Oct. 15-17 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’re placing special emphasis on the aquatic ecosystems of the Sky Islands, highlighting the springs and rivers that sustain a wide diversity of life and the region’s main economic activities. Springs serve as refuges for many species, and at this festival we want to spotlight the Tarahumara salamander (Ambystoma rosaceum), one of the fascinating species who live in our mountains.
Program of Activities
Thursday, Oct. 15
- Workshops, talks, and activities in schools.
- 4-7 p.m. — Sky Islands art and photos on display at the Casa de la Cultura in Moctezuma’s town center.
- 5 p.m. — Regenerative ranching conference at the Asociación Ganadera de Moctezuma.
Friday, Oct. 16
- Workshops, talks, and activities in schools.
- 3 p.m. — start of the community camp at a local property in the Moctezuma town center. See map. (29.804374, -109.679797).
- 5-6:30 p.m. — workshop for folkloric dance in Moctezuma’s Plaza Principal
- 6:30 p.m. — screening of “Borderlands Jaguar” in Moctezuma’s Plaza Principal
Saturday, Oct. 17
- 6 a.m. — yoga in Moctezuma’s Plaza Principal
- 7 a.m. — field trip to the Cruz del Diablo lookout
- 7 a.m. — BioBlitz with iNaturalist app along the Río Moctezuma
- 7 a.m. — birding along the Río Moctezuma
- 4-10 p.m. — community festival in Moctezuma’s Plaza Principal, with booths, artistic performances, environmental talks, a drawing contest, and grand closing with a community dance.
Location, Lodging & Contact
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 Casa de la Cultura 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 (see registration form).
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!
