| | |  Travel & Outdoors | October 2008 
Festivals Abound for Visitors to Puerto Vallarta
 Canada.com
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| | A worker harvests Cempasuchil flowers near the town of Atlixco for use in Mexico's Day of the Dead celebrations. (Reuters) | | |
Puerto Vallarta has long sparkled as a jewel of Mexico along the Pacific Coast.
The city began getting worldwide attention when the movie The Night of the Iguana was filmed there in 1963. In the 45 years since, Puerto Vallarta has grown into a desirable destination boasting historic Mexican charm, lots of beaches, delicious cuisine, sportfishing and highly rated tourist areas and hotels.
Puerto Vallarta has also become known for celebrations and special events that add an unforgettable touch to many visitors' stays. Here are some of the best:
November 2: Day of the Dead is a celebration that everyone should experience at least once. Cemeteries are filled by people carrying instruments, food and drink for themselves - and for their loved ones who have passed. Graves and altars are brightly decorated with marigolds, the sacred Aztec flower of death.
November 2: Time for the sixth edition of the Puerto Vallarta International Half Marathon. For fit folk, you can be one of about 1,600 runners from around the world participating. For everyone else, join the cheering crowd of 15,000.
November 13-28: The 14th annual Gourmet Festival sees the best restaurants celebrate the finest in cuisine with contests, demonstrations, tastings and special dinners.
November 12-15: Take in the Sailfish and Marlin International Tournament. You should see the ones that don't get away!
December 1-12: Processions for Our Lady of Guadalupe involve daily walks, with many people wearing white, singing and holding candles. Elaborately decorated floats end the celebration in a large parade.
December 28: Watch out; it's Holy Innocent's Day, which is like a Mexican version of April Fool's Day.
January 6: It's the Day of Kings, when kids get new toys in honour of the three kings who took gifts to the baby Jesus. Don't miss the traditional cake Rosca de Reyes, but beware of finding a tiny plastic baby in your piece. If you do, it means you have to make the tamales for a party on February 2.
February 24: It's Mexican Flag Day and parades by members of the military and citizens celebrate the green, white and red of their country's flag.
March 1-8: Come sail away in Banderas Bay, as the nautical festival launches. |
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