Day of the Dead Tour and Dinner

We again present for Day of the Dead 2024, a selection of three distinguished tours, meticulously curated to facilitate a comprehensive exploration of the revered Mexican Celebration of the Day of the Dead.  

October 31st  2024 - Day if the Dead - Halloween Tour 

November 1st 2024 - Day of the Dead - Childrens Day

November 2nd  2024 - Day of the Dead - All Souls Day

The main focus of our tours is to celebrate "All Saints Day" and "Day of the Dead" with the Mexican children who will be parading seeking candy and gifts.  Many Mexican children may be dressed in Costumes and "trick or treating" on the 31st.   We will also distribute candy on the 1st and 2nd of November following the lesser-known Day of the Dead tradition of "Calaverita."  We encourage our tour participants to pre-purchase large bags of candy to distribute.    Your load will lighten quickly, and the extent of candy procurement and subsequent dissemination directly contributes to the jubilance of local children, who, in turn, impart a profound sense of delight to your own soul.

We will meet in the 5th of December neighborhood in a local restaurant where we will meet our guides and savor a traditional light refreshment of atole, chocolate, and pan de muerto.  During this time we will also enjoy presentations from our guides on the history of Day of the Dead.

Although Halloween is a day before the "traditional" start of the Day of the Day celebration there may be many families in the cemetery.  Some will be cleaning, repairing, and painting a gravesite.  Some families will be setting up their altars to be ready for the official holiday the following days.  And there may be other families who will simply start a day early to avoid the massive traffic headache that surrounds most cemeteries on November 1st and 2nd. 

It is only a 10-minute stroll from our meeting point to the local cemetery.  Upon arriving to the cemetery, our approach shall be marked by the utmost respect and reverence. Our seasoned Mexican guides, well-versed in the nuances of this poignant occasion, will sensitively liaise with bereaved families on occasion. They shall inquire whether it would be permissible for our tour group to pay homage to their departed loved ones by viewing their traditional offerings upon their familial altars, and, with gracious consent, relish the melodies of their music.  Just as their departed family members once delighted in the company of strangers during their lifetimes, the hosting families are generally eager to embrace this opportunity to welcome visitors in honor of their deceased kin. (No flash photography in the cemetery and please be sensitive to personal space and refrain from photographing people in the cemetery without clear approval from the subjects to do so.)

After visiting to the hallowed grounds of the cemetery, we shall circle the cemetery walls admiring the Day of the Dead themed murals.  We will then make our way back to our restaurant, one that remains virtually untouched by tourist influence. Here, our discerning guests will savor a sumptuous and diverse traditional Day of the Dead multi course dinner, providing a profound sensory experience that deepens their connection to the cultural tapestry of Mexico. We will also enjoy additional talks of more focused aspects of Day of the Dead.  

After dinner and dessert, we will make our way through downtown to the Malecon where we will have the best opportunity to interreact with Mexican children who will be all too eager to accept our gifts of sweets.  We will tour through the concentration of Katrinas and Ofrendas at the "Civic Center" with our guides who will translate signs and messages associated with many of the alters that we will encounter all while offering commentary.  

As we bid adios to our tour at a local watering hole, our journey culminates with our goodbyes and reflection on our journey with time for question-and-answer with our guides.  

In summary, our Day of the Dead tours offers a profoundly immersive experience in which participants not only partake in the vibrant festivities of "All Saints Day" but also gain deep insights into the multifaceted traditions and rituals surrounding the Day of the Dead, all while savoring authentic cuisine and fostering meaningful connections with the local community.

Dinner Menu: 

Apéritif:  Welcome shot(s) of premium (Anejo) Tequila

All you can drink traditional Aqua Frescas - Jamaica and Horchata

Soup: Chicken Pozole 

Appetizer:  Chicken Tamale with Mole

Seafood item: Coconut Shrimp

Main Course: Mexican spiced rice, black beans, diced nopal, chicken, with mole sauce

Dessert: Rice pudding

Digestif:  Pulque with fruits​

ESSENTIALS

Timeline: (estimated)

• Meet at 3:00PM
  

• Lectures and welcome snack 3:00PM to 4:00PM
  

• Walk and tour to cemetery 4:00PM to 5:30PM
  

• Meal and lectures 5:30 to 7:00
  

• Malecon walk for Katrinas and Ofrendas 7:00 to 8:00 PM.  
  

• After tour goodbyes and toasts 8:00 PM to ?
  

​Other info

• Walking Difficulty: Easy (although be careful of cracked or broken sidewalks, steps)

• Meet at 3:00 PM in the 5 Decembre Neighborhood.  (Exact location and directions will be sent in your confirmation email.) Finish around 8:00 PM. ​

• Bring Pesos as many establishments are cash only.   

• Tour includes guided trip, multi course dinner, Tequila shots, Jamaica and Horchata agua frescas, atole and pan de muerto, chocolate.  

• Price is $99 usd per person plus VAT with prepaid reservation or $110 usd plus VAT payable to the trip leader if space is still available. 

•  Price does not include customary tip for the adventure leader.  (we recommend 20% minimum.) 

• For same day reservations you may also email us at info@puertovallartawalking.com to check if space is available for that day's tour. 

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EXCLUDED:  Remember that each individual attendee is responsible for purchasing their own candy and treats to distribute during the Halloween and Day of the Dead festivities.  We recommend filling at least a backpack full for each person.  Those who can afford more please do.  We truly believe that the amount of joy and light shown upon your heart will be reflected proportionally by the amount of joy that you can bring to the local children.