Are you thinking about moving to Mazatlán, or are you going to spend some time here this winter to see what you think? I thought you might like a few tips on how to make friends and find out what is going on. I hope a few of these will make you feel comfortable in your new home right away.
First, I would suggest you check out our Mazatlán Links page. Take your time looking around and you will soon be up on all things Mazatlán! I also did a blog post about How to Know What’s Going On in Mazatlán that has lots of links to Facebook pages that will keep you informed. Facebook really has transformed how we share and help each other. It will be easy to ask for help with quirky household problems or locating something needed. The only forum in town outside of Facebook is the Yahoo forum MazInfo, which is a great source for help and information.
Newcomers to Mazatlán will likely want to attend one or both of the newcomer get-togethers that take place each week. Friday afternoon the get together is at 4 pm at Gaia Restaurant in the Plazuela Machado at the corner of Sixto Osuna and Heriberto Frias. Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is at Las Flores Hotel in the Golden Zone. The Las Flores one will start for the season Nov. 5th and the Casa Lucila one around mid-November. Both groups are friendly and welcoming – we met some of our first and closest friends at them!
If you want to know what music, dance, and other happenings are going on around town be sure to check Mazatlán Life frequently. There are always lots of options to satisfy every taste and budget… from ballet and opera to rock and roll on the beach.
If you’d like to become a part of a great organization, the Mazatlan Tourist Aid Volunteers have people helping tourists all around town. They need people at the cruise ship terminal and various points throughout the city. You’ve probably seen these “Blue Shirts” as you move around Mazatlán yourself.
There’s a community theater organization (Mazatlan Film & Theater) that might be something you want to get involved in – either performing in a play reading, or volunteering behind the scenes. They put on movies twice a week, too. There is always a need for new people and it’s a great way to make new friends.
Of course you’ll want to pick up a copy of our two English language newspapers – M! Magazine and the Pacific Pearl. You’ll also want to subscribe to the Cultura email list so you won’t miss any of their great performances. And don’t miss coming downtown for Art Walk on the first Friday of each month. It’s always a fun time and afterwards you can have dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area.
Even if you are based in the Golden Zone or the Marina, I would encourage you to spend the day in Centro frequently. Have a walk through the mercado, follow the Mazatlán Life walking tour, eat a meal in the Plazuela Machado, attend a performance at the Angela Peralta Theater, and maybe have an ice cream or a raspado before heading home. Don’t miss enjoying the sunset from the bar at the top of the Hotel Freeman, either!
The Saturday Organic Market in Centro at the Plazuela Zaragoza is another great way to meet people and get to know some of the fabulous organic suppliers here in Mazatlán. They also sell on Wednesdays at Baja Style in the Golden Zone.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that taking Spanish lessons can be a great way to meet people, too. Not only friendships with the other beginners in your class but before you know it you’ll be developing friendships with your Spanish speaking neighbors!
Mazatlán is a very friendly place – if there was one piece of advice I would give you it would be to talk to people! Whether it is when you are having a pedicure at the salon, or overhearing a conversation at the next table or when puzzling over a product at the grocery store – people are always friendly and helpful.
