Boys on Fire – The Best Of! Oct 15 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
LOTS OF GREAT SHOWS THIS MONTH
AT COCO CABARET!!
These are just a few of the highlights for October.
Celebrating 5 years!! of being one of the hottest shows in Puerto Vallarta the Boys on Fire are back in fine form.
Sebastian Coronel has once again brought together some of the sexiest men in Puerto Vallarta by combining the best of the best to celebrate this milestone . This fast paced sexy production has become a Vallarta not to be missed annual event .
WOW WOW WOW!!
Act2PV just announced the upcoming season of shows!
Brace Yourself—Act2PV Is Back and Bigger Than Ever!
The stage is alive, the lights are sparkling, and the magic of live performance is back at Act2PV! From jaw-dropping tributes to legendary icons, to cabaret, comedy, drag, sizzling musicals, and theatrical extravaganzas—you won’t just watch the shows, you’ll experience them. And that’s not all… MORE MUSICALS, MORE LAUGHS, and MORE SHOWS are being added every single day! This season is pure, unmissable magic—get ready for unforgettable nights, spectacular talent, and memories that will make you cheer long after the curtain falls!
NOVEMBER OPENINGS:
3 The American Songbook – featuring influential American popular songs and jazz standards performed by one of Vallarta’s premier vocalists, Luis Villanueva
4 The Michael JacksonProject – A tribute to Michael Jackson starring Montse & the Mad Collective Band
6 David Maiocco’s PIANO BAR & OPEN MIC
11 Legends in the Steam– a tribute to Bette Midler and Barry Manilow and the Continental Baths, starring Cate Valcic and David Maiocco
15 The Cher Show – a very popular tribute to Cher, featuring Gabriela Heart and her incredible dancers
18 Etienne Pilon PIANO BAR – The charming and talented Canadian entertainer, Etienne Pilon, returns to Act2PV for his popular Tuesday night piano bar!
19 Circoncierto – Comedy meets music, mime and magic, starring Vallarta’s favorite clowns, Ale Matus & Dabit Azofeifa. Show perfect for all ages!
20 Pop Goes the Musical– an original musical written by John Sheppard (MacGuyver fame), featuring Gabriela Heart, Vizente Canas, Mitchell Rivadeneyra, Christian Manly & Amy Armstrong. Not to be missed!
23 Rock-a-Pulco – a high-energy, bilingual 1980s poolside party show starring Gaby Heart and Alberto Ponce, packed with hit songs, audience interaction, and is perfect for celebrations.
24 Best of Broadway – one of Act2PV’s most beloved shows, featuring music from over 35 Broadway musicals! 4-part harmonies, beautiful choreography, and lots of memories! Now in its sixth year!!
26 Happy Days – Oldies but Goodies, by Noemi Plascencia
DECEMBER OPENINGS:
5 Aretha Franklin Tribute – featuring the greatest hits of the Queen of Soul, performed by Freddy Otello, known for his vocal performances of Divas, Soul, R&B, Latin, and Opera music
6 Christmas Show – beloved Christmas melodies featuring pianist, Bob Bruneau, and Voice of Vallarta winner, Sol Rose
11 Sarah Joy to the World– Cherished Christmas carols performed by Vallarta’s favorite soprano, Sarah Joy
13 Sharon’s Showstopper Birthday Piano Bar: Sequins Optional, Fun Mandatory – a special birthday celebration or Sharon Gerber, one of Act2PV’s most beloved supporters
17 Liberace Christmas– Liberace tribute artist, David Maiocco performs his annual Christmas show and dazzles as Liberace, bringing sparkling capes, festive favorites, and heartwarming holiday cheer to the stage.
21 A Country Christmas – Saddle up for a honky-tonk holiday — where Christmas gets a little rowdy, a little naughty, and a whole lot of country fun with Vallarta’s favorite cowgirl, Bobbi Goddard
26 Kinsey Sicks –America’s favorite Dragapella Quartet returns to Act2PV with their signature parodies, political jokes and exquisite 4-part harmonies
27 Double Standards– A world-class trio—pianist Michael Ferreri with vocalists John Carden and Tony Oakley—direct from New York City – bring their beautiful cabaret artistry with contemporary musical theatre in an unforgettable showcase.
JANUARY OPENINGS:
3 Mark Hartman’s PIANOB AR – the place to be on Saturday nights in Vallarta!
5 Canadian Steam– a Male Revue Parody where sexy lumberjacks to syrup-slinging, moose-riding shenanigans prove that Canada is just as steamy—and hilarious—as anywhere else.
