Christmas in Puerto Vallarta – 5 Reasons to Travel this Holiday Season
December is a Great Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
If you’ve never taken a vacation in Puerto Vallarta during the holiday season, then you’re missing out on experiencing one of the best celebrations. The festive spirit, the elaborate celebrations, traditional and parties and the sublime climate, make Puerto Vallarta the favorite tourist getaway for family or friends this Christmas.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – So much of what you are able to experience in a destination comes down to the timing of your visit, and the first 12 days of December is the perfect time to be in Mexico as cities across the country celebrate the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Known in Spanish as La Guadalupana, the twelve day long celebration commemorates the miraculous apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to the Indian peasant Juan Diego on December 12, 1531. According to legend, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was imprinted on the cloak of Juan Diego, and to this day it is on display in Mexico City at the Basilica of Guadalupe, where one of the largest fiestas takes place.
Across the country, Mexican Catholics participate in parades that symbolize pilgrimages, making the journey from their homes to the local church on foot as an offering to the Virgin Mary. Each procession is unique and wonderful, with pilgrims singing the praise of Our Lady often to the accompaniment of musicians as they bring gifts to the altar in her honor.
Here in Puerto Vallarta, the processions take place every evening and make their way down to the city’s most iconic landmark, The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Streets around the churches are lined with patient spectators, waiting for the appearance of their favorite processions. As each procession reaches the church, bells joyfully ring out. The number of pilgrimages intensifies as the celebration continues until the last few days when they fill as many as 20 hours in a single day.
The largest procession is on December 12th at midnight, when participants end the festival with a special mass in devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe and by singing the traditional mañanitas (Mexican birthday song) to the Virgin inside the Cathedral.
It was on the same day in 1851 that Puerto Vallarta was founded by Don Guadalupe Sanchez, so the 12th of December also marks the 166th anniversary of the founding of our city, which kicks the celebrations up a notch with music and dance performances on the Malecón and fireworks lighting up the night sky over the Bay of Banderas.
If you are planning on being part of this year’s celebrations, make sure you come hungry for there will be many street vendors offering typical Mexican snacks. Among the list of favorites are tamales, churros, atole, esquites, enchiladas, tacos and more!
These are the five main reasons that make this time of year ideal for your vacation in Puerto Vallarta.
Winter Blues
1. A Different Winter Melancholy
Although everything begins to cool in many places in the world, Puerto Vallarta maintains a constant rhythm, with days full of sun, blue skies and warm temperatures that hover around 26 ° C. The ideal climate to sunbathe in the pool, enjoy the beach and participate in a series of excursions and activities during this time of year. Pamper your family with a sunny Christmas in Puerto Vallarta, far from the winter melancholy.
2. The Genuine Christmas Spirit
The holiday season is the time to embrace all those reasons to be grateful and give to those who need it. In Puerto Vallarta, the spirit of Christmas abounds among friends and families who gather throughout the Christmas season, happily wishing for the best and celebrating the simple things in life. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Mexicans are known to attend a variety of posadas, Christmas parties, in which they share the magic of this season while celebrating with their loved ones. It also takes place, at the beginning of the month, the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, where the “Vallartenses” parade in long processions through the center of the city, showing their religious devotion and vibrant Mexican culture. The processions take place the first 12 days of December and it is one of the most picturesque and relevant traditions of Puerto Vallarta.
3. A Relaxing Way to End Your Christmas Shopping
Running from store to store, fighting the hordes of last minute shoppers, can really make you lose the magic of the Christmas spirit. However, in Puerto Vallarta, visitors will find a relaxing way to do their Christmas shopping in the different shops and boutiques of the city. Visit the Malecón for some sensational and unique gifts for your friends or give a member of your family an excursion that complements their tastes and desires. In Puerto Vallarta, there is a wide variety of things to see and do, so finding the perfect gift for everyone is easier than you can imagine. This year’s list of Christmas gifts will be the best you’ve ever made.
Whale of a Time
4. The Magic of the Whales
The month of December brings the biggest celebrities of Vallarta, the humpback whales. Do not miss to enjoy with your family the magic of whale watching in the Bay of Banderas. These gentle giants are known for their impressive demonstrations of jumps, lashes and wings that will conquer your heart. The month of December is the best month to enjoy whale watching, when the herd of whales visit the bay to breed and give birth to their young. Christmas in Puerto Vallarta can become an adventure with nature.
Christmas in Puerto Vallarta
5. Christmas in Puerto Vallarta in your House Away from Home
Although it may seem strange at the beginning of a Christmas party away from the cold and snow, some resort like Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa do everything possible to make your Christmas as special as if you were sitting in your own living room. This year, the world-class resort will provide guests who book one of the exclusive penthouse, the distinguished butler service, private chef for a dinner in the suite (not available on Christmas Eve / Christmas / New Year’s Eve and New Year) and a variety of other luxury amenities. However, what makes it special when booking a penthouse for Christmas in Puerto Vallarta is that you can enjoy a Christmas tree in your suite, with the option to decorate it if you wish. In Garza Blanca, you and your family will not miss any of your traditions. The festive environment of Garza Blanca is the perfect way to spend the Christmas season of 2015.
