Events Archives - Explore Sonora

Coronavirus cases continue to grow in Sonora, Mexico

The novel coronavirus has spread rapidly through the state of Sonora, and as you can see on the graphic above, Sonora’s coronavirus cases are still on a steep incline. Because of this, we do not recommend any travel to the state of Sonora, with the possible exception of brief border visits, until the pandemic has run its course.

Sonoran health officials confirmed the first coronavirus case in the state on March 16, a 72-year-old musician who had returned to Hermosillo from a trip to the United States.

To their credit, the Sonora state government, police and health officials were able to stop the throngs of people from migrating to the beach during Semana Santa, the holy week before Easter.

The week is an annual event that is Sonora’s spring break, and the fact that the state sucessfully closed beaches and imposed stay-at-home orders, and that the people complied with the guidance, definitely helped to slow the level of infection in Sonora.

Since then, though, the state’s cases have seen a continual increase, with a surge beginning in mid-May that continues today, where the state has 6,173 confirmed cases and 550 deaths.

Because there is no widespread testing program, the number of cases reported reflect sick people who have been tested as they sought medical assistance. This indicates that reported cases are far less than actual numbers of people infected with the virus. The state has no organized contact tracing program.

Some manufacturers in Sonora who are deemed “essential” have continued to remain in operation. In addition, at the beginning of June, other maquiladora factories with ties to American companies began to re-open. The Hermosillo Ford plant opened on June 1, and within two weeks an employee had died from COVID-19.

To reaffirm, we do not recommend travel to Mexico during the pandemic. If you become ill while in Sonora, you may not be able to find a hospital bed and would likely need to be evacuated. So, if you do visit Sonora for an extended period of time, you should plan and prepare for potential issues, to include purchasing medical evacuation insurance.

To check daily numbers of coronavirus infections in Arizona and Sonora, click here.

October 2019 Events in Sonora, Mexico

October 2019 Events in Sonora

October 2019 Events in Sonora, Mexico

October is a great month to be in Sonora, Mexico. Temperatures are becoming even more moderate, shrimp and other fresh seafood from the Gulf of California are in season and the events calendar is getting busy.

As the month begins, the Fiestas de Octubre in Magdalena are already in full swing, and on October 4 the fiestas will honor Saint Francis on his feast day. Other religious fiestas will honor the archangels San Rafael, Gabriel and Michael, and San Judas Tadeo.

Other events during the month of October include cultural festivals, a cotton festival, ecotourism tours and an international guitar festival.

And as the month comes to a close, there are unique festivals and activities in advance of the Day of the Dead, like the annual Festival de la Calaca in Guaymas.

1 – 6

Fiestas de San Francisco Javier / Fiestas de Octubre
September 26 to October 6
Magdalena de Kino
Hundreds of Catholic pilgrims walk from the border to Magdalena every year, to fulfill a manda (promise in exchange for a blessing). The festival honors the town’s patron saint, San Francisco Javier and the patron saint of Franciscans, Saint Francis of Assisi. The week of festivities include religious observances, art, history and culture exhibitions, and muchas fiestas. More information.

5

Rocky Race
Puerto Peñasco
A six-kilometer course with obstacles, open to ages 12 and older. More information.

Ironman Internationals 2019
Puerto Peñasco
A martial arts competition from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Puerto Penasco Convention Center. More information.

Excursion to the Morúa Estuary
Puerto Peñasco
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person
An opportunity to explore the Morúa estuary, located along the Sea of Cortés, and learn about the vast diversity of species that inhabit the area.
After visiting the estuary the group will visit Única de Mujeres, a female-owned cooperative that cultivates and harvests oysters. Participants will learn about the processes involved in oyster farming and have the opportunity to purchase a meal of fresh oysters.
The tour is presented by the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO) Naturarte EcoTours. More information.

638 Gastro Fest
Playa Balche – Mayan Palace
Puerto Peñasco
4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: 350 pesos. Add another 150 pesos for a wrist band for access to the open bar.

Food samples from local restaurants in a comfortable ambiance with music, food and information stands. Presented by Collective Gastro 638, participants will include Gastro638, Pan E Vino, Infusion del Golfo, Moonshadow, Octopus, Miguel´s de Peñasco del Sol, Hacienda Emilianos, Restaurante de Ramon, Kaffe Haus, Mayan Palace at Vidanta, Carolina Portugal and others. More information.