6 Canadian Divas – Canada’s sweetest export, Bobbi Goddard, celebrates Canada’s favorite female artists and brings her powerhouse pipes, quick wit, and a few jokes your grandma probably shouldn’t hear to Canadian Divas.
9 Legends of the 50s &60s – Due to popular demand, one of Vallarta’s favorite performers, Paul Fracassi, returns to Act2PV, with his hit show!
11 Judy Garland &Liberace – an over-the-top night of piano pyrotechnics and powerhouse vocals as David Maiocco and Laura Roth channel the dazzling brilliance of Liberace and Judy Garland in a tribute spectacular you’ll never forget!
15 Laura Roth – One Woman Variety Show – a night of dazzling music, hilarious comedy, and unforgettable diva magic!
17 The Gabest Show on Earth- Gabe Arciniega sings, he dances, he spills the tea… Gabe is back for one night , and you won’t want to miss it!
19 XanaDuo – tribute to Olivia Newton John and Electric Light Orchestra with re-imagined versions of the songs from Xanadu, Olivia and ELO hits, performed by David Maiocco and Cate Valcic.
19 Summer Orlando – Glitter, glamour, and gag-worthy drag—fierce, fabulous, and unforgettable!
24 Peggy’s Back -From smooth jazz to sly humor, Chuck Sweeney’s tribute to Peggy Lee will have you tapping your toes all night!
FEBRUARY OPENINGS:
1 The Deal Goes On– A down-home, heartwarming tribute to Kenny Rogers—Tim Sells brings the hits, the charm, and the fun!
2 LaRue’s Follies– Kim LaRue’s annual show-stopping dance extravaganza with lots of surprise guests in store!
3 Tammie Brown -The wonderfully weird and wildly fabulous drag diva, Tammie Brown, brings her quirky songs and outlandish storytelling back to Act2PV in a show only she could create!
3 Casta Diva – Sarah Joy dazzles with a blend of operatic arias and beloved show-stopping favorites in Casta Diva.
5 Sammy Davis Jr Tribute– Sol Rose performs Sammy Davis, Jr.’s most famous hits and brings Rat Pack flair to life with dazzling vocals and Bob Bruneau on swinging piano.
11 Simply Barbra – Steven Brinberg returns to Act2PV as the premier Barbra Streisand impressionist, performing his incredible show, Simply Barbra, to international acclaim.
15 Frenchie Davis – Powerhouse vocalist (American Idol, The Voice, Broadway’s Rent) brings her electrifying blend of soul, pop, and dance to the stage.
17 Elton John Tribute –Bennie & the Rest – Jason Ostrowski brings Broadway flair and piano virtuosity to Bernie & the Rest, celebrating the legendary Elton John & Bernie Taupin with a sing-along-able spectacle of timeless hits.
22 Here’s to the Ladies –Vallarta favorite Robert Ryan performs his heartwarming show, singing songs honoring women – with the incredible Michael Ferreri on the piano
MARCH OPENINGS:
1 Joan Houston / Bob Bruneau – These two buddies are back for two fun-filled nights of golden hits, cheeky surprises, and laughter that’ll leave you smiling long after the final note.
6 Gray Pride – Through a mix of witty and heartfelt songs and stories, Norman Lassiter takes you on a deeply personal journey as an older, out, and proud gay man, also featuring longtime collaborator, Chris Marlowe, on the piano
8 La Cucaracha –a sharp, hilarious, and dangerously timely new stage play. This play comes swinging with humor, heart, and heat. (English language) Directed by Alfonso Lopez, this is sure to pay a winner!
17 Liberace – St Paddy’s Day Show – A shamrock-sparkling St. Patrick’s Day with one of America’s Top 10 Piano Men, Puerto Vallarta’s own David Maiocco as the dazzling Liberace!
THIS IS THE INITIAL LINE UP – MORE SHOWS WILL BE ADDED!
This isn’t~ just a show—it’s a portal into another dimension.
Visual Arts: A 360° Stage Experience is a truly unique show taking place in the Casa Karma Red Room on Saturday, August 16 at 8:00 PM. The audience will be surrounded with light, sound, and movement in a one-of-a-kind performance that erases the line between reality and imagination. The audience doesn’t just watch… they feel, see, and journey through a dreamlike world brought to life by a cast of visionary artists.
