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