Puerto Vallarta Shines at the Isla de los Muertos Festival
Puerto Vallarta’s beloved Isla de los Muertos Festival returns for its fourth year on Saturday, November 1st, from 5:00 to 10:00 PM on Isla Cuale, transforming the island into a glowing celebration of life, love, and remembrance. Proudly presented by Casa Karma and organized by the Vallarta Garden Club, this family-friendly event blends tradition, art, and community spirit in a night filled with music, color, and joy.
What began as a small local gathering has blossomed into one of Vallarta’s most anticipated cultural events, bringing together locals, expats, and visitors to honor Día de los Muertos—Mexico’s annual celebration of life and remembrance.
A Celebration Born from Community Spirit
“The Isla Cuale Amigos originally inspired the Festival,” shares Sunny Rossi, President of the Vallarta Garden Club. “They wanted to create something meaningful for the community—an event that was inclusive for all. The Garden Club stepped in to help ‘front’ the costs, and it’s grown from there into a true Night of Stars that brings young and old together to dance, laugh, and celebrate the traditions of Los Muertos.”
In just four short years, the festival has evolved into a cornerstone of Vallarta’s cultural calendar. Each year, the crowds grow larger, the decorations more dazzling, and the performances even more exciting. Last year alone, over 1,500 people came through Isla Cuale to enjoy the festivities.
“This year, we’re expecting an even bigger turnout,” Rossi says with a smile. “It’s all about community—locals, gringos, and tourists all coming together to enjoy this beautiful Mexican holiday while helping others.”
A Night of Music, Magic, and Memories
From the moment guests arrive on Isla Cuale, they’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors—paths lined with over 100 luminarias, marigolds, and mums, creating a warm golden glow that feels both festive and sacred.
The evening will be hosted by the spectacular Gloria Fiona, who will guide the night’s festivities with energy and style. Between performances, guests can enjoy delicious food, sip on cocktails, play lotería, and take in the stunning displays that line the island.
“There’s something happening every half hour from 5:00 to 10:00 PM,” says Rossi. “It keeps the energy alive all night long—you can grab some food, play games, dance, or just sit back and enjoy the show.”
A Night Full of Stars
• 5:30: Angeloo
• 6:00: Bing Young
• 6:30: Stolie
• 7:00: Kevin Anthony
• 7:30: Kim Archer
• 8:00: Eva and Mau
• 8:30: Sargento Dan
• 9:00: Yoalli Ortiz
• 9:00: Kimberly Grandi and Jason Mathis
The World’s Largest Ofrenda—The Heart of the Festival
At the center of the celebration is The World’s Most Inclusive Ofrenda, a community altar that symbolizes love, memory, and unity. Rooted in ancient Mexica and Mixteco traditions, the ofrenda honors the connection between the living and the dead—a bridge of remembrance adorned with candles, photos, flowers, and mementos of loved ones.
“We set up the ofrenda with help from the whole community,” Rossi explains. “People bring photos of family members, friends, and even pets they want to honor. This year, we’ve had so much interest in memorials for pets that we’re planning to create a separate pet ofrenda next year.”
Anyone can contribute to the altar with a small donation that benefits two local nonprofits—Vallarta Cares and the Vallarta Garden Club. For many visitors, taking part in this shared act of remembrance is one of the most meaningful parts of the night.
Throughout the evening, festival volunteers also help explain the history and meaning of Día de los Muertos, from the origins of the Catrina to the symbolism of face painting, which transforms participants into colorful representations of the joyful cycle of life and death.
Fun for All Ages
The Isla de los Muertos Festival is truly a community celebration for everyone—kids, adults, and families alike. There will be face painting booths to help attendees embrace their inner Catrina or Calavera, lotería games, food vendors, cash bars, and plenty of entertainment throughout the evening.
One of the most heartwarming traditions of the festival is its partnership with The RISE Children’s Shelter. “This will be our third year sponsoring the children from RISE,” says Rossi. “We started with 10 kids three years ago, then 16 last year, and this year we’ll have 30 children coming to enjoy the evening with free tickets. Seeing their faces light up when they get their face painted or dance to the music—that’s what makes all the hard work worth it.”
A Celebration That Gives Back
While the Isla de los Muertos Festival is filled with laughter and music, it also carries a deeper purpose—to give back to the community that makes Puerto Vallarta so special. Proceeds from the festival are split evenly between Vallarta Cares and the Vallarta Garden Club, ensuring that the joy of the evening continues to ripple through the city long after the lights go out.
Last year’s event raised 50,000 pesos for Vallarta Cares—and this year, the goal is to double that amount.
“Every peso helps,” Rossi emphasizes. “This isn’t just about throwing a great party. It’s about keeping our city beautiful and making sure our neighbors have what they need to survive and thrive.”
Supporting Vallarta Cares: A Lifeline for the Community
Few organizations embody the spirit of compassion and community like Vallarta Cares. Founded to provide essential food, medical, and emotional support to Vallarta’s most vulnerable residents, the nonprofit now feeds hundreds of families every week. But as Director Frankie Bañuelos explains, times have been challenging.
“For the past couple of years, we’ve struggled to maintain funding,” says Bañuelos. “That’s why partnerships like this festival are so critical. Every donation we receive goes directly into keeping our food bank operational. Without it, many families would go hungry.”
She recalls one story that perfectly captures the power of community support.
“Yael’s family came to Vallarta fleeing violence in Ciudad Juárez,” she says. “They arrived with nothing—five people living on the streets while their father was fighting tuberculosis. Through Vallarta Cares, they got food, medical help, clothes, and assistance getting identification so the children could attend school. Within months, the father recovered, the mother found work, and the family became self-sufficient. One day, they came back—not for help, but to donate food to our pantry in gratitude. That’s the impact community events like this can have.”
For Bañuelos, the Isla de los Muertos Festival represents more than a fundraiser—it’s a reminder of what makes Vallarta unique.
“This festival brings us together not as visitors and locals, but as one community that truly cares for each other,” she says. “If just 1,000 people gave $10 a month, we could sustain our programs and ensure that no family is left behind. Together, we can keep Vallarta strong, compassionate, and united.”
Keeping Vallarta Beautiful
While Vallarta Cares nourishes bodies and spirits, the Vallarta Garden Club beautifies the spaces where those spirits gather. The organization maintains and repairs more than 500 planters, playgrounds, and public areas throughout the city, including projects on Isla Cuale, Basilio Badillo, and along the Malecón. Their dedication keeps Puerto Vallarta blooming, colorful, and welcoming—just like the marigolds that fill the island during the festival.
“The Garden Club’s work is all about pride of place,” Rossi explains. “We believe that beauty inspires community—and community inspires care. When we all pitch in, Vallarta thrives.”
A Night to Remember
With heartfelt tributes, glowing lights, and a mission of love and giving, the 4th Annual Isla de los Muertos Festival promises to be an unforgettable night for everyone. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, this event offers a beautiful way to experience the spirit of Puerto Vallarta—a city where culture, compassion, and celebration go hand in hand.
So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and head to the Isla Cuale on Saturday, November 1st for an evening of music, food, and remembrance under the stars. Dress in your Día de los Muertos best, bring a photo of a loved one for the ofrenda, and become part of this extraordinary celebration of life.
Because in Vallarta, the true heart of Día de los Muertos beats not in mourning, but in love, laughter, and community.