"Hola! Vamonos!" yells a voice in the crowd and with that the action begins.
The music is loud and now everyone is dancing in the streets. I spot one lady tapping her foot and swaying in time to the Latin beat, on this, a warm, balmy, Mexican evening.
She is by herself, as am I, and without anyone to dance with, we look at each other, shrug our shoulders and--laughing--start dancing together. We even end up dancing in sync--each of us following the other's movements, and all the while giggling like a couple of schoolkids.
And it's perfectly okay to dance with a total stranger here, because, tonight, it's a festive evening here in Mazatlan -- in fact it's theDia de la Musica. This is just one of the many evenings in Mazatlan when it's all about the dancing and having fun.
Neither the Mexican lady nor I can speak the other's language, although the señora does seem vaguely familiar.
But it doesn't seem to matter. We are doing our own version of rock and roll, with a little of the "Twist" thrown in (didn't know I could still do the "Twist" all the way down to the ground - that's nice to learn) all the while smiling and moving to the beat, against a backdrop of Mexican homes with their charming shades of cantaloupe.
Then we break out into hoots of laughter as we have a go at doing "the Bump" with each other - a dance that hit the disco scene *cough* some years back.
For theDia de la Musica celebration there are actually five stages open, all offering different types of music, from classical to jazz to disco toMexican. And it's all free. On the day I was there, everything from jazz to classical to Mexican music had people up out of their seats. The Mexican music was, by far, however, the most popular both with locals and visitors alike.
Dedicated non-dancers in the crowd (although, in my opinion, there's no such thing--everyone can move from side to side), I was later told, even found themselves unable to resist getting up and moving.
As the evening came to an end, I smiled at the señora, give her a hug and thanked her, in English. She smiled and nodded in return and bid me what was, no doubt, "good night" in Spanish.
This is the Mazetlan that people told me not to go to. They warned me it was too dangerous. Too dangerous? No way! The people here are nothing short of friendly, hospitable and -- it has to be said--pretty good at dancing too.
But when you're done with the dancing, know that there are plenty of other things to keep you amused here in Mazatlan. This town is a vacation destination that has just about everything you could imagine--from history to art to a roaring nightlife.
After you've been here, in fact, you'll be asking yourself what took you so long to discover it. It's not for nothing celebrities like John Wayne discovered the town for themselves a long time ago, and evenErnest Hemingwayfound inspiration for his writing here.
No doubt that inspiration came from Mazatlan's historical district. Did you know that it was named a National Heritage site back in 2001? Yes, it's true. And it's not for nothing this cultural gem has been "discovered" by some 7,000 expat Americans and Canadians who now call Mazatlan their home.
History
When it comes to history, the town originally got started when ancient mariners came here to look for silver. Alas, they found nada. At least in terms of silver, that is--they did find a very wonderful coastal town, however.
You can take a bus tour on theFunBusand get an overview of the town, or check out the Waterfront Promenade which has five miles of sculptures to view. The area even has the world's tallest natural lighthouse.
Art
If it's art you are looking for, then know that Mazatlan has a thriving art community, introduced by an expat American lady, Glen Rogers. You can do the Art Walk every month that she started and feast your eyes on some beautiful contemporary art.
Check out the Luna Arte Contemoraneo at Ninos Heroes between Sixto Osuna and Romanita de la Pena for just one studio that says it "exhibits paintings, prints, and drawings by local and international artists: a collective that encircles abstract to realism." It's well worth seeing, even if you didn't think you were an art buff. Rogers herself has an art studio that's also worth checking out.
Adventure
If that previously-mentioned dancing in the streets doesn't have enough of an adrenalin rush for you, then don't worry, because there are plenty of action sports and adventures to get your spirits going.Take the nine (yes, nine) zip lines that you can go on to cross the jungle with Huana Coa Canopy Adventure. The same organization that conducts the canopy tours also has ATVs to the serene village of La Noria if you prefer to stay on terra firma.
For some, the real adventure lies in checking out spirits of a different kind at the nearby tequilla distillery at Los Osuna.
Hotel
One hotel that is a great kicking-off place for the above activities is the all-inclusive resort El Cid Marina Beach, where everything (including the mini-bar in the room) is paid for. It's right on the waterfront and the pools, along with shopping and just relaxing, are well worth the stay. The service here too is impeccable. This Allways Traveller forgot to pack a toothbrush and the staff here were attentive and super-fast in getting me another one.
Spa
But holidays are all about complete relaxation and if a spa is your thing then check out the Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay hotel whose spa puts the aaaaah right back into the word Maaaahzatlan. The hardest part is getting off the table.
Bay Cruise
After the spa you just might be able to drag your noodle-like body to a bay cruise. Believe me, it will be worth it! There's lunch and an open bar included and you will be taken to the quiet Deer island where you can snorkel, kayak and try to stay on the banana boat when it comes to an abrupt halt! Ah, such fun.
Shrimp Bucket
One of the best dining experiences, it has to be said, is at the Shrimp Bucket. Here they cook shrimp four different ways - every one of them delicious. You would be surprised how delicious coconut shrimp can be.
"Mazatlan is an awesome place! Who knew there was so much to do here!" says Melissa Curtin, an LA resident, who flew only 2 hours to reach Mazatlan.
I couldn't agree more.
On my last day in Mazatlan I felt a sadness in leaving. Just as I prepared to check out my room, I bumped into one of the chambermaids at the hotel. We stopped in our tracks and just looked at each other. Then both of us broke out in smiles and laughter. It was the lovely señora from the dancing-in-the-street party. That's why she'd looked vaguely familiar. She worked at the hotel.
We hugged and nodded and recognized a kindred spirit. Still, neither of us spoke the other's language.
But it really didn't matter. Because dancing--which they do so beautifully in Mazatlan--is an international language all of its own.
No words of any kind required...