Puerto Vallarta Presents the World’s Most Inclusive Day of the Dead Ofrenda

On November 1st, 2025, Puerto Vallarta will host “The World’s Most Inclusive Day of the Dead Ofrenda” (Altar of Offerings), an event that invites people to honor the lives and memories of loved ones from all over the planet. The gathering will take place at the Cuale River Island from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, as part of the 4th Annual Isla de Los Muertos Festival—a free, family-friendly evening that promises to unite hearts across borders.

Unlike traditional altars, this proposal seeks to transcend the local space to become a truly global tribute. With a small donation, anyone—regardless of their country of origin—can send a photograph of a loved one or a pet to have their image included in the ofrenda, represented by a lit candle that will glow throughout the night on the Cuale River Island. Each candle symbolizes a story, a memory, and an eternal connection.

“The goal is to create an ofrenda that belongs to everyone, a celebration that unites hearts beyond national boundaries,” comments Frankie Bañuelos, director of Vallarta Cares, an organization that, along with the Vallarta Garden Club, will be the beneficiary of this noble initiative. “We are deeply grateful to Hospital CMQ for their support, which allows us to share this tradition both within and outside of Puerto Vallarta.”

The Isla de Los Muertos Festival will transform the emblematic Cuale Island into a vibrant setting full of light, color, and tradition. Attendees can enjoy live music, traditional food and drink, cultural activities inspired by catrinas (elegant skeleton figures) and calaveras (skulls), face painting for children, and artistic exhibitions that celebrate life. More than a tribute to death, this event exalts the joy of remembering and the eternal bond between the living and those who have departed.

“This event reflects the spirit of our mission: to beautify and connect Puerto Vallarta,” said Sunny Rossi, president of the Vallarta Garden Club. “Beauty flourishes not only in our gardens but also in shared acts of memory and community.”

The funds raised will support Vallarta Cares, dedicated to providing medical and food assistance to vulnerable families, and the Vallarta Garden Club, which preserves the destination’s public spaces.

Those who wish to be part of this global tribute can submit their photograph before October 30th, 2025, at vallartagardenclub.com.