At the center is Surfhula (Adán Carano), a hypnotic hula hoop performer whose every spin radiates energy and emotion. Joining him are some of Vallarta’s favorite entertainers, Mitchell (Riva Rave) and Patriz, delivering powerful vocals and theatrical presence, along with two incredible circus artists Estaban and Javier, who defy gravity and expectations.
This 360° experience fuses movement, projection, and sound into a fully enveloping performance that awakens the senses and invites the audience into something truly new and unique.
This unforgettable evening also serves a purpose—it will raise funds to help Surfhula represent Mexico at the Queen Classic Surf Festival in Biarritz, France this September, while shining a spotlight on queer creativity and performance in Puerto Vallarta.
Get your tickets today! Presale – $400 MXN / Day of Show – $500 MXN
Get Ready for the Most Thrilling Season Ever at Act2PV!
This season is shaping up to be our best one yet, and we can’t wait to share it with you! From Broadway stars and Grammy winners to Tony Award recipients, international drag sensations, and Puerto Vallarta’s most spectacular shows, we’ve got something for everyone! Whether you’re into Broadway musicals or crave unforgettable cabaret performances, you’ll be amazed by our lineup. Don’t miss out—check out our full schedule now below!
Exciting News! Discounted Show Packages
We’ve already lowered our ticket prices from last season, and it gets even better! You can purchase a 10-, 20-, or 30-show package by October 16 and get an extra 20% off! The best part? You don’t need to choose your shows now—lock in your discount and pick your shows later. Plus, we’ll be adding brand-new performances throughout the season!
How to Order Your Show Package!
It’s simple! Purchase your package right here or at https://act2pv.com/season-packages.)
If you’re undecided on which shows to choose, just reach out to cate@act2pv.com to reserve your seats. She’ll take care of everything, keeping track of how many shows you’ve got left in your package!
⏰Don’t Wait!
This season is going to be unforgettable! Grab your show package by October 16 to save 20%. You won’t want to miss a minute of the magic!
To see descriptions on many of these shows, click on the name of the show below, or go to www.act2pv.com.
Shows with an * are NOT included in these discount packages.
Join us for the GRAND OPENING/COSTUME PARTY on October 31, featuring the popular *GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!
RENEE ARMAND – the voice behind “The Morning After” – Nov 3 – 7PM
THE VAUDE-VILLAINS – featuring Cate Valcic and David Maiocco – November 6 – 8:00 pm – (Weekly on Wednesdays)
*FIESTA DE CABARET – (A week-long conference attended by international celebrities, with concerts each evening.) November 8-16 (Separate package available)
BEST OF BROADWAY – Broadway musical revue in its 6th year! November 11 – 5:30 pm – (Weekly on Mondays)
FOLLIES – A dance concert featuring Nicolas King, Seth Sikes and Gouda Gabor – November 17 & 24, – 7:00 PM
LADY ZEN IN CONCERT – Vallarta favorite singer, Lady Zen, in concert – November 19 & 20 – 7:00 PM
THE NEW BELTERS SING MGM, starring Nicolas King and Seth Sikes, straight fro NYC’s 54 Below – Nov 21 – 7pm; Nov 23 – 5pm; Dec 4 & 8 – 7PM
*BIANCA MARROQUIN – “From Mexico to Broadway and Back” – Broadway star, currently starring in Broadway’s Chicago – Nov 22 – 23 – 7:00 PM
GLORIA UNPLUGGED, featuring Gloria Fiona in concert – Nov 25 – weekly
GOLDEN ROCK CLASSICS, featuring UsTwo’s Noemi Plascencia performing classic rock songs – Nov 27 – weekly
BODY AND SOUL, featuring Fantasia Royale Gaga – first Black trans woman to win a reality TV competition on Hot Haus – Dec 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13 – 9:30PM
CIRCONCIERTO, featuring Ale Matus and Dabit Azofeifa – comedy, acrobatics, mime and music – Dec 3 – 5PM (Weekly on Wednesdays)
*LORENA PERIL – Las Vegas Headliner – Vallarta’s favorite entertainer! Dec 3, 5, 7 – 7:00PM
LADY ZEN HOLIDAY SHOW – Singer/songwriter shares her favorite Xmas music – Dec 10 – 7PM
LOVE BEYOND BORDERS – A concert raising awareness of the plight of LGBTQ+ refugees around the world, produced by activist, Michael Falla – Dec 13 – 7PM
LIBERACE CHRISTMAS, starring David Maiocco – a holiday celebration of Christmas music by Liberace tribute artist – December 18 – 7:00 PM
ALEXIS MATEO – RuPaul Royalty returns to Act2PV by popular demand! Dec 20 – 23, 26, 28, – 9:30PM
CHRISTMAS MORNINGS, starring Brent Barrett – featuring music from his Christmas album – Dec 23, 7PM
ISLANDS IN THE STREAM, starring Brent Barrett & Bernie Blanks – a night of laughter, love, and over-the-top performances – Jan 3, Jan 5, Jan7, Jan 9 – 7PM.