12

Run for Pink
Puerto Peñasco
Opens at 6:30 a.m., race starts at 7:00 a.m.
Registration closes on October 7

Run, jog or walk the 5km route in this color run that starts at Plaza la Madre and ends at the Malecon. Cost is 325 pesos for an individual, 250 per person for a group of six or more. Entry packet includes a t-shirt, sunglasses and a race number. Sign up at Puerto Viejo. Proceeds to benefit the George Papanicolao Group in Puerto Penasco. More information.

14

Dia de la Raza – “Day of the Race” (Columbus Day)
This day observes the arrival of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colón) in the Americas. The event coincides with the celebration of Columbus Day in the United States.

17 – 26

XVI International Sonora Guitar Festival (FIG Sonora)
University of Sonora – Emiliana de Zubeldía Theater
Hermosillo
Admission: Free

Founder and general director Igor Ávila Soria presents an international festival of guitar and other stringed instrument virtuosity at the Zubeldia Theater on the campus of the University of Sonora in Hermosillo. With performances by artists from Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Mexico. More information.

18 – 21

Festival Internacional Cervantino
On the Malecon
Puerto Penasco

An annual cultural event celebrated in various locations throughout Mexico in honor of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. Events include performances, art exhibits and more. More information

22

Excursion to the Morúa Estuary
Puerto Peñasco
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person
An opportunity to explore the Morúa estuary, located along the Sea of Cortés, and learn about the vast diversity of species that inhabit the area.
After visiting the estuary the group will visit Única de Mujeres, a female-owned cooperative that cultivates and harvests oysters. Participants will learn about the processes involved in oyster farming and have the opportunity to purchase a meal of fresh oysters.
The tour is presented by the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO) Naturarte EcoTours. More information.

25 – 27

17th Annual Festival de la Calaca
Guaymas

A marvelous event that features large and very creative calacas (Day of the Dead figures) in addition to displays of Day of the Dead altars, cultural displays, musical entertainment, a Day of the Dead procession and more. More information.

25 to November 3

Feria de Algodón – Cotton Fair
San Luis Rio Colorado

An annual fair that celebrates cotton production in the region. Featuring games, exhibits, rides, food and concerts. More information. https://www.facebook.com/pg/feriadelalgodon/events/

28

Feast Day of San Judas Tadeo (St. Jude Thaddaeus)
The patron saint of “hopeless cases and things almost dispaired of,” is widely revered in Sonora, and many towns hold processions, masses and other events in his honor.

29

Feast day of archangels Saints Michael, Rafael and Gabriel

30 – 31

Various activities to celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)

Other Events – Dates not yet announced, or not happening this year

Fourth Annual Puerto Lobos Fishing Tournament
With 4×4 offroading, a coastal bicycle ride and sand drags
Puerto Lobos, Caborca, Sonora

Piñata Regatta
Two days of races, a Saturday night dinner and prize raffle
Sandy Beach
Puerto Penasco

Festival del Membrillo
San Ignacio, Magdalena, Sonora

4to Festival Panteonero
Caborca

Day of the Dead Festivities

Festival de la Calaca 2019
Casa de la Cultura, Ciudad Obregon

Festival Internacional de Guitarra 2019 Hermosillo

2019 Events in Sonora, Mexico

January to March Events

April to June Events

July to September Events

October to December Events

September 2019 Events in Sonora

September 2019 Events in Sonora, Mexico

September is an active and exciting month in Sonora and the rest of Mexico. It is a month of patriotism, with lots of civic and religious events to celebrate.

The summer heat subsides, monsoon rains have ended and although the weather may still be a bit warm but the skies are blue and the evening temps are fabulous.

This is the mes patria, the month of the homeland in Mexico.

Independence Day is on September 16, and the night before Sonorans will gather at their palacio municipal for the “grito de independencia,” the shout of independence – Viva Mexico!

There are also several major feast days for Catholic saints in September that are observed in Sonoran pueblos. Santa Rosalia, the Virgin of Loreto, the Virgin de los Dolores and the feast day of saints San Gabriel, San Rafael and the Archangel San Miguel. And perhaps the biggest celebration begins during the last month of September in Magdalena de Kino, in advance of the Feast Day of Saint Francis on October 4.

