September 16, 2025

Mexican Independence Day in Puerto Vallarta: Pride, Tradition, and Fiesta!

The month of September is awash with the colors green, white, and red in Puerto Vallarta. In 2025, the Mexican Independence Holidays (also known as Fiestas Patrias) that ran from September 13 to 16 were full of emotional moments, living culture, and celebrations for everyone—visitors and locals alike.

Here's how the Charro Day parade, the Grito ceremony, the Noche Mexicana, and the military parade for the 215th anniversary of Mexico's Independence were experienced from the "Friendliest City in the World."

Charros, escaramuzas y tradición

On Sunday, September 14, Puerto Vallarta experienced a day marked by ranchero flavor. A procession of charros, young horsemen, and women on horseback paraded from Ignacio L. Vallarta Street in the Romantic Zone to commemorate Charro Day in Mexico. The parade continued along the Malecón boardwalk and Avenida Mexico Ave., ending a few blocks away from Hidalgo Park.

The parade celebrating Charro Day in Puerto Vallarta was a vibrant display, featuring meticulous charro attire and spectacular equestrian maneuvers that earned thunderous applause and generated immense enthusiasm.

For many of the attendees, both locals and visitors, this parade stood as a prime example of Mexico's authentic cultural identity, showcasing a vibrant blend of charrería, a traditional equestrian art form, accompanied by rich musical traditions and folkloric elements.

Viva Mexico!

On the night of September 15, Puerto Vallarta was filled with fireworks, music, and the aromas of traditional Mexican food. Despite the summer rain, a festive atmosphere was present along the Malecón boardwalk and the Historic Center. The Plaza de Armas Square became a family gathering place, with live music, folk dances, mariachis, and Mexican antojitos.

At around 11:00 pm, the Puerto Vallarta mayor took the lead in giving the traditional Cry of Independence from the balcony of the City Hall. "Viva Mexico!" was soon followed by cheers, and fireworks lit up the bay and Los Arcos del Malecón.

A musical program accompanied the Grito ceremony, and it featured performances by local acts such as Sonora Dinamita, DJ Fercho, mariachi bands, and other Regional Mexicano performers. During those hours, the Malecón boardwalk was partially closed to accommodate the festivities, which included dancing to live music and socializing among Puerto Vallarta residents and domestic and international visitors.

215 Years of Independence

On the morning of Tuesday, September 16, Puerto Vallarta experienced one of the most solemn moments of the Fiestas Patrias: the civic-military parade for the 215th anniversary of Mexico's Independence.

More than 20 contingents participated, including educational institutions, school bands, security forces such as the Municipal Police, Fire Department, Public Safety and Lifeguards, as well as members of the Army, Navy, and National Guard.

The parade kicked off on the well-known routes along the Malecón boardwalk and the main avenues of the Romantic Zone and downtown Puerto Vallarta. The steady march of the contingents, the official colors, and the displays of discipline were met with applause from hundreds of people gathered in the streets.

Why Are the Fiestas Patrias in Puerto Vallarta So Special?

Tourism and Tradition

The downtown area of Puerto Vallarta transforms into a vibrant fiesta scene, attracting not only locals but also visitors seeking a patriotic experience by the sea.

Special Events

Puerto Vallarta stands out for its unique Fiestas Patrias program, which includes the folkloric tradition of the Charro parade, the solemnity of the civic-military parade, and the joyful Cry of Independence festivities featuring a popular fair and live music.

Representative Spaces

The Historic Center of Puerto Vallarta, the Malecón boardwalk, the Plaza de Armas Square, the main avenues, and the City Hall are decked out in tricolor decorations and patriotic details that accompany each activity.

The 2025 Fiestas Patrias in Puerto Vallarta were a perfect blend of tradition, celebration, and Mexican pride.

The Charro Day parade brought equestrian elegance and the skills of the national sport, showcasing the vibrant traditions and athletic prowess of Mexico. As the sun set, El Grito and noche mexicana stirred strong emotions, while the September 16 commemorative parade concluded with a solemn expression of patriotism.