SATURNALIA, starring Ale Matus & Dabit Azofeifa – a titillatiing, sensual perforance, combining music, acrobatics, and sheer passion – Jan 3, Jan 17, Jan 31, Feb 14, Feb 28, March 14, 28, April 11 – 5PM
A NIGHT OF JAZZ, featuring Delilah Beaucoup and the Monarch Jazz Quartet – a jazz show inspired by Pink Martini – Jan 6 – March 10 – 5PM
*LORNA LUFT – Broadway Star (and sister of Liza Minelli) – an unforgettable evening of music, stories, and nostalgia Jan 10 – 11, 7PM
KAREN MASON – Broadway singer/songwriter and actor – Jan 12, Jan 16, Jan 18 – 7PM
THE PLATTERS: YESTERDAY AND TODAY, featuring Keith Tynes – Original member of The Platters – January 19 – 5:00 weekly through 3/16
KILLING ME SOFTLY: The 70s starring Natalie Douglas – Thirteen-time MAC, two-time Bistro, & NYC Nightlife Award winner – Jan 23, 25, 27 – 7PM
NOCTURNAL OMISSIONS, featuring Jonah Wheeler & John Coons – a night full of bawdy humor, sharp looks, and musical surprises – Jan 31, Feb 4, 7, 11, 14,18, 21, 25, 28 – 7PM
ROSE LEVINE – live-singing drag queen and Fire Island icon celebrates her 69th year in “the biz!” Feb 3 – 7PM, Feb 5 – 5PM
JEFF HARNAR SINGS COLE PORTER – multiple BroadwayWorld, MAC, and Bistro Awards – Feb 6 – 7PM, Feb 8 – 5PM, Feb 10 – 7PM
TO ADELE: A TRIBUTE,” featuring Gloria Fiona – an Adele tribute featuring live music – Feb 14 & 28, March 7 & 14
THE DOZEN DIVAS SHOW, featuring Broadway star, Dorothy Bishop – brings twelve (or so) of your favorite divas back to life again
Feb 17, 20, 24, 27 – 9:30PM
BECAUSE I CAN – Dawn Derow Sings it All – three-time MAC Award-winning cabaret artist, Opera to jazz, Broadway to pop – Feb 20 – 7PM, Feb 22 – 5PM, Feb 24 – 7PM
THE SHADOW OF HER SMILE, starring Ann Talman – 2023 MAC Award for Best Female Debut and the 2023 Bistro Award for Outstanding Musical Memo, this is the story of her longtime friendship with Elizabeth Taylor – Feb 27 – 7PM, Mar 1 – 5PM, Mar 3 – 7PM
DEEP INSIDE TONIGHT starring The Kinsey Sicks – outrageous humor, over-the-top drag, and jaw-dropping four-part a cappella harmonies – March 4 & 7 – 7PM; Mar 11 – 5PM; Mar 14 – 9:30PM; Mar 21, 25, 28 at 7PM
SIMPLY BARBRA, starring Steven Brinberg – his ability to replicate Streisand’s distinctive style has earned him critical acclaim, including the prestigious MAC and Bistro Awards and much ore – Mar 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 22 – 7PM
KAHN ARTIST: MADELINE AND ME, starring Eden Casteel – coloratura soprano who won a 2024 MAC Award for Best Comedy/Novelty Song- March 27 – 7PM, Mar 29 – 5PM, March 31 – 7PM
A LOT OF LIVIN’ TO DO, starring Marieann Meringolo – what might result “if k.d. lang’s DNA were whipped together with Barbra Streisand’s!” MAC & Bistro Awards – March 20 & 22
YOU FASCINATE ME SO, starring Phillip Officer – tribute to Mabel Mercer – MAC, Bistro, and NY NightLife Awards – April 3 – 7PM, Apr 5 – 5PM, Apr 7 – 7PM
MAMMA MIA! – Opening Date TBA
ROCKY HORROR – Opening Date TBA
(Remember, shows with an * are NOT included in these discount packages.)
