Mazatlan Carnival 2027: Dates, Events and Where to Stay

Mazatlan Carnival 2027 runs from Thursday, February 4 to Tuesday, February 9, 2027, as confirmed by Mazatlán's municipal culture and tourism institute. The parades are on Sunday the 7th and Tuesday the 9th, and the Combate Naval fireworks and the Queen's coronation are on Saturday the 6th. If you want to enjoy it without sitting in traffic, the smart move is to book a place right on the Malecón, and to do it early.

This year's theme is "Amamos nuestras tradiciones" ("We Love Our Traditions"). It celebrates Sinaloa's culture: charrería (Mexican rodeo), fishing, banda music, the ancient ball game ulama, the textile tradition of Villa Unión and the women of Mazatlán. Historians date the city's first Carnaval to 1898, which is why it's considered Mexico's oldest organized carnival.

Mazatlan Carnival 2027 dates and schedule

Here's the official schedule as announced. Exact start times are posted on the Carnaval Internacional de Mazatlán calendar, so check it again a few days before you go.

The coronations

Every night has its own coronation. On Thursday the King of Joy is crowned and reads the Proclamation of Bad Humor, a satirical take on life in the port. Friday honors the Floral Games Queen, the literary figure of Carnaval. Saturday brings the big one: the Carnival Queen. Monday belongs to the kids with the Child Queen.

The 2027 royalty are chosen in the final vote count on January 14, so you'll know who's leading the party well before you arrive.

Combate Naval: Saturday, February 6

For many locals, Saturday night is the highlight. The Combate Naval is a huge fireworks show over Olas Altas bay that reenacts a historic battle in defense of the port, and it usually goes along with the Burning of Bad Humor. It gets very crowded. Arrive early for a good spot, or plan to watch from somewhere higher up along the Malecón.

Parades: Sunday the 7th and Tuesday the 9th

The two parades are the visual centerpiece of Carnaval. They traditionally run along the Malecón with floats, dance troupes, banda bands and giant papier-mâché figures called monigotes. Local media report about 30 floats for 2027, and each one will carry a large QR code you can scan to learn the story behind its design as it rolls slowly past.

Organizers confirm the route and start time each year. What doesn't change: the Malecón closes to traffic, and families claim their spots hours ahead.

The Olas Altas street party

Starting Friday the 5th, Olas Altas in the historic Centro turns into a huge open-air party with stages, music and food stands. There's a paid entry and security checkpoints. One local outlet reports roughly 70 pesos (cash only) for 2027, plus online and in-person advance tickets, but neither is confirmed yet. Check the final price with the official Carnaval organizers.

What to know:

• It's loud, packed and goes late. If you want a quiet night, this isn't the place.
• Travel light: a photocopy of your ID, cash in pesos and a phone in a front pocket. Leave the purse at home.
• There are portable restrooms, but bring your own tissues.
• The monigotes line the Malecón from the Playa Norte area near the Machado end down to the Family Monument, so it's worth a daytime walk to see them.

Pre-Carnaval events in January

If you're in town in January, the build-up is fun too: the second candidate rally on January 8, the royalty vote count on January 14 and the Velada de las Artes on January 29. This edition also adds a new venue, the Lienzo Charro rodeo arena at El Encanto stadium, to match the charrería theme.

Which area lets you walk to the Malecón

During Carnaval, getting around by car or taxi is slow because of road closures and crowds. Where you stay matters more this week than any other time of year.

• Avenida del Mar (the Malecón): the easiest option for parades. Step out of the building and you're on the route in minutes, then walk back to rest whenever you want.
• Paseo Claussen / Olas Altas: closest to the street party and the Combate Naval, but also the noisiest and most crowded area on those nights.
• Golden Zone and Sábalo: quieter for sleeping, but you'll need a ride to the events, and that takes patience during Carnaval.

For most visitors, we recommend the Malecón. You can join the party and still get back to a calm place to rest, no driving needed.

Where to stay for Mazatlan Carnival 2027

At 24K we manage 32 apartments in Mazatlán, and several of our buildings sit right on Avenida del Mar. These are the ones we recommend most for Carnaval (you can browse everything on our Mazatlán page).

Torre Catania: the most options

Catania has the most units of any of our Malecón buildings: seven two-bedroom, two-bath apartments for 4 to 6 guests. Expect a pool, gym, elevator, free parking and a balcony, and some units also have a work-friendly space. It works well for couples and small families who want the parade route a few steps away. Take a look at this 6-guest Catania condo.

Isla Diamante: for big groups

Traveling with friends or the whole family? Isla Diamante gives you the most room: three bedrooms, three baths, space for 8, a pool, gym, workspace and free parking, also on Avenida del Mar. We only have one unit here, so it's often among the first to book for Carnaval. See the Isla Diamante 8-guest condo.

Altomare: groups of six with a view

Altomare has two two-bedroom apartments for 6 guests, with a pool, gym, elevator and balcony. One unit is on the 10th floor, and the other has an outdoor grill. It's a good fit for two couples or a family who want the Malecón without paying for extra space. Check out the 10th-floor Altomare condo.

The One: for couples

The One is a single two-bedroom apartment for 4 guests with a king bed, large balcony, elevator and free parking. It doesn't have a pool listed, so it suits people who'll spend their days out on the streets and just want a comfortable place to come back to.

One honest note: not every unit looks straight onto the parade route from the balcony. If that matters to you, message us and we'll tell you which unit works best.

Book early: why and how

Carnaval week is one of the busiest weeks of the year in Mazatlán, especially on the Malecón. In our experience, larger group apartments and units on Avenida del Mar book first, often months ahead.

• Lock in the key nights: if you only have a long weekend, book Friday the 5th through Monday the 8th to catch the Queen's coronation, the Combate Naval and the first parade.
• Want both parades? Stay through Wednesday the 10th so you can leave without rushing after the finale.
• Book flights or plan your drive early: transportation prices go up that week too.
• February is usually dry and mild, but if you're still choosing dates, see our guide to the best time to visit Mazatlán.

Practical tips for Carnaval

• Park when you arrive and get around on foot. Every building above includes free parking.
• Carry cash, since many food and drink stands don't take cards.
• For parades, bring a hat, water and something to sit on. The wait is long.
• Pick a meeting spot with your group, because cell service can drop in big crowds.
• Check the official calendar daily, since times can change.

Once you have your dates, book direct on our website or through WhatsApp and save 10% compared with Airbnb or Booking.com. It's the same apartments with no platform fees, and you'll talk directly with our local team, who can help you pick the best unit for your group during Carnaval.

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