A Culture-filled Holiday In Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town

The elegant Hacienda San Angel boutique hotel is offering guests a discounted package featuring a chance to participate in one of Mexico’s most important holiday traditions.

Every year, what should be one of the most pleasurable aspects of the holidays sometimes becomes one of the most stressful – where to go? Do you: a) Stay home and hit the sales b) Visit relatives for some home-cooked meals and fresh gossip or c) Escape. We usually choose the escape hatch. One of the best options we’ve seen so far this season is the chance to experience one of Mexico’s most colorful traditions, the procession in honor of the country’s patron and cultural icon, the Virgin of Guadalupe, in sultry Puerto Vallarta.

During the first days of the month leading up to December 12, vibrant candle-lit processions filled with dancing, religious reenactments, regional costumes and street theater theatrics take over Mexico, from small pueblos to major cities. One of the best takes place in Puerto Vallarta’s historic Old Town, on the cobblestone lanes leading up to the ornate, crown-topped Our Lady of Guadalupe church. Taking the experience to another level for visitors, Hacienda San Angel, an elegant, antique-filled boutique hotel located in Puerto Vallarta’s historic heart, is now offering guests the chance to actually participate in the procession. Hacienda San Angel celebrates its procession on December 3, when guests, friends, staff and family of Hacienda San Angel gather in the courtyard in traditional rough-hewn robes to enjoy complimentary churros, hot chocolate, and mariachi bands before heading out into the historic cobblestone streets. Participants are given a candle and song lyrics to use during the procession so there is no excuse not to dive into the experience.

Booking the Guadalupe Procession Package
Just the facts: The Guadalupe Processions Package features a 25% discount on a minimum three-night stay during the December 1-12 period. Guests who stay during the Hacienda’s December 3 Procession will be gifted with the procession robe, which is worn to symbolize the peasant, Juan Diego, who appeared before the Virgin in 1531. All of the Hacienda’s elegant suites, some with incredible roof-top views of the Old Town and Banderas Bay, are eligible for the special package. Reservations must be made by November 15, 2010 to qualify for the discounted rate and must be requested at the time of booking.