May in the History of Puerto Vallarta Juan Manuel Gomez Encarnacion - Visit Puerto Vallarta
go to original May 29, 2015

Dear friends, May is a very important month for our tourist destination, as historical events took place which transformed our tourist destination into what is now an unforgettable port.

May 2nd 1888, the Commissary of Las Peñas, Puerto Vallarta´s former name, is annexed to the Municipality of San Sebastian, by way of State Congress decree number 305. Previously, it was part of the Municipality of Talpa de Allende. The Commissary of Las Peñas had already been established on October 31st 1886, by Jalisco Congress decree number 210.

May 31st is the most important day historically for Puerto Vallarta, as it celebrates two anniversaries: as a Municipality and as a City.

On May 31st 1918, the Commissary of Las Peñas was elevated to the category of Municipality by decree number 1899 and its name was changed to Puerto Vallarta in honor of the notable Jurist Ignacio L. Vallarta; who was born in Guadalajara, August 25th, 1830. He had a brilliant career in politics and jurisprudence, he participated in the Reforma War, he was Secretary of the Interior during the government of President Benito Juarez, Governor of the State of Jalisco from 1871-1875, and Senator of the Congress of the Union in 1875. During the Porfirio Diaz government he was Secretary of State and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He died in Mexico City, December 31st, 1893.

On the 10th of May 1924, Puerto Vallarta is declared a coastal trade port.

May 31st, 1968, the town of Puerto Vallarta is elevated to the category of city by decree number 8366 by the State Congress. This date is the most historically important for Puerto Vallarta, as two anniversaries are celebrated that day, as a Municipality and as a City. Among activities that stand out during this celebration are various cultural and artistic events, City Hall’s Solemn Session and the cutting and sharing of the great anniversary cake with the public. The day ends with a fiesta, mariachi music and fireworks.

May 28th 1979, is the date that the Bishop of Tepic, Adolfo Suárez Rivera, consecrated the downtown church and its altar to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

During May of 1994, the Cultural Radio Stations XHVJL-FM and XEJLV-AM from the State government began their transmissions.

Juan Manuel Gómez Encarnación - Professor and B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature; National Award for Children's Literature 2002 and author of numerous books. Currently Chronicler of the City of Puerto Vallarta.