In recent years, Puerto Vallarta has become a major destination for tourists seeking a Day of the Dead experience.
In addition to a grand November 2 parade, the city showcases traditional altars, exhibitions and other festivities. One of the highlights is the installation of giant catrinas on the Malecón, which broke Guinness World Records for the tallest in 2022 and 2023. These towering skeletons, dressed in ornate hats and elaborate clothing, have captivated visitors of all ages. (For scale, the nails on these massive sculptures are the length of an average adult’s arm.)
Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía González confirmed that the city will host the traditional Day of the Dead Festival again this year. An alternate route for the parade is planned in case roadwork on Calle San Salvador, which connects the Cinco de Diciembre cemetery to the city center, is not completed in time, he said.
In 2023, Puerto Vallarta’s record-breaking catrina reached 28.15 meters, costing 3.3 million pesos—a figure that sparked some controversy. While Munguía confirmed the monumental catrina will return this year, he did not mention whether they will aim for a third consecutive Guinness record.
Though some other municipalities in Mexico claim to have built taller catrinas, these have not been officially verified by Guinness. The organization is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative sources for record-setting achievements and follows a strict verification process, including independent witnesses to ensure objectivity.