If you have questions, please contact cate@act2pv.com.
Thinking about buying a property in Puerto Vallarta – but have questions??
THIS IS FOR YOU!
February 14 – Friendship Day (Día de Amistad – Valentine’s Day); in Mexico, is not just for lovers, but friendship, as well, and is celebrated on February 14. Special menus in most the local restaurants and live music to dance in different latino ambience night clubs. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to reserve in advance if you don’t want to wait for hours for a table and get into a fight with your fiancee :-).
Everything about Puerto Vallarta lends itself to romance: The blue water and green mountains, the cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, the brilliant colors and music. So planning a romantic Valentine’s Day in Vallarta is amazingly simple.
Galleria Dante Presents
Juan Carlos Navarro
Friday Jan. 27 2017, 6-10pm
Come meet this exciting artist!
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The Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus (PVGMC), directed by Alfonso López, presents its annual holiday musical celebration at 8 PM on December 15 and 16 and at 4 PM and 8 PM on December 17 at Act II Stages
The PVGMC develops and shares the vocal skills of gay men from Mexico, the United States, Canada and around the world. They perform choral music that entertains, enlightens and unifies the audience, as well as its members, while building bridges of greater understanding, acceptance and love between communities, cultures, families, and friends. They are warmly embraced by the local Mexican and Ex-Pat communities, as well as tourists of both cultures.
This time of year brings back recollection of some of the most memorable times spent with family and friends. Buy your ticket today online at http://actiientertainment.com/
Everything about Puerto Vallarta lends itself to romance: The blue water and green mountains, the cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, the brilliant colors and music. So planning a romantic Valentine’s Day in Vallarta is amazingly simple.
February 14 – Friendship Day (Día de Amistad – Valentine’s Day); in Mexico, not just love, but friendship, as well, is celebrated on February 14.
For great gifts for your special someone visit Xocodiva Artisan Chocolates in the Romantic Zone for sinfully delicious handmade treats, Jabonarte on Lazaro Cardenas for seductive massage and bath oils or Diamonds International for jewelry on the Puerto Vallarta Malecon.
Couple’s massages and spa treatments are another great way to enjoy Valentine’s Day in Puerto Vallarta with your sweetheart. Ohtli Spa at CasaMagna Marriott is certain to spark the romance.
Most of the restaurants in Puerto Vallarta will be offering special dinners for two for Valentine’s Day and some of the more famously romantic spots include: The River Café, Trio, Le Kliff, Porto Bello, Café des Artistes, No Way Jose, Barcelona Tapas, Michel, and The Swedes. You need to reserve in advance if you don’t want to wait for ages!
And of course, no romantic evening in Puerto Vallarta is complete without a stroll along the Malecon watching the sunset and the fireworks lighting up the sky over Banderas Bay.
The beautiful heart artwork in the photo is just one of the amazing Retablo’s Crafted by the world-famous Peruvian artists the Jiménez Quispe family. For them, the making of retablo art is a family tradition. The third and fourth generations of this family, with are world-renowned artists with pieces in dozens of museums including the Smithsonian, Folk Art Museums in Sante Fe and San Francisco and many others. This family is originally from Ayacucho, high in the mountains. Both Colecktika and Peyote People carry these and other amazing pieces of affordable art!
¡Come and join us celebrate the Day of the dead Festival at Puerto Vallarta!
From October 28 to November 2 in Puerto Vallarta celebrates the most representative tradition of Mexico and has prepared a series of activities for you to learn more about this unique celebration which will be held in different venues around the city.
Enjoy a delicious Pan de Muerto while walking through art galleries and get to see the traditional altars and flower carpets.
Find below the program:
Wednesday October 28th
5:30pm – Venue : OPC – Art Galleries Tour and welcome cocktail
Venue: Art Walk – Tour no guiado de galerías de arte
Venue: Café Des Artistes y OPC -Live music, flower carpets, murals and visitors guide distribution.
Thursday October 29th
5:00pm – Venue: Del Refugio Church – Introducing the Camerata Orchestra School of Puerto Vallarta
6:00pm – Conference “The History of Death in Ancient Mexico”, Los Muertos film festival presents “Macario”
7:00pm – Special menus at restaurants
9:30pm – Visitors guide distribution
Friday October 30th
9:30am – Venue: Different spots across the city
Flower, sawdust and sand carpet exhibit.
