Puerto Vallarta: Halloween

Halloween in Puerto Vallarta

Halloween has not always been a celebrated holiday in Puerto Vallarta. In the mid-80’s there became enough expats here to warrant a party or two and soon the idea caught on. Not that Mexico needs an excuse to dress up. Or party. Day of the Dead in places like Patzcuaro, Michoacan and Oaxaca have long been home to some of the most amazing parades, parties and pageants in all the world. The two days now have intermingled and sort of run into each other.

Candy corn and other Halloween treats are goodies we’ve always brought back from the US but those were reserved for family and friends. Laying in a supply of candy for children coming to the door hasn’t been a priority. That seems to be changing. In neighborhoods where expats have settled, Trick-or-Treating is beginning to take off. Leaving one’s lights on and placing decorations around the front of the house may give the impression of an invitation.

We don’t see pumpkins on front steps nor do we partake of this tradition at our home. Pumpkins are available in the supermarkets, though not plentiful and very pricey. Carving jack-o’-lanterns is still so much fun but the climate in Puerto Vallarta discourages putting them outside. The heat will expedite their decomposition and the creatures who will show up to devour it might be more of a surprise than the curiosity is worth.

Trick-or-treating has caught on to a certain extent, but not like what we Northerners are accustomed to. Kids dress up (or don’t), paint their faces (or not) and dash around to bars and restaurants, especially on the beach and in the Olas Altas establishments. Some proprietors allow and even encourage this so having a bag of goodies is a great idea. If you’ve nothing to offer, the kids won’t trick you, they’ll just move on to the next patron. They yell HALLOWEEN and hold out a bag to collect their booty, and sometimes they even say gracias.

We do recommend hitting the town on Halloween night in Puerto Vallarta; many local businesses have gotten into the spirit of things. Many adult costumes display a

profusion local artistry and talent. Day of the Dead, following directly on the heels of Halloween, is also a fabulous time to observe the wonderful customs and culture of Puerto Vallarta.

Que cómo es es.

Thanks to our Guest Blogger Adam Garcia for this great article!  (Opinions expressed are his own…)

About Vacation Villas of Mexico Founder, Vanessa Cole

The founder of the company, Vanessa Cole, lived in Puerto Vallarta for 10 years and in Cancun for 2 years. She has worked in Luxury Vacation Villa Rentals since 2001.

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Vanessa earned a degree from the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in International Business and Latin American Studies.  Fluent in Spanish, she has worked and traveled all over Mexico and South America.

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