Easter is a big deal in Mexico. There are so many different kinds of celebrations, remembrances, processions, traditions all over Mexico. Some cities like Taxco and San Miguel de Allende are very well known for their unique Easter celebrations. Here is Puerto Vallarta, Easter is very much celebrated, but seems to be a bit more muted. With saying that, there was a lot of tradition we experienced this weekend.
On Good Friday, we walked down our steep street to find an Easter procession, complete with Jesus, Roman soldiers, prisoners, live music, and more. They were making stops throughout the neighborhood, performing the stations of the cross. To think this may be more subdued than other places in Mexico makes me wonder what else other cities do. It was a pretty graphic procession, and we felt uncomfortable seeing it.
There were at least two different processions doing two different stations of the cross. The one that went through our neighborhood, and one that went along the Malecon at the ocean's edge. This one had Roman soldiers on horseback. It was so strange to see, as they passed by busy restaurants and bars, full of people drinking, eating lunch, and listening to music. The dichotomy was almost unnerving.
This is a huge weekend for Puerto Vallarta. There are a ton of tourists here - mostly people who have traveled from other parts of Mexico. With lots of people comes lots of security. The police, army, and national guard have a huge presence here, including truckloads of soldiers, police, and a national guard helicopter that has been buzzing the beaches and waterfront all weekend. The presence makes us feel safer, although we have never once felt unsafe. I guess it is all a show of force.
On Saturday, at the park not far from our condo, there was an afternoon Taco Festival. This was a nice respite from the harsh religious processions from Friday. The tacos were delicious, and we even had a chance to try the local Jalisco drink of Raicilla (similar to tequila).
On Sunday, it was a bit subdued and very, very relaxed. We walked along the busy waterfront and stood by the pier watching boats, watertaxis and fisherman. There were guys fishing with traditional rods, some handline fishing, and some throwing nets. The atmosphere was super casual, and the beaches were packed with families enjoying this lovely Easter Day.
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