1

First Sunday of September – Aunt’s Day (Dia de la Tia)

3

Arivechi – Fiestas in honor of the town’s patron saint, Santa Rosalía (3-4)

4

Feast Day of Santa Rosalía

7

Suagui Grande – Fiestas in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary (Virgen del Rosario)

Villa Pesqueira – Fiestas in honor of the Descent of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Bajada de la Virgen de Guadalupe)

8

Feast Day of the Virgin of Loreto (La Virgen de Loreto)

Bacadéhuachi – Fiestas in honor of the town’s patron saint, the Virgin of Loreto (La Virgen de Loreto).

San Miguel de Horcasitas – Fiestas in honor of the town’s patron saint, the Virgin of Loreto (La Virgen de Loreto).

Banámichi – Fiestas in honor of the town’s patron saint, the Virgin of Loreto (La Virgen de Loreto). Baile de coronación de la reina y carreras de caballos

13

Day of the Boy Heroes (Día de los Niños Héroes)

This annual event honors the cadets who died on September 13, 1847 defending the castle of Chapultepec in Mexico City from an advancing force of American soldiers.

15

Feast Day of the Virgen de los Dolores

Sáric – Fiestas in honor of the town’s patron saint, the Virgin of Dolores (la Virgen de los Dolores)

Grito de Independencia – Grito de Dolores

On the eve of Mexican Independence Day, elected officials throughout Mexico will wave a Mexican Flag while they and crowds gathered below are shouting “Viva Mexico!.” This tradition, also known as the Grito de Dolores, is a tradition that harkens back to when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla first made the declaration at the start of the Mexican Revolution on September 16, 1810.

16

Mexican Independence Day – Dia de la Independencia

A major holiday in Sonora and all of Mexico, with parades and other festivities.

19

Empalme – Founding anniversary celebration – Festejo de aniversario de la fundación del municipio

21

Day of the Photographer – Día del Fotógrafo

25

Festivals of the Sierra Alta

Bacadéhuachi, Bacerac, Huachinera

27

Fiestas de San Francisco Javier
Magdalena de Kino

September 27 to October 6. More information.

International Tourism Day – Día Mundial del Turismo

29

Feast Day of San Gabriel, San Rafael and the Archangel San Miguel

Santos Arcángeles San Miguel, San Gabriel y San Rafael

Soyopa – Fiestas en Honor de San Miguel

Bacerac – Fiestas in honor of the town’s patron saint, San Miguel Arcángel

Bacoachi – Fiestas in honor of the town’s patron saint, San Miguel Arcángel

Bavispe – Fiestas in honor of the town’s patron saint, San Miguel Arcángel

2019 Annual Events in Sonora, Mexico

January to March Events

April to June Events

July to September Events

October to December Events

June 2019 Events in Sonora

June 2019 Events in Sonora, Mexico

Events and experiences in Sonora for June 2019. June is the month when most of Sonora experiences consistent triple-digit temperatures of summertime. The events calendar continues, however, starting on the first of the month with Navy Day (Día de la Marina) which is celebrated in the port cities of Guaymas and Puerto Peñasco.

Other June events include Father’s Day, the Copper Fair in Cananea and several religious festivals, including the feast days for four major saints – Saint John the Baptist, Saints Peter and Paul, and Saint Ignatius.

1

Día de la Marina – Navy Day
Guaymas and Rocky Point

Navy Day is celebrated in all ports throughout Mexico. The festival in Guaymas offers a reenactment of a naval battle, and fireworks. Both celebrations include a parade and a host of other fun activities.

1 – 2

Rescate San Carlos 2019 Fishing Tournament and Dorado Derby
San Carlos

This annual San Carlos fishing tournament is held at the San Carlos Yacht Club. Registration is on Friday, May 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by fishing on Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2. Rules and more information.

6 – 9

Circus Mexicus
Rocky Point

Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers celebrate 20 years of music and fun in Rocky Point. Presented by Mexican Moonshine Tequila. More information.

7 – 16

Feria del Cobre (Copper Fair)
Cananea

This festival dates back to 1941 in a celebration of the Sonoran mining tradition in the towns of Cananea and Nacozari. Includes various artistic, musical and cultural events, in and around the city’s main venue, Plaza Juarez.

