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As the years go by, the history of the city becomes more endearing. May is a relevant month because two anniversaries are celebrated: 101 years as a municipality and about 51 years as a city.
Puerto Vallarta, a small fishing village that later turned into a movie city. Throughout the years, the events that occurred defined its current tourist vocation, to make it a port of international category.
History tells that on May 31, 1918, the Las Peñas Police Station was elevated to the category of Municipality by means of Decree number 1899. In this way, the name was changed to Puerto Vallarta in honor of the notable lawyer Ignacio L. Vallarta . This important man was born in Guadalajara on August 25, 1830, he had a brilliant career in the fields of politics and jurisprudence. He participated in the War of Reform, and was Minister of the Interior during the government of Don Benito Juárez. He was also Governor of the State of Jalisco from 1871 to 1875; and Senator to the Congress of the Union in 1875. During the government of Don Porfirio Díaz he was Minister of Foreign Relations and President of the Supreme Court of Justice. He died in Mexico City on December 31, 1893
May the month of the city's anniversary
On May 31, 1968, the town of Puerto Vallarta is elevated to the category of city through Decree No. 8366 of the H. State Congress. May 31 is the most important historical date for Puerto Vallarta, since on this day the two anniversaries are celebrated: as a Municipality and as a City. Among the most relevant celebration activities are the Solemn Session of the Town Hall and distribution, among the people, of a large anniversary cake. A day that usually ends with a party, mariachis and fireworks; in addition to the realization of various cultural and artistic events. This year 2019, it celebrates 101 years as a municipality and 51 as a city. From then until today, Puerto Vallarta has been characterized by welcoming foreigners from all over the world and from Mexico, offering them the opportunity to build a prosperous future.
Guadalupe Sánchez, founder of Vallarta
According to oral history, Don Guadalupe Sánchez Torres was a native of Cihuatlán and came to these lands with his family. According to history, he founded the Puerto de Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe on December 12, 1851; later it would be known as Puerto Las Peñas, Today Puerto Vallarta. Once established with his family, it is said that they were engaged in mining in the town of Cuale, where an important mine was located. Subsequently, families from other mountain communities arrived and eventually settled in the bay, devoting themselves to fishing and agriculture. Today, Guadalupe Sánchez is remembered as the founder of Puerto Vallarta and her name is displayed on one of the charming streets in the center of the city.
Vallarta a fertile land
The land of the region is fertile thanks to the humidity of the climate and the sun. Factors that have been decisive for the establishment of other foreign companies such as the banana plantation Montgomery Fruit Company, in 1920. The important company settled in the common land of Ixtapa and operated in that place for around 10 years. Between 1930 and 1940, the small Mexican town grew and developed. Its architecture was changing. The traditional palm and wood huts that were seen on the seashore were gradually replaced by small adobe houses with tiled roofs, which began to give Puerto Vallarta that local style.
