It’s time to party! Each year in Mexico in late February or early March, the annual Carnival event takes place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. In addition to Puerto Vallarta, many other cities around Mexico also celebrate with incredible Carnival celebrations including the towns of Tepoztlán, Huejotzingo, Chamula, Veracruz, Cozumel, and Mazatlán. In the towns of Veracruz, Mazatlán, and Cozumel, the celebration is next level fantastic so that it is reminiscent of the famous New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. You simply can’t miss this year’s Carnival party in Puerto Vallarta in late February.

The History of Carnival

Each year in the spring throughout Mexico, many different cities and towns celebrate Carnival. Known as “Carnaval” in Spanish, Carnival is held the week before Ash Wednesday which in Spanish is known as “miercoles de cenizas”. Signaling the beginning of Lent and a period of sobriety before Easter, the exact dates of Carnival celebrations do vary a bit each year. However, Carnival is always held prior to Ash Wednesday. This year in 2019, Carnival will be held from February 27th to March 5th culminating in the biggest party of all on Tuesday, March 5th. In French, they refer to this day as Mardi Gras, which translates to “Fat Tuesday” in English, and “Martes de Carnaval” in Spanish.

Parades, Costumes and Music

In Puerto Vallarta, the Carnival is a giant street party like nothing you’ve experience before. The streets will be filled with the energy and excitement of the Carnival in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, also known as the Zona Romantica, which is well known for being a party zone all year long. The festive mood is amplified during Carnival and attendees will be in awe over the sights and sounds of Carnival. Guests will enjoy ncredible parades, energetic dancers dressed in bright Caribbean style costumes, and lots of great food and drinks. The streets will be filled with party goers soaking up the fun. Ready to dance? Special Carnival cars that are specially decorated in Carnival decor will drive along in the parade….when the cars stop, get ready to dance! Shake your booty and participate in the biggest street dance party you’ve ever seen.

Carnival Street Party

There are also several Caribbean music concerts scheduled throughout the Carnival festival that will showcase national and local talent. Guests can appreciate the festive music as they browse delicious food offerings, fabulous drinks, and peruse souvenirs that could make for a great memento of your experience. In Puerto Vallarta, the Carnival festivities take place in the streets near Old Town Puerto Vallarta and the event culminates close to the Lazaro Cardenas park. Heads up that the Puerto Vallarta Carnival is a very popular event, it is recommended visitors book their accommodation well ahead of time. If possible, plan to arrive to Puerto Vallarta a few days before the celebrations begin.

Find yourself set to be in sunny Puerto Vallarta in late February 2019? If so, you can’t miss the incredible Puerto Vallarta Carnival with its festive atmosphere and colorful parades. It will no doubt be the best street party of your life!