8 – 9

Fiestas del Espiritu Santu
Etchojoa

This religious festival begins with a procession from the Church of the Holy Trinity in El Jupare, with a stop for an early morning mass in Huatabampo and on to Etchojoa for the fiestas. More information.

13

Fiestas for the Patron Saint San Antonio
Oquitoa

15 – 16

Fiestas de la Santisima Trinidad
El Júpare
Huatabampo
This is one of the year’s biggest religious observances among the indigenous Yoreme Mayo from El Júpare, Huatabampo, Sonora.
More information.

16

Día del Padre – Father’s Day
Nationwide, third Sunday of June

23

Vespers of the Feast Day of Saint John the Baptist

Vespers (Vispera) ceremony which begins one day prior to the actual ceremony. Participants dance through the night.

24

Fiesta de San Juan Bautista – Saint John the Baptist

This is more of a national religious event than one specifically held in Sonora, although many pueblos hold festivals in observance of this saint.

Legend has it that all forms of water are blessed on this day, and it is also used to commemorate the unofficial start of the desert monsoon season. Celebrations typically include religious events and practical jokes. Read more.

29

Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul
Fiestas de San Pedro y San Pablo
Celebrated in pueblos wherever St. Peter or Saint Paul (or both) is the patron saint.
Aconchi
Cucurpe
Etchojoa
Huachinera
Suaqui Grande
Tubutama
Yécora

Vespers of the San Ignatius feast day (La Vispera de las fiestas de San Ignacio)

This is an overnight ceremony which culminates on mid-day June 30.

Feria de la Pitaya
Sirebampo, Masiaca, Huatabampo

This is the first year of an annual festival to celebrate the sweet, delicious pitaya. This traditional desert cactus fruit is used to make licuados (smoothies) and other drinks, is integrated into desserts and meals, or just eaten alone. The festival will feature exhibits, workshops, music and more in a cultural experience environment.

30

San Ignatius Feast Day (Fiesta de San Ignacio):

Celebrated in various Sonoran pueblos.

Seri New Year

Celebration of a new year for Sonora’s indigenous Comcáac Seri.

29 June 2019 Feria de la Pitaya in Masiaca Sonora

2019 Events in Sonora

January to March Events

April to June Events

July to September Events

October to December Events

May 2019 Events in Sonora

May 2019 Events in Sonora, Mexico

May is the month to enjoy outdoor events before the extreme summer heat consumes Sonora, and is a busy time for special personal days like Mother’s Day and graduations.

It starts with Labor Day on May 1, closely followed by the 5th of May – Cinco de Mayo – a celebration in commemoration of the Battle of Puebla. Puerto Peñasco starts the month with a triathlon and an agave festival that replaces last year’s bacanora festival.

There are also great cultural festivals in Hermosillo and Magdalena de Kino, and several religious festivals in various Sonoran pueblos.

Beautiful sunny weather and fun events will make May 2019 a great month to visit Sonora, Mexico.

1

Dia del Trabajo – Labor Day
Nationwide
Like many countries, Mexico celebrates its labor day on May 1st, when parades, marches and union events are held. All schools, banks and government offices are closed in observance of the event.

1 – 19

Expogan Sonora and Palenque
Hermosillo

This massive exposition and festival will continue through April until May 19 and includes concerts, theater, expositions and other presentations. It is the biggest event of the year in Hermosillo and Sonora. More information.

2

The Feast of the Holy Cross (Santa Cruz Pahko)
Various Yaqui Pueblos
This ceremony occurs on May 2nd. However, the Vespers (Vispera) are usually offered the night prior to the actual Holy Cross ceremony. This is an all-night ceremony where the oficios (Pahko’ola and Deer Dance Societies) as well as the Prayer Leaders will participate. The ceremony ends on Sunday, around mid-day.

4 – 5

Rocky Point Agave Festival
Between Garufa’s and Changos on Sandy Beach
Puerto Peñasco

This celebration of the plant used to make tequila will include open bars, music, food, and of course, tequila. Tickets cost $10 and include a shot glass and tequila samples.

2019 Rocky Point Triathlon
Puerto Peñasco

The Rocky Point Triathlon will start at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 and conclude at 5:00 a.m. on the following day. More information.

5

Cinco de Mayo, Batalla de Puebla – Commemoration of the Battle of Puebla

A minor holiday in Sonora, the 5th of May is celebrated to commemorate the 1862 battle of Puebla, where the Mexican army defeated French forces. Some cities, like Nogales, will celebrate the day with a parade.

