The Blazeheadlined the Festival Ilusionante finale.
If the energy on the Malecón last night was any indication, 2026 is going to be a vibrant year for Puerto Vallarta.
While the town woke up to a peaceful, slightly cloudy sunrise at 7:37 AM this morning, the echoes of a historic celebration are still fresh. Thousands of locals and visitors packed the waterfront last night for the grand finale of the Festival Ilusionante, a state-sponsored event that brought a surprisingly international flair to our traditional New Year's Eve.
A Night of Contrasts: Mariachi and French House The celebration was a masterclass in contrasts. The evening began with the traditional sounds of Mariachi Internacional CHG, grounding the night in Jalisco pride. But the energy shifted dramatically as the French electronic duo The Blaze took over the stage near Los Arcos for a DJ set that turned the Malecón into a massive, open-air dance floor.
Between the cumbia rhythms of Zona Kumbia and the deep, emotional house music of the French headliners, the crowd saw a side of Puerto Vallarta that perfectly blends the old and the new.
Drones and Fireworks Visually, the night was spectacular. For the second year in a row, the city integrated a choreographed drone show into the festivities, painting 2026 messages in the sky before the traditional pyrotechnics took over. The fireworks illuminated the entire Bay of Banderas, reflecting off the water as boats sounded their horns in unison at midnight.
Safety Report Despite the massive turnout, early reports suggest a "Saldo Blanco" (clean slate) for the night, with a heavy but friendly presence from Civil Protection and the Tourist Police ensuring the crowds moved safely through the Zona Romántica and Centro.
The Morning After Now, as the stage crews disassemble the equipment and the street sweepers finish clearing the confetti from Olas Altas, the pace has slowed. The temperature is a mild 19°C (66°F), and the first brunch spots in Versalles and the Romantic Zone are just opening their doors to those looking for chilaquiles and coffee.
From the electric beats of The Blaze to the quiet slap of waves this morning: Welcome to 2026, Puerto Vallarta.
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