| Mazatlán, Mexico is a city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. It is located at 23°12′N 106°25′W, on the Pacific coast just across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula. The city was founded in the 1820s. By the mid-1800s, a large group of immigrants had arrived from Germany. These new citizens developed Mazatlán into a thriving commercial seaport, importing equipment for the nearby gold and silver mines. They were also a large influence in the music, Banda, which is an alteration of Bavarian folk music. Mazatlán, with a population of 340,000 as of 2000 and annually growing, is the second-largest city in the state and Mexico's largest commercial port. Mazatlan is also a popular tourist destination with its beaches lined with resort hotels. A car ferry imports its trade across the Gulf of California from Mazatlán to La Paz, Baja California Sur. Every year, Carnival is celebrated during the week before Ash Wednesday. There are quite a few festivities, including the election of a Queen with parades and balls. Mazatlan holds the third largest Mardi Gras in the world, behind the celebrations held in Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. To reach Mazatlan you can fly into Gral. Rafael Buelna International Airport. |
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