Christmas in Puerto Vallarta – 5 Reasons to Travel this Holiday Season
December is a Great Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
If you’ve never taken a vacation in Puerto Vallarta during the holiday season, then you’re missing out on experiencing one of the best celebrations. The festive spirit, the elaborate celebrations, traditional and parties and the sublime climate, make Puerto Vallarta the favorite tourist getaway for family or friends this Christmas.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – So much of what you are able to experience in a destination comes down to the timing of your visit, and the first 12 days of December is the perfect time to be in Mexico as cities across the country celebrate the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Known in Spanish as La Guadalupana, the twelve day long celebration commemorates the miraculous apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to the Indian peasant Juan Diego on December 12, 1531. According to legend, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was imprinted on the cloak of Juan Diego, and to this day it is on display in Mexico City at the Basilica of Guadalupe, where one of the largest fiestas takes place.
Across the country, Mexican Catholics participate in parades that symbolize pilgrimages, making the journey from their homes to the local church on foot as an offering to the Virgin Mary. Each procession is unique and wonderful, with pilgrims singing the praise of Our Lady often to the accompaniment of musicians as they bring gifts to the altar in her honor.
Here in Puerto Vallarta, the processions take place every evening and make their way down to the city’s most iconic landmark, The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Streets around the churches are lined with patient spectators, waiting for the appearance of their favorite processions. As each procession reaches the church, bells joyfully ring out. The number of pilgrimages intensifies as the celebration continues until the last few days when they fill as many as 20 hours in a single day.
The largest procession is on December 12th at midnight, when participants end the festival with a special mass in devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe and by singing the traditional mañanitas (Mexican birthday song) to the Virgin inside the Cathedral.
It was on the same day in 1851 that Puerto Vallarta was founded by Don Guadalupe Sanchez, so the 12th of December also marks the 166th anniversary of the founding of our city, which kicks the celebrations up a notch with music and dance performances on the Malecón and fireworks lighting up the night sky over the Bay of Banderas.
If you are planning on being part of this year’s celebrations, make sure you come hungry for there will be many street vendors offering typical Mexican snacks. Among the list of favorites are tamales, churros, atole, esquites, enchiladas, tacos and more!
These are the five main reasons that make this time of year ideal for your vacation in Puerto Vallarta.
Winter Blues
1. A Different Winter Melancholy
Although everything begins to cool in many places in the world, Puerto Vallarta maintains a constant rhythm, with days full of sun, blue skies and warm temperatures that hover around 26 ° C. The ideal climate to sunbathe in the pool, enjoy the beach and participate in a series of excursions and activities during this time of year. Pamper your family with a sunny Christmas in Puerto Vallarta, far from the winter melancholy.
2. The Genuine Christmas Spirit
The holiday season is the time to embrace all those reasons to be grateful and give to those who need it. In Puerto Vallarta, the spirit of Christmas abounds among friends and families who gather throughout the Christmas season, happily wishing for the best and celebrating the simple things in life. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Mexicans are known to attend a variety of posadas, Christmas parties, in which they share the magic of this season while celebrating with their loved ones. It also takes place, at the beginning of the month, the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, where the “Vallartenses” parade in long processions through the center of the city, showing their religious devotion and vibrant Mexican culture. The processions take place the first 12 days of December and it is one of the most picturesque and relevant traditions of Puerto Vallarta.
3. A Relaxing Way to End Your Christmas Shopping
Running from store to store, fighting the hordes of last minute shoppers, can really make you lose the magic of the Christmas spirit. However, in Puerto Vallarta, visitors will find a relaxing way to do their Christmas shopping in the different shops and boutiques of the city. Visit the Malecón for some sensational and unique gifts for your friends or give a member of your family an excursion that complements their tastes and desires. In Puerto Vallarta, there is a wide variety of things to see and do, so finding the perfect gift for everyone is easier than you can imagine. This year’s list of Christmas gifts will be the best you’ve ever made.
Whale of a Time
4. The Magic of the Whales
The month of December brings the biggest celebrities of Vallarta, the humpback whales. Do not miss to enjoy with your family the magic of whale watching in the Bay of Banderas. These gentle giants are known for their impressive demonstrations of jumps, lashes and wings that will conquer your heart. The month of December is the best month to enjoy whale watching, when the herd of whales visit the bay to breed and give birth to their young. Christmas in Puerto Vallarta can become an adventure with nature.
Christmas in Puerto Vallarta
5. Christmas in Puerto Vallarta in your House Away from Home
Although it may seem strange at the beginning of a Christmas party away from the cold and snow, some resort like Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa do everything possible to make your Christmas as special as if you were sitting in your own living room. This year, the world-class resort will provide guests who book one of the exclusive penthouse, the distinguished butler service, private chef for a dinner in the suite (not available on Christmas Eve / Christmas / New Year’s Eve and New Year) and a variety of other luxury amenities. However, what makes it special when booking a penthouse for Christmas in Puerto Vallarta is that you can enjoy a Christmas tree in your suite, with the option to decorate it if you wish. In Garza Blanca, you and your family will not miss any of your traditions. The festive environment of Garza Blanca is the perfect way to spend the Christmas season of 2015.