Oct. 16-18 in Moctezuma, Sonora
Save the dates! And let’s celebrate together the natural wealth of our region in a fun event full of activities centered around love and respect for nature.
The Festival of the Sky Islands has been a great success in previous years, and this October it returns to bring us together again. For three days, we’ll celebrate the Sky Island region in a space dedicated to environmental education, biodiversity, art, and culture, where nature and community come together to learn, share, and act for a more just and conscious future.
This event is made possible through a collective commitment, with the participation of organizations, students, artists, teachers, and schools, sharing their talent and knowledge through workshops, talks, exhibits, artistic performances, and community activities.
This year, we are placing special emphasis on the Sky Islands’ grasslands, which are very important for bird migration, climate regulation, water filtration, and other ecosystem services.
Program of Activities
Come and be part of the 4th Sky Islands Festival! For three days we’ll have talks, workshops, mountain hikes, bird watching, dance, art, film, and a grand closing with a community dance, celebrating the biodiversity, culture, and unity of our community.
Thursday, Oct. 16 — Bringing environmental education to schools
- A day of school visits and activities, workshops and talks.
- Start of the community camp at Parque de la Salida de Moctezuma, two kilometers north of Moctezuma on Mexico Highway 17 towards Cumpas. Coordinates: (29.817498, -109.677493).
Friday, Oct. 17 — University students and visitors in action
- A day of workshops and discussion forums at Universidad de la Sierra. Activities and workshops at schools in the town. During the afternoon, a folkloric dance workshop for young people will be held in the town square. Outdoor cinema in the park at night where folks will be camping.
Saturday, Oct. 18 — Community in action and grand festival
- The day begins with a yoga workshop, hike to Sierra La Madera, bird watching, folkloric dance workshops for adults and children. During the afternoon, the grand Sky Islands festival takes place in the main plaza, with booths, artistic performances, environmental talks, a drawing contest, and a grand closing with a community dance.
Sunday, Oct. 19 — Panel with ranchers
- Following the festival, on Sunday morning at 9 a.m., we’ll have a panel of ranchers at the Asociación Ganadera de Moctezuma facility to explore topics about ranches and regenerative ranching.
Location & Lodging
For those coming from the U.S., here’s info on the “Only Sonora” permit. Depending on the day, the event will take place in a few locations, including at the Universidad de la Sierra and Moctezuma’s Plaza Principal. If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are hotels in Moctezuma and Cumpas, as well as a free camping option.
If you have questions or if you wish to support with sponsorship for contest prizes, either monetary or in kind, contact Mónica Montaño.
Let’s make this festival a meeting point to share, learn, and take action for a better future in the Sky Islands. Looking forward to seeing you all in Moctezuma!