Mazatlan's Monuments

Perhaps it began with the prehispanic civilizations, creating idols of their every god. Apparently inherent in the Mexican culture, monuments are built to commemorate all sorts of people and events. In Mazatlán, monuments seem to sprout up everywhere and many of them have a story to tell.

Fisherman's Monument

Perhaps the best known monument in the city, the "Monumento al Pescador" is a symbol of Mazatlán. Mazatlán, which began as a fishing town, is still known for fishing, both for recreation and for commercial activity. In fact, Mazatlán boasts the largest shrimp fishing fleet in the Pacific. The man in the monument represents the strength of the fishermen who labor every day. Fittingly, Mazatlán's fishermen can be found along the beach, just south of the monument, every morning, selling their catches of the day. The woman represents both the beautiful women of Mazatlán and the beauty of the city itself. In the middle of the monument is a lighthouse, which is, of course, El Faro (the lighthouse). And the ribbon that entwines the monument (and on which the woman rests) is the Tropic of Cancer, which Mazatlán almost sits right on. This monument is Mazatlán's oldest and is commonly used as a reference point along the malecón.

The Continuity of Life

Further down the malecón, south of the Fisherman's Monument, is Mazatlán's largest monument, "La Continuidad de la Vida." The monument-- a naked couple on a huge seashell overlooking a school of dolphins-- is meant to represent life's continuity in harmony with nature. The man, who points to an infinite horizon, offers the future to the woman, a future where they will search for happiness together and protect living things. The snail shell on which the couple stand is particularly important because the snail traditionally represents continuity and eternity of life in the universe. This monument is particularly impressive at night, when it is all lit up.

The Siren

Not much seems to be known about this mermaid ("La Sirena") who sits on the rocks overlooking the ocean near the clavadistas (cliff divers). The cupid next to her seems to be ready to strike the lover she is searching or waiting for.

The Mazatlecan Woman

Even further south along the malecón, across from Devil's Cave, "La Mujer Mazatleca" is for the women of Mazatlán, who are said to be among the most beautiful women in the world. This monument, which was smelt in México City, was unveiled by Jalisco composer Gabriel Ruiz on November 23, 1983. Ruiz is well-known in Mazatlán for composing the music for such songs as "Mazatlán," "Nights of Mazatlán" and "Secret from Mazatlán."

The Little Deer

"El Venadito" is located between the malecón (seawall) and the Shrimp Bucket restaurant in Olas Altas. This monument symbolizes Mazatlán and the city's Indian heritage. The name "Mazatlán" derives from the Nahuatl Indian word "Mazatl," which means "deer." Therefore, "Mazatlán" is the "Land of the Deer." The monument itself was designed by Yucatan artist Rolando Arjona Amabilies and was dedicated by a Mason Lodge member sometime between 1975 and 1977.

The Shield of Sinaloa and Mazatlán

Even further south along the malecón, the colorful "Escudo de Sinaloa y Mazatlán" has been on display since December of 1959. One side of the monument shows the Sinaloan crest, while the other side shows the Mazatlecan crest, both which date back to 1831. The Sinaloan crest, or shield, depicts four important historical cities of the state: Culican, El Fuerte, Mazatlán and El Rosario. The Mazatlán shield depicts an anchor to symbolize the port, a crab because Mazatlán is on the Tropic of Cancer, islands called the "Two Brothers," a sun representing Mazatlán's climate and two mermaids. One mermaid holds a mask to symbolize Carnaval Mazatlán and the other holds flowers, representing the Flower Games.

The Cannon

In the south of Mazatlán, atop of Lookout Hill (Cerro del Vigia), a cannon remains a reminder of the past. Commissioned by former President Porfirio Diaz, the monument commemorates the Battle of Mazatlán in 1864. During the French Intervention, a French warship called La Cordeliere sailed into these waters, intending to invade and take over the then-small town of Mazatlán. But a courageous group of Mazatlecos hauled a cannon to the top of Lookout Hill and fired on La Cordeliere until the ship gave up and turned away. Eventually, the French troops did reach Mazatlán, but they had to come through the neighboring state of Nayarit. But the battle was a big victory for Mazatlán, and it is re-enacted on the Saturday evening during Carnaval every year in the way of a ship-to-shore fireworks battle. At the foot of the "cañon" monument, a plaque memorializes the event: "Mazatlecos have always gallantly defended Mazatlán soil. This cannon is testimony to the patriotism of the inhabitants of this port."

The Immaculate Conception

At the foot of the harbor in the south end of town, between the cruise ships and the ferries to La Paz, a golden, serene-looking madonna figure stands out in the skyline. This monument, often referred to as "The Virgin of the Point," is always surrounded by fresh flowers. An inscription at her feet identifies her: "Mother of the church and queen of the sea and universe."

Pacifico Monument

Located in a glorieta along Avenida del Mar, north of the Fisherman's monument and across from Av. Lola Beltran, lies this homage to the Pacifico Beer Factory. This monument was unveiled on March 14, 2000, the hundredth anniversary of the day the brewery first began producing Pacifico beer. The Pacifico brewery was founded by three German immigrants, Germán Evers, Emilio Philippi and Jorge Claussen. The brewery was acquired by the Modelo group in 1954. The monument itself, which was designed by brewery workers, is a huge copper cooking vat capable of holding 24,000 liters (6336 gallons) of beer.

Don Cruz Lizarraga

Don Cruz Lizarraga was the late founder and leader of Sinaloa's most famous musical group, Banda El Recodo. Banda El Recodo-- who now play under the direction of Don Cruz's son, Germán-- specializes in "banda tambora" music. Banda tambora came to Sinaloa in the early 20th century when German immigrants tried to popularize oompah tunes of the old country. With the mix of a certain Latin flavor came the development of a music unique to this region. As a tribute to Don Cruz and his musical gift, family, friends and fans gather every year on June 17-- the anniversary of his death in 1995-- for a memorial mass and to enjoy a free concert, usually held at the Baseball Stadium (Teodoro Mariscal). In 1999, Don Cruz's memory received a special tribute with the unveiling of the monument: a life-size statue of Don Cruz with a clarinet in hand and a tuba and snare drum at his side. The statue stands in a triangle across the street from the Mazatlán Aquarium (at the intersection of Av. de los Deportes and Rio Fuerte, now Av. Cruz Lizarraga).

Aquarium Monument

At the front of the Aquarium (Acuario), located along Av. de los Deportes, is a monument tall in stature. The monument is of three children climbing each other to reach and feed the dolphin springing from the water.

López Sáenz Monument

Created as a millenium gift to the city from the artist, this monument is a stylized Sinaloan family looking towards the future. The artist, Antonio López Sáenz, is a Mazatleco who has become one of México's most notable artists. In fact, every year during Carnaval, a talented new artist is awarded the López Sáenz prize for art. Cast in bronze in a foundry in México City, the monument was unveiled on New Year's Eve, 2000, in a public municipal ceremony. This monument is located along the malecón, just a short walk from Valentino's.

Waterworks Monument

A tribute to the workers who brought the drinking water system to Mazatlán, this "Monumento del Agua" is located at the intersection of Av. Rafael Buelna and the International Highway as it heads north.

The Man of Universal Peace

Located along Av. Insurgentes, "El Hombre de la Paz Universal" is a towering golden figure holding a bell over his head. The plaque at his feet reads: "Hacer el bien produce buena suerte" (To do good produces good luck).