing the holiday culture. And sure, a bit of a beach vacation was also something I was hoping for.
A number of Puerto Vallarta hotels introduce guests to the traditions and flavors of Dia de los Muertos. Velas Vallarta, where I stayed for my Day of the Dead trip, gave me the opportunity to both dive deep into these local traditions and enjoy its signature all-inclusive experience and friendly service, a blend perfect for adventure and relaxation.
Day of the Dead in Velas Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta
The Christmas festivities in Velas Vallarta kicked off with a colorful and artistic event right on the lawn: painting sugar skulls. These intricately designed skulls, or “calaveras,” are a key symbol of Day of the Dead, representing deceased loved ones. Painting sugar skulls is a way of embracing death with humor and color, reflecting the belief that the dead are still part of the community. As I painted the vibrant colors and patterns, I couldn’t help but feel connected to this rich cultural ritual. Plus, it was the perfect opportunity to embrace my inner artist.
The main event of my trip was the Day of the Dead celebrations in Puerto Vallarta. The hotel grounds were alive with colorful altars (ofrendas) decorated with flowers, candles and photos of loved ones. One of the most captivating experiences was listening to hotel staff share stories about Catrinas and their various origins. Each Catrina represented more than a beautiful skeletal figure: she embodied stories of resilience, humor and the mixture of life and death.
Beyond the holidays: culture and gastronomy
Throughout the year, Velas highlights Mexican traditions and cuisine. I got a taste of it with a late afternoon snack of fresh guacamole prepared by the hotel chef right in front of me. Velas Vallarta’s all-inclusive dinner was like a sunrise-to-sunset gourmet feast, filled with everything from seafood dishes to traditional Mexican dishes. I particularly enjoyed enjoying a candlelit dinner on the beach followed by a performance by an all-female mariachi.
I also had the chance to participate in a street taco tasting in Puerto Vallarta with Vallarta Food Tours, where I was able to taste some of the best street tacos I have ever eaten. Each stop introduced a new take on the classic dish, whether it was succulent carne asada, marinated al pastor, or fresh ocean fish tacos. The bustling markets and friendly locals made the visit a culinary adventure, and each taco seemed better than the last.
And about that relaxation…
Amidst all the adventure and celebration, I made sure to take time to relax. The resort pool was the perfect escape for lazy afternoons. Lounging under the shade of a palm tree, sipping a margarita, and taking a dip in the cool waters was the ultimate way to relax.
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