10:00am .-Venue: Lázaro Cárdenas Square – Interactive Altar Openning
Altar tour Downtown Vallarta
Altar tour Downtown Malecón
Restaurant altar tour
Decorated boats in honor of deceased captains
7:00pm – Venue: 5 de Diciembre Cementery- Music and Beer Festival
Saturday October 31st
10:00am – Venue: Cuale Island – Paint your Calaverita
12:00pm -Screening “La Leyenda de la Nahuala”
4:00pm – Face painting for récord Guinness
5:30pm – Venue: 5 de Diciembre Cementery -Catrinas and giant puppets parade
6:30pm – Venue: Hidalgo Park – Mixcoatl folkloric ballet from Aguascalientes
7:00pm – Venue: Muelle Street – Silence walk ” Catrinas y Catrines”
Music and Beer Festival
11:00pm – “Catrinas” Post party – Prizes for the best costumes
Sunday November 1st
10:00am – Venue: 5 de Diciembr Cementery – Religious ceremony
4:00pm – Venue: Lázaro Cárdenas Square- Little angels party, Pan de muerto exhibit and gathering
7:00pm – Xiutla folkloric ballet exhibit
Music and Beer Festival on Muelle Street
8:00pm – Screening “El libro de la vida”
Monday November 2nd
11:00am – Venue: Armas Square – Exhibit “Las Catrinas de Lupe” by Karla Moreno Producciones
11:30am – Venue: 5 de Diciembre Cementery – Parade “La Caravana de la Muerte”
7:00pm – Venue: Local Market – Gathering “Una noche de muertos en Puerto Vallarta”
7:30pm – Xiutla folkloric ballet exhibit ” Día de Muertos Special”
9:30pm – Catrinas contest award ceremony
10:00pm – Festival Closure
11:00pm – Fireworks
Most people who are not from Mexico, think the Day of the Dead is a day full of sadness, freight, and other horrible feelings. It is not; Day of the Dead is a beautiful ritual that is performed happily and lovingly, to remember all the loved relatives and friends that are no longer with us, through festivals and lively celebrations. Assured that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness, Day of the Dead celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. On Day of the Dead, the dead are also a part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones.
Although Day of the Dead is usually a private holiday celebrated among family members, for example, Cemetery in the 5th of December Colonia is the site of traditional Day of the Dead observance for private celebrations, it is also a celebration of the whole town, and therefore Asociación Vallarta Centro prepares an Annual Día de Los Muertos Festival, a celebration that promises to be magnificent. This celebration includes the display of conventional altars and Catrinas, pan de muerto tastings (a sweetened soft bread, often decorated with bone-like pieces, that’s traditionally baked during the days leading up to El Día de los Muertos), and other traditional Day of the Dead activities. It also includes folklore dancing dedicated to the dead, a parade, singing, dancing, Mariachi music, and a firework display. All in all, besides enjoying the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta, it’s beach, sun, water activities, and tourist attractions, you will also be able to enjoy its cultural side through the famous Day of the Dead, one of the most important celebrations in the whole of Mexico.
OCTOBER 31 :: The souls of those that were killed or died of unnatural causes are remembered.
NOVEMBER 1 :: The souls of the children are honored with special designs in the altars, using the color white on flowers and candles
NOVEMBER 2 :: The souls of the adults are remembered. Schools and some offices and businesses are closed in Puerto Vallarta.
These are the days when art, religion, life, death, sadness and humor all come together in bright colors, tears and music. The dead are visited (or visit) and the living take the time to decorate and elaborate the past. The afterlife opens to the present. The graves are cleaned. The souls are refreshed.
The City of Puerto Vallarta is also sponsoring an altar competition with the entrants to be displayed on November 1 & 2 at the City Square at the Presidencia.
Display of Altars and parade starting at the Malecon heading to the Rio Cuale Municipal Market, ending with a folk festival with Charros, Catrina contest and fireworks.
The festival will also include a film festival, a food tasting and a series of concerts, folkloric ballet and a presentation of a series of photos on the theme of death, as it is viewed by popular Mexican culture.
Organizers will also try to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the number of Catrinas in one place, the playful visualization of death was made famous by Jose Guadalupe Posada, and has received notoriety across the US and Canada as of recently.
