Our annual Carnavál fireworks spectacular, the Combate Naval, which recreates the attack by the French right here in our port, was better than ever last night! The show was breathtaking—with 20 land-bound launch locations and five platforms in the bay, we were surrounded by explosive light.

It was a clear, calm night in Olas Altas, perfect for fireworks viewing. Just before 9pm we saw fireworks from near the Plazuela Machado. They wound their way into the Carnavál zone in Olas Altas, making their way down to the deer statue, where they recited this year’s poem roasting the “Mal Humor.” For the second year in a row, the Burning of Bad Humor was of Donald Trump, this time with his wall. Click on any photo to enlarge it or view a slideshow.

Clear calm night

Burning of Bad Humor/Quema del Mal Humor

Signaling the Burning of Bad Humor

Clear calm night

Starry starry night

View to the lighthouse

Photo courtesy Lisa Lankins, CULTURA

Over the next hour hundreds of thousands of people crowded into the zone, waiting the arrival of the queen. Once she, city and state officials and VIPs had taken their seats by the Pedro Infante statue, lights in the zone were dimmed: promptly at 10:30pm.

The show included several new types of fireworks, including round ones that looked like wheels, and some that launched so very slowly into the air it felt like magic. There was a whole lot of gold sparkly, and the colors of the Mexican flag for good measure. Briefer than usual at 20 minutes, the shorter version gets my vote because it was so very beautiful! My heart didn’t stop racing for nearly an hour afterwards.

Innovative round or wheel-shaped fireworks

Slowly rising fireworks that felt magical and looked like palm trees: UFOs

Horsetails over Mazatlán

The entire show, as usual, is choreographed to music. My favorite part was when the fireworks took a 20-second or so break for the smoke to clear, and once we heard Juan Gabriel singing “El Sinoalense” the fireworks resumed big-time.

The grand finale was an unforgettable capstone on a wonderful evening.

Wide-angle shot of Combate Naval

Congratulations and thank you to CULTURA Mazatlán, city and state government for allowing us to enjoy such fantastic entertainment!