MAZATLÁN, Mexico (April 17, 2011) – The sun shines bright on the golden shores of Mazatlán, where rich culture and legendary hospitality set the stage for a lineup of spring events that’s better than ever.
This Pacific Coast destination welcomes visitors with a full calendar of unique festivities throughout the months of April, May and June, 2011. From performing arts and musical extravaganzas to world-class sporting events, Mazatlán offers a variety of activities for every interest amid warm sea breezes and a picturesque backdrop.
New this year, the destination hosts the Quiksilver Surf Clásico Mazatlán, an international surf, music and fashion festival taking place June 1 – 5. The five-day event brings Mazatlán’s long-established surfing renown to the world stage as part of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 2011 Star event schedule. Athletes will compete for an $85,000 USD purse. Back on shore, spectators enjoy a full schedule of fashion shows, culinary fairs and live music performances by national and international artists that include Cut/Copy, Slightly Stoopid, Los Amigos Invisibles and more.
“We are proud to showcase such a diverse array of spring events that reflects the vibrant spirit of Mazatlán and its people,” says Carlos Berdegué, vice president of the Mazatlán Hotel Association. “Premier events like these alongside our rich heritage draw thousands of visitors who are welcomed into the warmth and vitality of daily life in Mazatlán.”
Below is just a sampling of event highlights taking place this spring in Mazatlán:
April 27 – May 1
Mazatlán International Bike Week 2011 – Motorcycle fans gear up for five days of high-octane fun and adventure along Mexico’s golden Pacific Coast. More than 15,000 bikers and enthusiasts converge for the 16th Annual International Bike Week, featuring an action-packed lineup of activities that range from bike parades, stunt exhibitions, drag races, custom bike competitions, accessories and apparel expos, as well as live music, entertainment, local restaurant sponsors, free contests and giveaways.
Location: Main bike parade – Malecon oceanfront promenade, Mazatlán, Mexico
April 29 – May 5
Jose Limon Dance Festival – The 135-year-old Angela Peralta Theater sets the stage for one of the year’s most anticipated performing arts events. The Jose Limón Dance Festival honors the legacy of pioneering Sinaloa dancer and choreographer, Jose Limón – founder of the acclaimed dance company that established a global stage extending well beyond Mazatlán. Showcasing artists and dancers of international renown, the festival also shines a light on expositions, literary presentations and the Summit of Academies – a nationwide assembly of dancers.
Location: Angela Peralta Theater, Old Mazatlán
May 5 – 8
Mexican PGA Championship – Estrella Del Mar Golf Club hosts this prestigious tournament of the Canadian Professional Golf Tour, drawing hundreds of the world’s top golfers in pursuit of this year’s title from defending champion Andy Matthews alongside a $125,000 USD purse. The Mexican PGA Championship will swing into action on Estrella Del Mar’s oceanfront course, renowned as one of Mexico’s finest, offering 18 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Location: Estrella Del Mar – Stone Island, Mazatlán, Mexico
May 6
ArtWalk – Lovers of fine art will find much to explore on the first Friday in May, when Old Mazatlán’s art galleries and workshops for free tours, exhibit debuts, and lectures by visiting and local artists. Visitors marvel at dynamic displays of photography, paintings and sculptures in neoclassical buildings refurbished to house the city’s art galleries.
Location: Old Mazatlán historic district, Mazatlán, Mexico
June 1
Marina Mazatlán Fishing Tournament – Recognized worldwide as a first-class fishing destination, Mazatlán draws top anglers from around the world for the premier Marina Mazatlán tournament. Complete with festive dinner receptions, onshore events and an official awards ceremony, international anglers are sure to be hooked.
Location: Marina Mazatlán – Sabalo Estuary north of the main commercial harbor, Mazatlán, Mexico
June 1 – 5
Quiksilver Surf Clásico Mazatlán – Celebrate the swell life with five days of epic surf, fashion and live music as surfers from around the globe hang ten on Mazatlán’s renowned breaks. This Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) four-star event features an $85,000 purse alongside festivities that range from surf gear expos and fashion shows to local art exhibits and featured live concerts from international beach rock artists including Cut/Copy, Slightly Stoopid and more.
Location: Competition beach – Playa El Camaron in Golden Zone tourism corridor, Mazatlán, Mexico
Mazatlán hosts a year-round calendar of events that include international sporting tournaments, culinary fairs, eclectic cultural festivals and holiday celebrations. For more information on these spring highlights or the full calendar of 2011 events in Mazatlán, visit http://www.gomazatlan.com.
About Mazatlán
Mazatlán is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. As Mexico’s second largest coastal city, Mazatlán has nearly 600,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlán and Zona Dorada or Golden Zone, with a seven-mile coastal road between the two. Mazatlán has an international sport-fishing reputation. Sites of interest include: the Angela Peralta Theater, Archeological Museum, Republic Plaza, Ocean Museum, Botanic Garden, San Jose Chapel and the world’s second-tallest lighthouse. Transportation is available via the local “pulmonías” or four-person open-air vehicles that have become a symbol of the city. Visit Mazatlán on the World Wide Web at http://www.gomazatlán.com.