Puerto Vallarta Commemorates 107 Years As An Icon of Mexican Identity

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco's premier beach destination, celebrated its double anniversary in grand style on Saturday, May 31st.  The city turned 107 years old as a municipality and 57 years as a city.

A festive celebration, accompanied by live musical performances, a rich tapestry of traditional festivities, pyrotechnic displays, an aerial exhibition by the military, and, naturally, a magnificent birthday cake, comprised a select array of the extraordinary anniversary festivities.

The heart of Puerto Vallarta, El Centro or Historic Downtown, was the site of the city's 107th anniversary celebrations, drawing visitors and residents from early morning until after midnight. 

Fiesta, Music And Culture 

Families in attendance at the festivities commemorating Puerto Vallarta's dual anniversary took in the sights of iconic landmarks such as the kiosk at the Main Square, the Los Arcos amphitheater, the sculpture The Boy on the Seahorse, and the esplanade of the Malecon Lighthouse.

This special event featured a wide range of activities, including a parachuting exhibition by the Guerreros Águila (Eagle Warriors) team and an impressive aerial show performed by the Águilas Aztecas (Aztec Eagles) aerobatic squadron.  This was the first time that the Mexican Air Force participated in the celebrations.

The Zapopan Symphony Orchestra performed popular Mexican music with the young dancers of the Xiutla Folkloric Dance Group.  Visitors and residents enjoyed the performance, which took place next to the sculpture The Boy on the Seahorse and the new and colorful Puerto Vallarta sign.

The cultural program continued on Saturday, May 31, during the afternoon on the main stage located at the Malecon Lighthouse esplanade.  There were live musical performances by pianist Diego Meza Terrones, the Puerto Vallarta School Orchestra (OEPV), and the young members of the Orchestra of Utah in the United States.

Local acts such as reggae bands Reno, Reno, Reno and Los Cumbia Friends, pop singer and performer LaToya London, Regional Mexicano singer Evelin Guerra, and the popular Cumbia act La Sonora Mermelada provided the party atmosphere, a sense of pride, and tradition of Puerto Vallarta's anniversary celebration.

The main event of the celebration was about to begin.  The thousands of people gathered around the main stage at the Malecon Lighthouse esplanade were ready for the stellar performance of Banda La Matona, a Regional Mexicano band hailing from Compostela, Nayarit. 

The grand celebration for Puerto Vallarta's double anniversary reached its peak with a vibrant fireworks display along the Malecon, concluding a highly anticipated event that both visitors and residents eagerly awaited throughout the year.

Puerto Vallarta: A Top-tier Destination

Puerto Vallarta stands as a firm testament to its status as one of Mexico's premier tourist destinations, as asserted by Michelle Fridman Hirsch, the Secretary of Tourism for the State of Jalisco, during her address at the ceremonial session of the Puerto Vallarta City Hall, commemorating the municipality's 107th anniversary and its 57th year as a city.

The progress and achievements of Puerto Vallarta as the state's tourism generator were celebrated by Fridman, who was representing Governor of Jalisco Pablo Lemus Navarro.  She underscored that the tourism sector is responsible for the generation of more than 97% of the destination's Gross Domestic Product, generating an economic revenue that surpasses 40 billion Mexican Peso on an annual basis.

Puerto Vallarta's first-class infrastructure, boasting a maritime terminal, international airport, hotels, tourist services, and connectivity, was a key point of emphasis by Michelle Fridman.  The city's cultural and culinary offerings, which make it a complete and friendly destination for visitors and the environment, were also highlighted.

"Puerto Vallarta stands as an icon of Mexican identity," Michelle Fridman proclaimed at the Los Arcos amphitheater.  The Secretary of Tourism for Jalisco issued a call to action, encouraging the ongoing promotion of initiatives that prioritize environmental conservation and sustainable development.  Such initiatives aim to firmly establish Puerto Vallarta as a leader in the tourism sector, both nationally and internationally.