Although trick-or-treating is not a tradition that is native to Mexico, in Puerto Vallarta, the blending of American and Canadian celebrations with Vallarta culture has led to it being a fun October event for both foreign residents and locals.
As the sun sets on October 31, the streets come alive with children dressed in a variety of costumes, ranging from classic ghosts and goblins to popular characters from movies and television. Rather than going door-to-door, there are specific areas of Puerto Vallarta for trick-or-treating, with some of the most popular including:
- The Puerto Vallarta Malecon
- Olas Altas Street and surrounding streets in the Romantic Zone
- Marina Vallarta
- Some gated communities, but limited to neighborhood families and their invited guests
Although candy is handed out by many people, including local businesses, it is very common for foreigners to head to these locations with a big bag of sweets, either walking down the Malecon (you won’t have to walk far – the kids will find you!) or getting a patio table at a Romantic Zone restaurant, which is welcomed by these establishments.
Kids, generally accompanied by family members, will approach and most often call out “Happy Halloween” as a candy request, rather than “Trick-or-Treat”, and then follow up with a happy “gracias” or a practiced “thank you!” for foreigners.
Candy can be purchased in bags at Costco or any grocery store, and many people will bring down bags of Halloween candy from Canada or the US for some special treats that may not be available here. Other common Halloween hand-outs include glow sticks, little Halloween trinkets, seasonally themed pencils, or temporary tattoos.
Halloween in Puerto Vallarta is a fun occasion that encourages a sense of community and connection between foreign and local residents, in an adopted cultural tradition that is fun for everyone.
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