[This article was originally published on Vallarta Calendar and is republished with permission.]
Join the celebration of life, culture, and togetherness at the 3rd Annual Isla de los Muertos Festival on Friday, November 1st, from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. With Casa Karma proudly serving as the presenting sponsor, this family-friendly event, offers a vibrant experience of Mexican traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos, with activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
“This is a fun-filled community event for the whole family, with face painting, ofrendas, food vendors, and a stage of performers throughout the evening,” said Sunny Rossi, President of Vallarta Garden Club.
Festival Highlights
Attendees can explore displays of intricately decorated ofrendas (altars) and Catrinas (elegant skeleton figures), take part in lotería games, and enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. “One of my favorite parts of the event is seeing locals and tourists come together to better understand Día de los Muertos,” Rossi shared. “The children getting their faces painted and listening to the wide array of performers playing every half hour makes the evening so special.”
Face painting will be available to help participants immerse themselves in the spirit of the holiday by transforming into colorful Catrinas or other characters associated with Día de los Muertos.
“Night of Stars” Entertainment Lineup
Enjoy a fantastic evening of live performances from Puerto Vallarta’s top talent:
- 4:00 PM: Fausto Luna (in the Welcome Area)
- 4:00 PM: La Bohemia Quartet (on the Main Stage)
- 4:30 PM: Xochiquetzal
- 5:00 PM: The Pleasant Uprising
- 6:00 PM: Steven Retchless
- 6:30 PM: Sargento and Bing Young
- 7:00 PM: Gloria Fiona
- 7:30 PM: Luis Villanueva
- 8:00 PM: Kevin Anthony
- 8:30 PM: Effie Passero and Alison Lo
- 9:00 PM: Bobbi Goddard
- 9:30 PM: Diego Guerrero
The World’s Most Inclusive Ofrenda
This year’s festival will feature The World’s Most Inclusive Ofrenda, inviting everyone to take part in this meaningful tradition. With roots in the ancient Mexica and Mixteco communities, the ofrenda symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead, honoring the lives of loved ones who have passed.
Festival participants can submit photos of beloved family members, friends, or pets to be featured on the altar. With a small donation, supporting Vallarta Cares and Vallarta Garden Club, both in-person and virtual attendees are invited to take part in this meaningful display of remembrance.
Supporting the Community
The Isla de los Muertos Festival is more than just a cultural celebration—it’s also a charitable event that directly benefits the community. Proceeds will support two local nonprofits: Vallarta Cares (formerly Vallarta Food Bank), which feeds over 800 families a week, and Vallarta Garden Club, which maintains and repairs over 500 planters, playgrounds, and public spaces, including projects on Isla Cuale and throughout the city.
“Vallarta Cares addresses both immediate and long-term needs, providing essential food assistance, medical care, disaster relief, and education programs to help individuals and families rebuild their lives,” explains Frankie Bañuelos, Director of Vallarta Cares. “We love our community and are committed to its well-being. After Hurricane Nora in 2021, we were the first to begin the cleanup of Isla Cuale, ensuring its quick recovery. Years later, we partnered with the Vallarta Garden Club to beautify the library and Basilio Badillo street, creating vibrant green spaces for everyone.”
This season, the Vallarta Garden Club has prioritized rebuilding 24 planter boxes along Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes, as well as continuing community efforts at Mango Biblioteca, Isla Cuale, and the Rise Foundation.
A Celebration of Life and Togetherness
The Isla de los Muertos Festival is a heartwarming event that brings together locals and visitors to experience the joy, beauty, and traditions of Puerto Vallarta. It’s a time to reflect, connect, and contribute to the community through culture and fun.
Mark your calendars for Friday, November 1st, and come experience the magic of the Isla de los Muertos Festival!
