NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION Mazatlán is in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, and lies 740 miles (1,190 km) south of the US border
WHEN Mazatlán Carnival is held in mid- to late February every year
ORIGINS First held in 1897 when the port opened to big ships
POPULATION Mazatlán: 350,000
Mazatlán’s exuberant carnival celebrations, which run for five days before Ash Wednesday, draw up to 400,000 participants every year. The festivities take place on a 6-mile (10-km) stretch of the city’s long ocean-side street, the Malecón.
Seafood and cold beer fuel the party, where infectious rhythms from roving mariachi bands and pachanga (a type of Latin American music) ensembles mingle in the confetti-filled air.
Mazatlán Carnival is less hectic than many other celebrations around the world, and is particularly popular with families. There are several idyllic beaches nearby, which offer party-goers a welcome break from the city’s bustling streets.
Practical Information
Getting There and Around International flights go from Miami and Los Angeles to Mazatlán, and there are regional flights from Mexico City. Taxis are the best way to get around the city, which is spread out along 15 miles (24 km) of coastline.
Daytime Temperature 77°F (25°C) during carnival.