Streets in Color | Madonnari Chalk Art Festival in Puerto Vallarta
Streets in Color turns Puerto Vallarta’s main square into an open‑air gallery as more than 25 artists spend three days creating large‑scale chalk pastel murals directly on the pavement. From finely shaded portraits to playful, imaginative scenes, visitors can watch the works take shape in real time, knowing that each image is ephemeral and will last only as long as the festival itself.
Running from Friday, February 13 to Sunday, February 15, the 2026 Madonnari Puerto Vallarta Festival invites children, teens and adults to compete in four categories, with professional artists from Santa Barbara serving as judges and a special prize that sends the winning adult entrant to California’s own Madonnari celebration. The event, organized by the Puerto Vallarta–Santa Barbara Sister Cities Committee, is a vivid weekend showcase of cross‑border creativity and community, ideal for anyone who wants to experience art as a live performance rather than just something hanging on a wall.
Organizer
The Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister City Committee is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to fostering friendship, cultural understanding, and “people-to-people” diplomacy between Santa Barbara, California, and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. As an organizer, the committee curates an active calendar of exchanges and events—including cultural festivals, student and artist visits, charitable projects, and official delegations—that strengthen tourism, education, and community ties between both cities. Guided by the principles of the Sister City movement envisioned by President Eisenhower, the committee promotes a shared “sister city consciousness,” building long-term relationships and collaborative initiatives that celebrate both communities and contribute to international goodwill.
Venue
The downtown area of Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant and charming neighborhood located near the famous Malecón waterfront. Known for its inviting cobblestone streets, colorful buildings with traditional red tile roofs, and picturesque public squares, the Centro captures the essence of Mexican coastal culture. Here, visitors can enjoy a blend of historic architecture and lively modern amenities including shops, restaurants, artisan markets, and cultural landmarks such as the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The area is perfect for exploring on foot, offering a dynamic atmosphere for relaxation, dining, and entertainment against the backdrop of the beautiful Banderas Bay.
