Art, Culture & Festivals in Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is an increasingly important destination for both art and culture fans from around the world. Its historic Old Town is the perfect backdrop to inspire art lovers, and its vibrant art scene is reflected by the wealth of galleries, public sculptures and cultural festivals the city offers throughout the year. Since its heyday in the '60s, marked by the arrival of Liz Taylor, Ava Gardner and Richard Burton to the set of Night of the Iguana, the town has attracted filmmakers, artists, sculptors, musicians and cultural enthusiasts alike. The art scene has grown exponentially, fueled first by the development boom of the '80s and '90s that has now taken on a life of its own to support local, national and international art talent.
Puerto Vallarta is the leading Mexican beach resort for art and culture. Its rich cultural heritage and close proximity to the US and Canada has helped position it as much more than a beach destination. It is a thriving cultural center that offers the best of traditional indigenous arts and culture mixed with leading-edge contemporary dance and modern art galleries. The opening of the Teatro Vallarta, a 912-seat state-of-the-art theater in the city´s center, in Spring of 2010 secured Vallarta´s place as a leading cultural center on Mexico´s Pacific Coast. Since its launch, the theater has hosted a wealth of national and international shows, including the Russian State Ballet, the world renowned Filippa Giordano pop opera singer, the Vagina Monologues and the spectacular must-see Fandango extravaganza. The theater also houses an exceptional modern art gallery featuring some of Mexico's most up-and-coming talent. Vallarta is rapidly becoming known for its many festivals throughout the calendar year. Perhaps one of the oldest and most famous is the Marlin Festival, which ushers in a wave of fisherman and enthusiasts from around the world willing to take on the open seas around Puerto Vallarta in pursuit of the prize that made Ernest Hemingway both anxious and famous.
If deep sea fishing is not quite your style, you may opt for the less taxing though equally adventurous Festival Gourmet that sees a host of master chefs from around the world descend onto Vallarta´s shores to create gastronomic delicacies to please any palate. The number of restaurants and chefs that participate increases yearly, as do the host of satellite events that happen around the bay. But do not be seduced by only foreign menus: by sure to enjoy the rich flavors of Mexico´s own culinary heritage.
The season is complemented by festivals paying homage to the environment, film, jazz (this one in its infancy), photography, writer's convention, not to mention an international sailing regatta and an increasingly important wine festival for the wine connoisseur.