When: October 27th – November 2nd, 2015
Place: Malecon and Municipal Market
Watch this short video about DAY OF THE DEAD.
(left : Jose Guadalupe Posada’s original ‘La Calavera Catrina,’ circa 1910. Jose Guadalupe Posada’s original “La Calavera Catrina,” circa 1910. credit: Courtesy Mexican Museum)
La Calavera Catrina (‘Dapper Skeleton’, ‘Elegant Skull’) is a 1910–1913 zinc etching by famous Mexican printmaker, cartoon illustrator and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada. The image depicts a female skeleton dressed only in a hat befitting the upper class outfit of a European of her time. Her chapeau en attende is related to French and European styles of the early 20th century. She is offered as a satirical portrait of those Mexican natives who, Posada felt, were aspiring to adopt European aristocratic traditions in the pre-revolutionary era. She in particular has become an icon of the Mexican Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Catrina has come to symbolize not only El Día de los Muertos and the Mexican willingness to laugh at death itself, but originally catrina was an elegant or well-dressed woman, so it refers to rich people. Death brings this neutralizing force; everyone is equal in the end. Sometimes people have to be reminded.
Many shops in Puerto Vallarta sell various versions of Catrina. Some wonderful examples of her can be found at Galeria Indigena. (See more on the Gallery HERE)
And Colecktika and Peyote People. Both the same owners, both have contemporary Mexican Folk Art that will make you look a some very old traditions in a whole new way. Colecktika has more fine art – while Peyote People has a variety of affordable arts and crafts.
One of their specialties is art by the Huichol Indians. Deep in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Western Mexico live the Huichol Indians. Very little is known about the exact origins of the Huichol, but today they are clinging to a set of customs and beliefs that make them one of the best preserved Pre-Columbian tribes in the Western Hemisphere.
“Since 1997 we have been traveling up to the ancient Huichol Indian Ceremonial Center of San Andres Cohamiata where we have followed a number of Huichol families through their daily lives and have documented the ceremonies that set them apart from the rest of the world. Through this web site we will give you a never before seen look into the Huichol Indian ceremonial cycle and will be marketing their art for the money they need to host their traditional rituals and ceremonies.”
Peyote People is a fair trade co-operative based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that provides most of the carvings to our artists as well as new iridescent glass beads that are imported exclusively by us into Mexico for our artists to use in their art. We have been recognized by the Huichol Indian Traditional Government of San Andres Cohamaita for not only promoting their artwork but also for our commitment to the preservation of their customs and traditions through what we call CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY:
“Cultural Authenticity may be an invisible quality but it is what separates the ‘urban’ Huichol from those who actually live in the Sierra and are actively involved in the preservation of their cultures traditions.”
The glitter and glow of the 2015 Mardi Gras season has officially begun. The OFFICIAL city-sponsored glittery, bead-hurling parade hits the streets on Tuesday night, February 17th. 20,000 spectators and dozens of crowd-wowing entries are anticipated to revel in the fun along the world-famous malecon to ‘Old Town’. Puerto Vallarta Mardi Gras is our time as we come together to celebrate and showcase our diversity. facebook.com/events/593705484040374/
The parade will start just south of the Sheraton (across from the Municipal Stadium) and will travel south along the malecon, through “Old Town” to Olas Altas.
Mardi Gras is a time for celebration and to show the city’s diversity. It is an occasion that unites the advanced with the conventional, the straight with the gay, gratification with religion, and the adolescent with the old. 20,000 spectators enjoyed last year’s parade which featured dozens of crowd-wowing entries. With your continued support, we anticipate even more participation this year.
ACT II’s Voice of Vallarta contestants will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshalls and kick-off the 3.5 kilometer route. Non-profit organizations are able to participate for free and businesses can take part for a nominal $200 peso entry fee. This year, we are offering a $5,000 peso cash prize to the most inventive parade entry so it is time to get creative.
El brillo y el resplandor de la temporada 2015 del carnaval Mardi Gras han comenzado oficialmente. El brillante, desfile de perlas OFICIALMENTE patrocinado por la ciudad sale a la calle la noche del martes, 17 de febrero. 20.000 espectadores y docenas de entradas de multitudes-espectaculares se anticipan para deleitarse con la diversión a lo largo del malecón de fama mundial para “Viejo Vallarta “. El Desfile de Carnaval Mardi Gras es nuestro momento de brillar como nos reunimos para celebrar y mostrar nuestra diversidad.