Events & Holidays
What's happening in Mazatlan — cultural events from the city's tourism board, plus Mexican holidays every expat should know about.
Upcoming Cultural Events
From Cultura Mazatlán — the city's official cultural events board. Updated automatically.
A stroke of freedom: The story of perseverance and determination of Martha Olivas Torres
Culture recognizes their achievements within the framework of the International Day of Mouth and Foot Painters. Within t…
“Afternoons of Solitude,” by director Albert Serra, to be screened at the CMA Cinematografía
“Afternoons of Solitude,” by Spanish director Albert Serra, stands out as a significant documentary work in Spanish cine…
Yaz González’s Exhibition “Cosmogonías” Opens This Friday
The exhibition brings together various techniques the artist explored during her training, including printmaking, drawin…
Mazatlán String Festival 2026 Announced at Press Conference
• A Historic Moment: The piece “Vertical,” by instructor and co-coordinator Johnny Millán, was presented last night in t…
Mazatlán String Festival 2026 Announced at Press Conference
With the aim of becoming a permanent hub for training, collaboration, and artistic exchange in northwestern Mexico, the …
Rose Ferreiro Honored at the 10th Linus Lerner International Vocal Competition
Accustomed to challenges and achieving success, mezzo-soprano Rose Ferreiro—a student of Maestro Enrique Patrón De Rueda…
Johnny Millán Reaches the Final of the Guillermo Arriaga National Dance Award
With the choreography “Vertical,” Sinaloa-based creator Johnny Millán has reached the final stage of the Guillermo Arria…
CMA students view the film “The Force of Silence” and speak with producer Iñaki Luis
The film “The Strength of Silence” was screened at the Cinematography of the Municipal Arts Center (CMA), attended by it…
IN MAZATLAN, MEXICO CANTA 2026 FINALISTS RECEIVE OVER 390,000 VOTES
The second semifinal of *México Canta por la paz y contra las adicciones* (Mexico Sings for Peace and Against Addiction)…
“A poet,” a Colombian perspective from director Simón Mesa, arrives at the CMA’s Cinematografía
After a summer break, the “Marco Lugo” Cinematographer at the Municipal Center for the Arts (CMA) resumes operations thi…
Mexican Holidays Calendar
Holidays that will affect your daily life in Mazatlan — when banks close, when to book restaurants early, and celebrations you won't want to miss.
Independence Day
Día de la Independencia
The big one. The night of September 15 ("El Grito") features the president's cry of independence, followed by fireworks. September 16 is the official holiday with parades and celebrations.
Day of the Dead
Día de los Muertos
November 1-2. Families honor deceased loved ones with altars (ofrendas), marigolds, sugar skulls, and cemetery visits. Not Halloween — it's a beautiful, meaningful tradition. Mazatlan's celebrations are more intimate than Mexico City's.
Revolution Day
Día de la Revolución
Commemorates the start of the 1910 Mexican Revolution. Official holiday observed the third Monday of November. Banks and government offices close.
* Date varies by year
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe
Mexico's patron saint day. Processions, church services, and celebrations across the city. Not an official day off, but deeply important — you'll hear fireworks starting at dawn.
Christmas
Navidad
Official holiday. Mexican Christmas centers on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) — big family dinners, tamales, ponche, and midnight mass. December 25 is quieter. Many businesses close Dec 24-Jan 1.
New Year's Day
Año Nuevo
National holiday. Everything closes. Mazatlan celebrates with fireworks along the Malecón and beach parties.
Three Kings Day
Día de Reyes
When Mexican kids traditionally receive gifts (not Dec 25). Families eat Rosca de Reyes — a sweet bread with hidden figurines. If you find one, you're hosting the party on Feb 2.
Candelaria Day
Día de la Candelaria
If you found the figurine in the Rosca de Reyes, today you bring tamales for everyone. Tamale vendors are everywhere. A fun, food-centered tradition.