Marina Vallarta Kicks Off its Day of the Dead Festival and the New Season of Art & Market

For the first time, Marina Vallarta joins Puerto Vallarta's grand Day of the Dead Festival with a spectacular parade of catrinas and altars by the sea. On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the Marina's boardwalk was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Mexican memory, culture, and art.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, local residents and special guests gathered to inaugurate the 2025-2026 season of Art & Market Marina Vallarta. This vibrant night market, held every Thursday, offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich local culture, live music, and delicious culinary delights of the region. The event also provides a breathtaking view of the spectacular sunsets that Puerto Vallarta is known for.

A Special Addition to Dia de los Muertos

The Day of the Dead Festival in Puerto Vallarta is an experience that you simply can't miss. During the weekend, the boardwalk and other public spaces are filled with altars, monumental catrinas, music, and culture.

This year marked a significant addition to the Day of the Dead festivities: Marina Vallarta joined in, adding its own unique contribution to the event. The Marina Vallarta Residents' Association was responsible for the altars and catrinas that were set up on the boardwalk esplanade. They also invited local restaurants and businesses to join in.

The inauguration was led by Mayor Mr. Luis Ernesto Munguía González and took place on the cultural esplanade on Mástil Street, right on the Marina Vallarta boardwalk. "Today is a special day because it marks the start of a new season of Marina Vallarta's Art & Market... as well as the Day of the Dead Festival, which is part of the festival celebrated throughout the city," said the Mayor.

Art, Altars and Flavors by the Sea

Marina Vallarta's restaurants played a pivotal role in this momentous debut. Marina Vallarta has never hosted a Day of the Dead celebration on this scale before, according to local restaurant entrepreneur Mrs. María Guadalupe Bayardi González.

Numerous renowned eateries in Marina Vallarta, including restaurants, bars, cafes, and seafood restaurants, participated enthusiastically by contributing themed altars, catrina decorations, and even unique dishes added to their regular menus for this important date.

Special recognition goes to renowned businesses in the area for their enthusiastic participation in the event, which made it possible to set up the Catrinas Parade and Altars of the Dead along the Marina Vallarta boardwalk: 

* Sukha Grill House
* Naturezza Marina Vallarta
* Porto Bello
* Mariscos El Coleguita Marina
* Rincón de Buenos Aires Marina Vallarta
* Frankie's Spaghetti House Marina
* Benito’s Paninoteca Bar
* Fajita Banana
* Mesón Ibérico
* D'Z Route 66
* Alcatraces Marina
* Cristina Restaurant
* La Terraza Di Roma
* Santo Coyote
* Cervecería Chapultepec Marina Vallarta
* RestoBar Pinocchio Puerto Vallarta
* Salvatore Wine Bar

The Day of the Dead is an excellent reason to plan a visit to Marina Vallarta. You can see the catrinas and altars installed on the boardwalk, facing the sea. You can enjoy a sunset stroll, folk art, an intimate evening in front of the marina, and, to finish, a walk among candles and marigolds.

The New Season of Your Favorite Market is Here!

At the same time, the opening of the 2025-2026 season of Art & Market Marina Vallarta marks a second major attraction, which will add to the appeal of the event. In the context of the Day of the Dead, this Thursday's opening added the extra value of altars and catrinas, making the experience doubly special.

During the season, Art & Market Marina Vallarta is one of the must-see markets. The boardwalk is lined with stalls set up by more than 200 exhibitors offering a wide variety of products. These include jewelry, textiles, art, organic foods, regional wines and spirits, and much more.

From October 30 until the second Thursday of May 2026, you can enjoy a weekly date with the best of local art, live music, cuisine, and the bohemian and sophisticated atmosphere of Marina Vallarta.

The Day of the Dead Festival and the start of the Art & Market season in Puerto Vallarta make it the ideal time to visit Marina Vallarta. Those seeking a travel experience with the best of Mexican culture, cuisine, and bohemian atmosphere should make it a point to visit Marina Vallarta.

The Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta is the ideal time to join a unique celebration that honors life, the memory of our loved ones, local art, and cuisine, with unparalleled views of the Pacific.

If you are already in Puerto Vallarta or plan to visit us soon, we suggest you set aside Thursday night to explore Marina Vallarta. There, you will find the catrinas and altars walk, which connects you with the most beautiful of our traditions, as well as the market, which introduces you to the creative talent of the region. This is the perfect combination for your trip to the Friendliest City in the World.