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Manzanillo’s calendar is anchored by the Fiesta de Mayo in spring and the International Sailfish Tournament in November, with religious holidays and sporting events filling the gaps. Most events are free and open to the public. Pair this schedule with the best time to visit Manzanillo guide, and see the full Manzanillo travel guide for everything else.
Manzanillo Events and Festivals: Fiesta de Mayo and Carnival
Fiesta de Mayo is Manzanillo’s biggest celebration, running roughly two weeks from late April to May 10 to mark the anniversary of the city’s founding as a seaport in 1873. Expect parades, concerts, art exhibits, sports tournaments and food stalls along the Malecón and in the El Centro and San Pedrito districts, which the best neighborhoods in Manzanillo guide covers. Carnival comes earlier, usually in February in the days before Lent, with a shorter parade and street parties.
Manzanillo Events and Festivals: The International Sailfish Tournament
The Torneo Internacional de Pesca Deportiva runs the last weekend of November, with the 2026 edition set for November 27-28. Anglers compete from boats out of the Manzanillo marina for sailfish, marlin, tuna and dorado, with cash prizes awarded daily. It is the event behind the Sailfish Capital of the World nickname, earned after a 1957 tournament landed 336 sailfish. Spectators watch the weigh-ins at the dock, and the things to do in Manzanillo guide lists the city’s other waterfront sights.
Manzanillo Events and Festivals: November Sporting Events
November crams three sporting events into the same stretch. The Manzanillo Open Challenger Tour, an ATP Challenger tennis event, runs November 23-30 on the courts at Hotel Las Hadas. The Rally Colima motorsport stage runs November 20-25 through the surrounding hills, and the Zanate Festival screens independent documentaries in the city center. For a place to sleep near Las Hadas during tournament week, check the where to stay in Manzanillo guide.
Manzanillo Events and Festivals: Religious and National Holidays
Mexican holidays fill the rest of the year. Navy Day on June 1 features a naval parade in the port, and Independence Day on September 15-16 brings the traditional Grito and fireworks. DÃa de Muertos runs October 31 to November 2, and the Fiesta de Guadalupe begins December 1, building to the December 12 feast with processions. A Coastal Kite Festival fills the Playa Azul sky on the last weekend of May. For weather around any of these dates, see the Manzanillo weather by month page, and read Manzanillo travel tips for getting around during parades.
