Revolution Day in Puerto Vallarta

It will be a long week of celebration in Puerto Vallarta this year for Revolution Day, with banks closed on November 18 and 20, schools being given the holiday, and some businesses taking the days to close and relax before the high season is upon us. Some will even turn it into a puente (bridge in Spanish), meaning they will take a vacation for the days off and the one in between, making it a five day holiday, including the weekend. This will bring a lot of Nationals coming into town, so the beaches will be busy.

Revolution Day observes call to the end of the reign of Porfirio Díaz, after thirty-five years as president of Mexico. It’s hard for us to imagine any one person being in this high office for such a long period of time. When a wealthy landowner, Francisco I. Madero tried to oppose Díaz in the 1910 presidential election, the president had him imprisoned to put a stop to what he considered a futile attempt to overturn his incumbency. Madero escaped however, fled to San Lius Potosi and declared the election results that had favored Díaz fraudulent and himself, Madero as the provisional president. It was on this day, November 20, 1910 that Mexicans drew their forces together against Díaz.

You will hear people in Puerto Vallarta shouting all day, louder and longer into the night Viva la Revolución! and Viva Mexico! A parade, of course, will begin in the morning, traditionally down the Malecón, coming from the north on Ignacio Vallarta. It’s a fun parade with the usual dressed up horses and riders, and groups of kids dressed like revolutionaries. Mariachi bands will be on hand to play songs about the heroes of the war, and many rounds of the rousing “Guadalajara” and “Mexico Lindo y Querido” will be heard, along with “Cielito Lindo.” It’s a good time to buy a Mexican flag; they will be for sale in all sizes.

The Mexican Revolution was a war that lasted seven years and brought about lasting change. The Mexican constitution was created at the end of the war, and set term limits for politicians. The office of the president in Mexico, called a sexenio, is limited to one six year term and anyone who has been elected or held the post as caretaker is never allowed to serve again. Among other things set forth in the constitution were labor reform laws, limiting eight hour workdays, the abolishment of child labor, and equal pay. During the revolution many Mexicans fled with their families to the United States, in search of safety, security, food, and jobs. A lasting effect of what has been estimated to be approximately one million legal migrants, along with a number who were undocumented, led to the introduction of the border patrol.

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Walking Tours in Puerto Vallarta

Walking tours are the way to go in any city. Whenever we vacation in a new location, we seek out walking tours, the best way to learn about a place, its people, food, and culture. In Puerto Vallarta, we have Vallarta 101, a walking tour, in which you pay what you can afford. Some people have found their walks with a guide so valuable, they dish out as much as $50 USD per person, but you aren’t obligated to spend that much. You can pay as little as $5 USD, and still feel like a proper tourist. Mind you, these walks are first class and the experience is for everyone, young and old alike. The guides take you to unique places you’d rarely discover on your own. A normal tour is usually around two to three hours and you don’t pay until the end, giving you the chance to decide what your tour is worth to you. Locals with a command of English and Spanish will be your guides.

Walks last about an hour and a half and vary in their experiences. Some involved food, which you will receive advice on what to order and pay out of your own pocket (normally between $5 to $10 USD), or you could have a foodless tour. Old Town 101 is described as “a stroll with a friend through Vallarta’s most diverse and changing neighborhood”; Downtown 101 is comprised of the same but focuses on the historic and traditional neighborhoods. Small groups of up to six people make it easy to hear the guide and not miss any important details. Tours start at Los Arcos Amphitheater, across from the main plaza by the cathedral. The specific meeting place is by the benches and can be easily reached via taxi, Uber, bus or walking. A light rain will not deter plans for tours, but inclement weather will cancel the event.

A good example of a walk is the taco vegetarian stroll, where participants will visit up to five tacos locations in El Centro and Old Town that offer vegetarian fare. (There are also taco walks centering on meat and seafood.) On these walks, you’ll be advised on how to put together the tastiest taco with the most representative and authentic selections. You’ll walk away with confidence to order your own, both at street stands and in restaurants, plus be aware of pricing. There are no credit card exchanges so make sure to bring cash; dollars or pesos. For photos and more information, check out Vallarta 101 on Facebook and Instagram.

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