The Mazatlán Municipal Institute of Culture, Tourism, and Art unveiled the theme, creative concepts, dates, and calls for participation for the Mazatlán International Carnival 2027. The port’s premier festival—themed “We Love Our Traditions”—will take place from February 4 to 9, 2027.
The ceremony was led by the Interim Mayor of Mazatlán, Minerva Osuna Zavala, and the Director General of the Institute of Culture, Oscar García Osuna, joined by Michelle Aguilar Ramos—Undersecretary of Tourism Promotion and Operations—representing the Sinaloa Secretariat of Tourism. Also in attendance were city council members, municipal and state officials, business leaders, tourism sector representatives, and the local artistic community.
We Love Our Traditions
Oscar García Osuna, Director General of the Institute of Culture, presented the festival’s artistic and strategic proposal. He emphasized the commitment to reviving a sense of identity and pride while fostering generational continuity regarding the port’s traditions:
The Mazatlán International Carnival 2027, “We Love Our Traditions,” will be a celebration of memory, identity, and collective pride, built upon the symbols, cultural expressions, and activities that define the people of Mexico, Sinaloa, and Mazatlán, stated Oscar García.
During the presentation, García Osuna explained that the chosen concept aims to go beyond mere spectacle, offering a journey through the roots and elements that have shaped the community’s identity.
“The Mazatlán Carnival is the most vibrant expression of our culture and our people. For this 2027 edition, we seek to blend tradition with cutting-edge concepts that actively engage children and youth, celebrating the elements that define our municipality’s greatness and acknowledging the collective effort of the thousands of people who make this grand celebration possible.” Artistic Concepts and Main Venues
The thematic proposal for 2027 incorporates symbols representative of the region:
– Textile Identity: A visual analogy featuring a band inspired by the textile heritage of Villa Unión, symbolizing community unity where every thread weaves a collective destiny.
– Symbols and Traditions: A tribute to the deer (rendered in an avant-garde design), the *ulama* game, the figure of the sailor, the Mazatlán woman, the Malecón coastline, and *charrería* (Mexican horsemanship)—honoring key identity roots and the pillars of the region’s economy.
– New Venues: In addition to the traditional Paseo Olas Altas, the Ángela Peralta Theater, Teodoro Mariscal Stadium, and El Encanto Stadium, the *Lienzo Charro* (rodeo arena) is included as a venue for the Carnival program.
CALLS FOR PARTICIPATION
* Carnival Queens and Floral Games Queens: Women aged 18 to 27 who are natives of Mazatlán or have resided there for at least five years. Candidates not originally from the municipality of Mazatlán may participate by proving that at least one parent is a native of Mazatlán. They must present a community service project. The final gala on January 16, 2027, will evaluate beauty and judgment; to ensure maximum objectivity, the jury will discard each participant’s highest and lowest scores.
* King of Joy (*Rey de la Alegría*) and Children’s Queen: Selection will be based on financial contributions (1 MXN peso = 1 vote), with a minimum requirement of 120,000 votes submitted in two installments (November 26, 2026, and January 14, 2027).
* *Comparsa* (Performance Troupe) Contest: Groups of 30 to 35 members (aged 13 and older) participating in the official parades (February 7 and 9, 2027). Prize purse: $80,000.00 MXN (1st place), $60,000.00 MXN (2nd place), and $40,000.00 MXN (3rd place).
Registration and information are available at the offices of the Mazatlán Municipal Institute of Culture, Tourism, and Art (Av. Miguel Alemán No. 203, Col. Centro) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A 19th-century gem
Speaking from the historic Ángela Peralta Theater—which she described as a 19th-century architectural gem and a national heritage site—Minerva Osuna, interim president of Mazatlán, highlighted that the Carnival is an essential part of Mazatlán’s identity and represents one of its greatest cultural and tourism strengths.
An economic pillar
Michelle García, a representative of the Sinaloa Tourism Secretariat, emphasized the tourism significance and the national and international economic impact generated by the Carnival festivities for the destination:
“The Mazatlán Carnival is a fundamental pillar for tourism and for showcasing Sinaloa. The established success of this festival not only attracts thousands of visitors each year but also generates vital economic revenue for the development of our port city and the entire region.”
The official highlighted the results of the 2026 edition, which recorded 88% hotel occupancy, over 157,000 tourists, and an economic impact exceeding 1.111 billion pesos—figures provided by the Sectur representative.
