Set against the pine-forested peaks of the Sierra Madre Occidental, the historic Pueblo Mágico of Mascota takes center stage on November 27–28 for the annual International Raicilla Day. Celebrated as Puerto Vallarta’s most distinctive heritage spirit, raicilla boasts a centuries-old artisanal legacy rooted in Jalisco’s rugged highlands and coastal valleys.
The weekend’s curated festival programming immerses visitors in the art and culture of this ancestral agave spirit. Guests can explore guided tastings led by revered master distillers (maestros raicilleros), browse boutique distillery showcases, and discover the craftsmanship behind raicilla’s coveted Denomination of Origin (DO) status. Adding pageantry to the festivities, the inaugural crowning of Señorita Raicilla gathers cultural ambassadors representing agave-growing municipalities across Jalisco and Nayarit.
Situated just an easy, picturesque 90-minute drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta, this spirited gathering doubles as an idyllic autumn escape. Travelers can pair smoky, nuanced pours with leisurely strolls along Mascota’s colonial cobblestone lanes, historic plazas, and traditional farm-to-table eateries. It is a must-visit culinary and eco-tourism journey connecting beachgoers with Jalisco’s rich mountain heritage.
For the full festival schedule, tasting itineraries, and event updates, follow Consejo Mexicano Promotor de la Raicilla A.C. on Instagram.