Natalia Naranjo, national director of Oceans Week Mexico, who is also part of BODAI Capital A.C., emphasized that this project stems from a love and commitment to the ocean, which is not only a source of life but also a source of identity for coastal communities.
“We want to promote responsible consumption, highlight local seafood, as well as responsible fishing in this area. We want to support coastal communities, fishing communities, and cooperatives, and remind everyone that every decision we make as human beings has an impact on marine ecosystems. That’s why this festival truly seeks to unite the community and all citizens,” Naranjo told Línea Directa Portal.
The festival is also a platform to highlight local seafood, encourage responsible consumption, and support fishermen and cooperatives in the region.
A diverse program that unites senses, knowledge, and action
Cocina del Mar Mazatlán will offer activities for all audiences, from culinary experiences to spaces for scientific and artistic reflection.
The program kicks off on Wednesday, May 8, at El Presidio restaurant and the POD Mazatlán creative club, where marine art exhibitions, composting workshops, documentary screenings such as Titanes del Océano (Titans of the Ocean), and live music will be open.
Later, the Blue Gala Dinner will be held, an exclusive evening dedicated to a cause: raising funds for conservation projects such as Isla Basura (Basura Island), which has successfully collected more than three tons of marine waste.
On Friday, May 9, the event titled “From the Sea to Science to the Table” will feature a marine safari organized by MUNBA (Municipal Municipality of Mazatlán) and a panel discussion on the challenges of sustainable fishing and its connection to gastronomy. Participating will be specialists such as biologist Roberto Cruz, activist Bere Lizárraga of Viva la Ola, and representatives of fishing and environmental organizations, all committed to transforming practices that respect marine balance.
A Festival to Celebrate Marine Culture
Saturday, May 10th, will be the most festive day of the year, with the Shekinah Seafood Festival, an event open to the public that will bring together chefs, artists, environmentalists, and musicians in one space.
From noon to 7 p.m., attendees will enjoy live cooking, tastings, talks, art, and much more. As a special incentive, all mothers will receive free admission with a 2-for-1 promotion, as part of the Mother’s Day celebration.
The variety of activities reflects the festival’s essence: connecting the community through the senses and raising awareness through experience. Both locals and tourists are invited to participate and learn more about the impact of our decisions on the oceans.
Collective Action to Protect Our Oceans
The festival will close on Sunday, May 11th, with a massive cleanup on Basura Island, led by activist Berenice Lizárraga. This space, which has been rehabilitated in part through community initiatives, symbolizes the commitment Cocina del Mar seeks to cultivate: to protect and restore natural spaces through collective action.
Cocina del Mar Mazatlán will not only be a showcase of flavors, but an experience that invites us to rethink our relationship with the ocean, celebrating marine life from the table to the beach. This is just the beginning of a new tradition that seeks to leave a positive mark on the Mexican coastline.
Source: noro
