Although a modern tourist area, Puerto Vallarta is still a relatively conservative town (you may want to keep this in mind when considering any overly public displays of affection).  Puerto Vallarta takes great pride in its traditions – pre - Columbian mystical tradition combined with Catholic, Spanish, and other more contemporary traditions. This leads to a great many festivals and parades throughout the year, and nearly every night there is a party worthy of fireworks as part of fiesta or religious celebrations.

One such festival is the Procession for the Virgin of Guadalupe to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe , which takes place between the first and 12 th of December.   Processions (complete with bell-ringing) take place round the clock, with people walking on foot from as far away as Mismaloya. Wearing white, holding candles and singing to Vallarta's patron saint, neighborhoods, hotels, businesses and civic associations form processions, all of which end in a church mass. The final day brings a huge parade.

Puerto Vallarta is, of course, a Spanish-speaking area, but learning English is more or less required of people who want to work at the hotels and come into contact with visitors.   Even if your Spanish is limited, you should be fine, although the attempt is always appreciated.