The spectacular ” Una Noche de Esperanza (A Night of Hope)” Callejoneada (street parade) pays homage to the Day of the Dead and draws thousands to Centro Historico.
Faces filled with joy and sighs accompanied by thunderous applause rewarded the enthusiastic participation of a contingent of approximately 800 artists who brought the traditional Day of the Dead street parade to life. The event, organized by the Mazatlán government through the Instituto Municipal de Cultura, Turismo y Arte de Mazatlan, directed by Oscar García Osuna, became an unforgettable “Night of Hope” for thousands of people who thronged the streets of Centro Historico.
The grand event, which brought families together and united people across borders, was led by the Mayor of Mazatlán, Estrella Palacios Domínguez, and the royal court of the 2025 Mazatlán Carnaval: Lucero Lizárraga (Queen); Desiré Ayón (Queen of the Floral Games); and Bryan Gamboa (King of Joy). Angela Salazar (Children’s Queen) and Ximena Lizárraga (Poetry Queen).
Tambora Music: The Heart of the Parade
The soundtrack of the night was the unmistakable and powerful tambora music, which resonated with great force, making the streets vibrate and inviting the thousands of attendees to dance. The young people in the dance troupes didn’t hesitate to extend the invitation to those present to join in the dance.
The joyful contingent featured lively dance troupes, fire-breathing displays, captivating music, and the iconic ghostly figures, all to the rhythm of this traditional genre that symbolizes the joy of Sinaloa. The Colegas Studio group, from Banda MS, was a worthy exponent of this music during the parade.
A Striking Catrina and 14 Memorial Altars
The spectacular Catrina, a unique creation by Mazatlán artist Luis Antonio “Momo” Ríos, drew attention during the procession. His work was acclaimed for its impressive scale, stretching from street to street, and year after year it surprises thousands of families, both local and from out of town. Its passage elicited thunderous applause for its creator, who walked alongside his creation.
During the procession, the public was able to pay homage to the dead at the 14 traditional altars distributed throughout the streets of Centro Historico and the Plazuela Machado, enriching the cultural experience of ‘Una Noche de Esperanza’.
The Procession of Tradition
With more than 800 participants who brought to life the culture, history, and traditions of Mexico, the Callejoneada began its route at 8:00 p.m. The procession, accompanied by the sounds of Sinaloan tambora music, departed from Constitución Street in front of the Plazuela Machado, and proceeded along Venus, Sixto Osuna, Romanita de la Peña, Belisario Domínguez, and Ángel Streets.
University and Academy Talent
The procession was enriched by the participation of local and university talent, including the Mazahuatl Folkloric Ballet from CBTIS 51 (Directed by Blanca Gabriela Ibarra); Astros Dance Center (Directed by Pablo Navarrete Fonseca and Esaul Delgadillo Millán); the FACEAM Folkloric Dance Group (Directed by Ramón Escutia Varela); the Valentín Ortiz Dance Academy (Directed by Valentín Ortiz); the El Mazatleco Folkloric Company (Directed by Jesús Gualberto Castro Velásquez); and Danza Así (Directed by Celia Noriega), whose instructor, Celia Noriega, led 27 young dancers in a performance inspired by Frida Kahlo.
Also participating was the traditional dance group “SAILA MASSO,” directed by María Isabel Contreras and Juan José Canales Amador, who danced to the rhythm of the tambora drum in the bandstand of Plazuela Machado. The comparsa from the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS), with more than 100 members, and the Colegas Studio group from Banda MS.
Testimonials of an Unforgettable Celebration
The celebration of life through art and memory was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of preserving traditions.
María Teresa Guerrero and Christian Ávila, from Culiacán, Sinaloa, commented that the festival was beautiful and highly recommended visiting Mazatlán.
Regina, just 13 years old, said she really enjoyed the callejoneada (a traditional street parade); she thought it was beautiful and danced nonstop.
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Of course Colin and I were unable to attend this year. The move went well and we are doing what we can each day to get set up. Needless to say we are moving at a super slow speed. Despite not having shade we are ecstatic to be back on the ocean. Working on creating shade ramada but so is every restaurant on the beach. So we are dealing with a shortage of workers whom are facing a lack of madeira and mixing cement for the posts. suddenly everyone needs a palapa built. We are fine with it, poco a poco. Just so happy to be here.
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Glad to know you are moved and getting set up, as you have dreamed. We will look forward to seeing pictures once you are able. Enjoy the ocean views.
thanks for letting us know the move went good. As you say little by little. Take care.
Back at the IsLa, eh ?
Que bueno que la mudanza saliò bien; hermoso lugar con bellas vistas y sin yuyos ni mosquitos, YAY !! 💃
Little by little is my life now. And it’s not a bad thing. I am overjoyed that you guys are finally getting settled where you can be happy and relaxed. “Things” will eventually get done. Just take time out of each day to just enjoy being together. Hugs my friend.
Hola Contessa, Estan todos bien por ahi ? Just read the news about yesterday’s problems at Sinaloa; scary, uh ?
Which problems? There are hundreds of problems everyday in Sinaloa.
I saw that a mayor was killed.
That was in Uruapan, Michoacan a different province. He was one of the few non corrupt leaders.
Glad to hear everything went well with your move. Enjoy your winter.
Well we have no shade but working on that at the moment. Should be able to start to settle down in a week, then we can start to unpack and bring over our things from the storage area.
You alright down there? Haven’t heard from you for awhile.
I, too, have been wondering if all is OK. Ten words from you would be great.
just wondering if all went well going back to the Isla