September 2019 Events in Sonora

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

 

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June 2019 Events in Sonora

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.

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29 June 2019 Feria de la Pitaya in Masiaca Sonora
Circus Mexicus 2019 at Rocky Point

May 2019 Events in Sonora

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

Rocky Pt Agave Fest May 2019
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Festival Kino 2019 in Magdalena de Kino Sonora

February 2019 Events in Sonora

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.

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January 2019 Events in Sonora

January 2019 Events in Sonora, Mexico

The 2019 Sonora events calendar begins by a continuation of the 2018 Christmas season on January 6, the Dia de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day). The month concludes with what has become a massive cultural and arts festival, the Festival Cultural Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, also known as FAOT. Tens of thousands flock to the epicenter of Alamos, Sonora, and concerts are also performed in Hermosillo and other Sonoran cities.

1

New Year’s Day

A quiet day, most stores and businesses are closed.

6

Dia de Reyes – Kings Day
Nationwide

Mexican children receive gifts from the three kings (the Magi) on this day, which is a continuation of the Christmas season. Bakeries prepare traditional circular bread called a “rosca.” Inside every rosca there is a small plastic figurine that represents Christ, and whoever gets the piece of bread that contains the plastic Jesus is obligated to provide tamales for Candlemas (Dia de la Candelaria) on the 2nd of February.

18 – 26

Alamos Cultural Festival – Festival Cultural Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado
Alamos

This annual festival, commonly known as the “FAOT,” is named in honor of Alamos doctor and philanthropist Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, who was also an accomplished opera singer.

The event highlights operatic singing and chamber music, but a variety of popular music and art are also featured – not only in Alamos, but Hermosillo and other cities in Sonora as well, where concerts are performed during the week.

This event has steadily grown in popularity and is now one of Sonora’s most prominent cultural events, drawing over 100,000 people from many different countries. 2019 marks the 35th year of the festival. More information

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April 2019 Events in Sonora

April 2019 Events in Sonora

April 2019 Events in Sonora, Mexico

 

The first week of the month is a time of celebration in Caborca as the Fiestas 6 de Abril, which commemorate the town’s defense against a group of American “filibusteros” who tried to annex the municipality in 1857.

Easter Sunday is April 21, a major religious holiday in Mexico. The week before Easter is Semana Santa (holy week), when Sonorans flock to the coast and rivers for their spring break vacation, and the week after is the Semana de Pascua, Easter week.

And the last day of the month is the traditional Day of the Children (Día de los Niños), when it truly is good to be a child in Sonora.

1 – 7

Festival to Commemorate the Heroic Deeds of the 6th of April
Festival Conmemorativo de la Gesta Heróica del 6 de Abril
Caborca 

This is the biggest annual event in Caborca, to celebrate the victory of the citizens of Caborca and the Mexican Army over a group of “filibusteros” from California who attempted to annex the town in 1857. Events include a parade, art exhibits, sporting events, concerts and other activities. Sponsored by the Municipal Government (Ayuntamiento) of Caborca and the Dirección de Acción Cívica y Cultural of Caborca. More information

13 – 20

XIV Profesor Enrique Quijada Cultural Festival
Ures, Sonora

This annual event honors Professor Enrique Quijada and commemorates the 53rd anniversary of the Caravana de Recuerdo in Ures. Activities include music and dance performances, art and photography exhibits, book presentations and other culturally interesting things to see and do. Read more

14

Palm Sunday – Domingo de Palma

14 – 20

Semana Santa – Holy Week

Nationwide, the week prior to Easter Sunday. Most festivities take place during the week leading up to Easter, but many people have the following week, known as La Pascua, off as well, making it a two-week holiday.

Religious processions and other activities are common, but for most Sonorans, it is time to enjoy their spring vacation at the beach or by a river.

The two weeks of Semana Santa are a very busy travel time, so if you plan to visit Sonora during the week before or after Easter, make your plans and reservations well in advance and be prepared for travel congestion and delays (especially at the border).

19

Good Friday – Viernes Santo

21

Easter Sunday

22 – 29

Semana de Pascua – Easter Week

While the major celebrations for Easter occur during Semana Santa, the week before Easter, many also observe the week after Easter by taking a Spring vacation as well.

19 – 28                                                     

International Dance Exhibit: One Desert for Dance
La Muestra Internacional Un Desierto para la Danza
City Theater, Casa de la Cultura
Hermosillo

An annual event since 1993 that is a platform for the creation, diffusion and education of contemporary dance. More information.

25 – 30

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.

27 – 29

FestVital Xepe an Cöicoos y las músicas del mundo
Hermosillo

A festival that seeks the positive transformation of the Comcáac Nation (Ethnic Seri), organized by the Rock band Seri Hamac Caziim (divine fire) and carried out with the collaboration of artists, academics and volunteers from all over Mexico and abroad. This will be the sixth year of the festival. More information. 

30                       

Día de los Niños – Children’s Day
Nationwide

This very special day is just for the children, celebrated throughout Mexico with parties and other special events.

caborca april fiestas 2019
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