A Month of Colour and
Christmas Spirit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast
Why you don’t want to miss Puerto Vallarta &
Riviera Nayarit this December
Despite its tropical setting, Mexico’s Pacific
Coast radiates traditional Christmas character. Throughout December, you’ll
find brightly decorated streets, festive scenes and restaurants serving up the
finest seasonal cuisine. Add Puerto Vallarta, in the
state of Jalisco, and Riviera Nayarit, in the state of Nayarit, with its pristine
beaches, crystal waters and cheerful events, and you get two unmissable Christmas
destinations.
A Colourful Christmas Month
In Puerto Vallarta, the run-up to Christmas starts 1
December with the Guadalupe processions. Bearing the name of Puerto Vallarta
and Mexico’s patron saint, this 12-day series of parades is a sight to behold.
Expect floats, folk dancers, great music and fireworks to kick off the month
with a bang.
12 December marks the Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe,
an important religious and social holiday. Hundreds
of people gather in Puerto Vallarta’s central plaza to enjoy the region’s
specialties along with a fireworks display. You can also head to Quimixto, a
small south shore community, where a “flotilla” of decorative fishing boats
illuminates the coast.
During Christmas Week, 16–24 December, everyone
celebrates with gatherings called posadas, re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search
for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Then, on Christmas Day, there’s a big party
full of festive dishes, piñatas and Mexican Christmas traditions.
Sun, Sand and Sea Adventures
On top of the celebrations, beach
bums will be glad to hear that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have 250
miles of coastline, as well as an average water temperature of 23°C in
December.
December is also one of the best times for whale
watching as migrating humpback whales flock to Banderas Bay to give birth.
Eco-tours provide the chance to learn about these incredible creatures and see
them up close.
If you like to hit the waves, drop by Sayulita in the Riviera Nayarit, a tranquil fishing
village that draws surfers from all corners of the world. The Surf Classic is
an annual surf event in December that is popular with both locals and
international surfers. Bucerías is another great option to catch a wave and
wind for those Kitesurfing adrenaline lovers.
Not forgetting Christmas gifts! The
stalls in Riviera Nayarit are full of the native Huichol’s colourful crafts.
These beautiful souvenirs make for unusual presents for your loved ones,
bringing a touch of Mexico at Christmas time.
New Year’s Eve
In Mexico, the end of the year is
celebrated with fiestas in clubs, hotels and restaurants. Live music rings out
through the night and parties last well into the morning.
So, if you want a break from the dark
and cold in the UK but still want all the festive spirit and colourful
traditions, Mexico’s Pacific Coast is the place to go. And if you can’t make it
this time, there’s always next year.
Fly Direct
Celebrating the season? Book a direct TUI flight to
Puerto Vallarta International Airport from London Gatwick and Manchester, or
via AeroMexico to Mexico City from London Heathrow.
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