10

Dia de la Madre – Mother’s Day
Nationwide
Mother’s Day is always celebrated on May 10th in Mexico, and it is a major event where mothers are showered with gifts and attention.

15

Día del Maestro – Teachers’ Day
Nationwide
This is typically a day off from school, and teachers’ unions hold a celebration in honor of the maestros. This is also a time when students present their teacher with a gift of appreciation.

Día de San Isidro Labrador
Feast day of Saint Isadore the Laborer, Isidro de Merlo y Quintana (1070 – 1130), the patron saint of farmers and laborers. San Isidro is widely followed in Sonora, especially in rural farming communities.

Fiestas de San Isidro Labrador
Atil
Benito Juárez
Cucurpe
Cumpas
Granado
Magdalena de Kino

16 – 19

Eusebio Francisco Kino Cultural X Festival
Magdalena de Kino

This will be the 50th year for the event, held in honor of Jesuit priest Eusebio Francisco Kino, who established a number of missions in the area that is now southern Arizona and northern Mexico. It was first held in 1967 after the discovery of Father Kino’s remains in what is now Plaza Monumental.

The main fiestas are held in Magdalena, where father Kino’s remains lie, although there are also festivals held in some other pueblos such as Santa Ana, Cucurpe, Imuris and San Ignacio.

The festival in Magdalena is a major Sonoran event, featuring exhibitions, arts and crafts sales, a parade, and other activities. The festival has a very relaxed vibe, unlike the sometimes-raucous scenes at its October Fiestas. More information.

24 – 29

Festival del Pitic
Hermosillo

The Festival del Pitic is a major cultural and arts festival that celebrates the origins of the city of Hermosillo, which was originally known as Pitic. Performances and exhibits of music, art and theater will fill public areas along with a delicious array of food options and entertaining street performers.

Presented by the Hermosillo Municipal Institute of Culture, Art and Tourism (IMCATUR), with support from the Sonoran Institute of Culture and the Commission for the Promotion of Sonoran Tourism, in addition to various private businesses and the Federal Secretary of Culture. We attended the festival last year and had a great time. More information.

Read about the Festival del Pitic 2017

May 31 – June 2

Rescate San Carlos 2019 Fishing Tournament and Dorado Derby
San Carlos

This annual San Carlos fishing tournament is held at the San Carlos Yacht Club. Registration is on Friday, May 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by fishing on Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2. Rules and more information.

Festival Kino 2019 in Magdalena de Kino Sonora

2019 Events in Sonora

January to March Events

April to June Events

July to September Events

October to December Events

February 2019 Events in Sonora

February 2019 Events in Sonora, Mexico

February is a month with nationally observed religious, government and social events in Sonora, Mexico. The official end of the Christmas season is observed on February 2, when Sonorans eat tamales to commemorate the Day of the Candelaria.

Constitution Day and Flag Day mark national achievements and February 14 is a popular day to celebrate love and friendship.

2

Candlemas – Día de la Candelaría
Nationwide

The Day of the Candelaría, also known as Candlemas, is a religious holiday that marks the end of the Christmas season in the church calendar. Traditionally images of the baby Jesus are blessed in a church ceremony, and meals of tamales are prepared by the people who received the plastic baby Jesus in their piece of Rosca de Reyes bread on January 6.

5

Día de la Constitución – Constitution Day
Nationwide

Observed on February 4 (the first Monday of February), Constitution Day is a national public holiday to commemorate the Constitution of 1917, which was enacted following the Mexican Revolution.

14

Día del Amor y Amistad – Valentine’s Day
Nationwide

In Mexico this day is to celebrate friendship and love. As in other countries, friends and lovers exchange cards and gifts.

24

Día de la Bandera – Flag Day
Nationwide

Schools, banks and government offices are closed in observance of this national holiday to honor the flag of Mexico.

28 – March 5

Carnaval
Guaymas

This annual gala includes parades and other festive events, up to the night of the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the traditional start of the Lenten season. More information.

2019 Events in Sonora

January to March Events

April to June Events

July to September Events

October to December Events

October 2019 Events in Sonora

September 2019 Events in Sonora

June 2019 Events in Sonora

May 2019 Events in Sonora

February 2019 Events in Sonora

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