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.