Carnival and Easter in Puerto Vallarta

The week of Carnaval changes from year to year as it is dependent on Ash Wednesday, the day of atonement.

Carnaval is celebrated through most of the Catholic-influenced world in one fashion or another. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is known for having the largest celebration followed by New Orleans, better known as Mardi Gras. Not surprisingly, Mazatlan has the third-largest Carnaval celebration worldwide. Mazatlan features parades down the Malecon, Fireworks, dance parties, Carnaval Queen and El Rey Feo (Ugly King) coronations, and other vibrant festivities.

The celebration of Carnaval happens all throughout Mexico with grand celebrations going on in Ensenada, Vera Cruz, Cozumel and elsewhere. For the rest of the world, Carnaval, as it's mostly called, is a great party celebrated before the Catholic period of Lent. A majority of the festivities happen Friday through Sunday. It ends abruptly during the final minutes on Tuesday just before Ash Wednesday.

Semana Santa/Pasqua (Palm Sunday to Easter and one week after Easter)

Perhaps one of the most important holidays to most Mexicans is Semana Santa.

While Norte Americanos are busy planning which Mexican beach resort to settle in for Spring Break, Mexicans are making travel plans to be with family.

Semana Santa is the common name for two back-to-back holiday weeks beginning on Palm Sunday. Semana Santa lasts through Easter Saturday. Immediately after, Pascua Begins. Pascua is far more joyous as it is a celebration of the Resurrection.

A large number Mexican-Americans travel to Mexico to be with family during this time. For visitors to Mexico, most cities are crowded, and available hotels are quite difficult to find.

Many savvy overland travelers know to avoid making reservations ahead of time in Mexico except during Semana Santa.

Semana Santa is Mexico's busiest travel week, much like Thanksgiving in the United States. Do plan accordingly.

Source: mexinsurancestore