
Offering fun and excitement for all ages, the annual CarnavalPV celebrated Vallarta’s 100th birthday this year, with thousands of cheering residents and tourists from all walks of life together on the city street curbs as they watched floats and parade participants march and dance celebrating the diversity of our city.
Hundreds of revelers from all walks of life marched, danced and promenaded three-kilometers in a wonderful menagerie of energy, song and whirling colors on Tuesday night. The Annual CarnavalPV — celebrating Puerto Vallarta’s 100th birthday — was a true celebration of life, energy and joy, providing an outlet of entertainment for residents and putting on an unforgettable show for visiting tourists. More than 30,000 spectators lined the picturesque route to enjoy the arsenal of glitter, feathers, paper mache, sequins, music and pageantry.Incanto featuring Ballet Folklórico Tradiciones captured top honors and the $10,000 peso cash prize provided by PVRPV.com for the most creative entry among the 50 entries that took part in the annual outing. Reinas Bar and Andales on The Bay also received ‘honorable mention’ for their colorful entry.Next year’s parade is slated for Tuesday – March 5, 2019. Event organizers, Gary Green and Tim Longpré, wish to thank Pvblo Corona, the volunteers, participants, spectators, Turismo Municipal de Puerto Vallarta, Police, Transit Police and the Protección Civil y Bomberos Puerto Vallarta for their support.
Check out our PV holidays & events calendar.Source: Vallarta Daily
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.

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