Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Each spring, Christians around the world celebrate Easter, memorializing the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Mexico, the Easter holidays are a two-week celebration, combining Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Pascua (Resurrection Sunday until the following Saturday.)

Semana Santa is Mexico's most widely celebrated and important holiday of the year, and in Puerto Vallarta, locals and visitors alike participate in the religious processions and celebrations. Most of the celebrations involve solemn processions, plays, or reenactments of biblical scenes; others incorporate unusual elements into their festivities such as prehispanic dances and fireworks.

The week starts on Palm Sunday (March 24) when churches across the city celebrate the blessings of the palm fronds; in observance of Maundy Thursday, locals hold all-night vigils. On Good Friday, the city streets are colored with spirited religious processions and passion of the Christ re-enactments. During Easter Sunday, visitors will not find any Easter bunnies or egg hunts. Most locals have a quiet and relaxing day. Almost everybody goes to morning mass and enjoys a peaceful afternoon at home.

Some of the special events planned in Puerto Vallarta this year include:

Bo-Zo Tour (Visit to Puerto Vallarta's Botanical Garden and Zoo)
Date: Tuesday, March 26th at 9:30 am
Venue: Tour departs from Pie in the Sky Bakery
Cost: $450 pesos
Tickets: Puerto Vallarta's International Friendship Club
Click HERE for more information

Viva Puerto Vallarta - Mexican Folk Fest
Date: Wednesday, March 27th at 7:00 pm
Venue: Lazaro Cardenas Park
Cost: Free
Click HERE for more information.

Puerto Vallarta Municipal Band Concert
Date: Thursday, March 28th at 6:00 pm
Venue: Plaza Principal, Downtown
Cost: Free

The next week is known as Pascua, which is the celebration of Christ's resurrection. It is also the release from the sacrifices of Lent.

Nearly everyone in Mexico is granted time off from work and school during Holy Week and Easter Week, making this THE time of year for many Mexican Nationals to vacation in the towns surrounding the Bay of Banderas. The beaches are bursting and the streets are jammed. The Malecón is filled with people enjoying food, fireworks, and live entertainment.

Since major highways throughout the country will register the greatest flow of traffic during the holidays, this is a good time to NOT be on the roads - just stay put and enjoy the festivities.