Day of the Dead Festivities in Sonora
Annual Events in Sonora, Mexico
If there’s one thing about Sonora and Sonorans, they love a good fiesta! In addition to events observed statewide and nationally, typically each pueblo has its own special event that is observed every year. Starting in October temperatures are a lot more temperate, and as the temperatures drop the number of festivals increase. The season culminates with the Christmas holidays and New Year’s Eve.
Festivals and Other Annual Events – October to December
January through March
April through June
July through September
October through December
October
October 2019 events
Festival de San Francisco Javier
Late September/early October, Magdalena
Hundreds of Yaqui and Papago (Tohono O’Odham) pilgrims walk from the border to Magdalena every year, in honor of the town’s patron saint, San Francisco Javier. The week of festivities include art and cultural exhibitions, and muchas fiestas.
638 Gastro Fest
Playa Balche – Mayan Palace
Puerto Peñasco
Food samples from local restaurants in a comfortable ambiance with music, food and information stands. Presented by Collective Gastro 638.
Dia de la Raza – “Day of the Race” (Columbus Day)
October 14
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.
International Sonora Guitar Festival (FIG Sonora)
University of Sonora – Emiliana de Zubeldía Theater
Hermosillo
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.
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.
Feast Day of San Judas Tadeo (St. Jude Thaddaeus)
October 28
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.
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.
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.
November
November 2018 events
Día de Muertos – Day of the Dead
November 1- Dia de los Santos Inocentes (honoring chidren who died)
November 2 – Dia de los Muertos
Deceased relatives are remembered and honored in cemeteries and family homes throughout Mexico in this unique cultural celebration. In Sonora, this includes the construction of shrines in homes and public places, to honor the recently deceased. See photos.
Shrimp Festival
All month, Guaymas
This delicious seafood treat is honored throughout the month of November in the seaport city of Guaymas. Events include samples of shrimp recipes and a variety of art and cultural events. More information is available from the Guaymas Office of Conventions and Visitors (OCV Guaymas), info@go2sancarlos.org.
Rocky Point Rally
Early November, Puerto Peñasco
This annual biker fest is not only a lot of fun, but it also raises money for charitable causes. Events include a poker run, stunt shows, and other biker competitions. You don’t need to be a biker to enjoy and participate in the event, there will be a variety of other fiestas as well. More information
Día de la Revolucion – Revolution Day
November 20
Parades and festivals mark this anniversary of the 1910 Mexican Revolution. While not as big as the September 16 celebrations, it is still significant. Schools, banks and government offices are closed in observance of this national holiday.
Festival of Our Lady of Balvanera
November 20, La Aduana
This annual festival honors the Virgin of Balvanera in the small pueblo of La Aduana, Sonora (near Alamos). Many of the faithful walk the 20+ mile route from Navojoa to La Aduana to express their devotion to the Virgin of Balvanera.
December
December 2018 events
Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadalupe
December 12
This is a major religious holiday in Mexico, as most pueblos hold celebrations in honor of the country’s patron saint.
Las Posadas
December 16 to 24
This is the traditional Christmas party season, so named in remembrance of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
Navidad – Christmas
December 25
The last posada is held on Christmas Eve, also known as Noche Buena, when families traditionally have a late-night dinner.
Año Nuevo – New Year’s Eve
December 31
January through March
April through June
July through September
October through December
