Whether you speak English, Spanish or Spanglish, knowing these six words will help when traveling in Mazatlán, Mexico. You may find these words in your Spanish-English translation app, but they may not mean the same thing in Mazatlán as they do elsewhere in the Spanish-speaking world.
We escaped to the “Pearl of the Pacific” and had a fantastic time, but it would have been helpful to know these insider terms like Malecon Mazatlán that are a bit of “local speak.”
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#1. Las Pulmonías
Pulmonías means pneumonia, so you can imagine how confused I was when the hotel bellman offered to call for “upper respiratory disease.” When a small white vehicle, a cross between a jeep and a golf cart, arrived, I hopped into the open-air minicab with my girlfriend.
The fun ride whisked us to the Malecón Mazatlán (see #2) near Old Town. Later, I learned that when rivals introduced the inexpensive minis in the 1960s, drivers of full-sized taxis, envious of the new competition, spread rumors that you could get pneumonia from riding in the open-air cars. Seriously, in the tropics? Somehow, the name stuck and is now part ofMazatlán’ss local speak.
#2. Malecón Mazatlán
The Malecón is Mazatlán’s waterfront walkway, which extends from the Golden Zone (refer to #3) to Old Town. Locals, expats and visitors alike gather at the Malecón Mazatlán to socialize, especially during the fantastic sunsets.
It’s similar to a boardwalk, but it’s not made of boards. The oldest part of Malecón was built in the 1830s to protect against flooding, which is perhaps how it got its name since, in Spanish, the word malecón means pier or jetty.
When you read the word in Mazatlán, it is capitalized and refers to the 5.3-mile (8.5-km) long pedestrian promenade, one of the longest in the world. When in Mazatlan next month, I’ll walk Malecón Mazatlán to El Faro, the iconic lighthouse on the hill.
#3. Golden Zone/Zona Dorada
Both terms, Golden Zone and Zona Dorada, are thrown around in conversation and used interchangeably. It’s easy to tell that people are talking about a part of town, but where exactly is it, and what makes it golden?
The area lies about four miles north of the historic city center, and because of its vast sandy beaches, upscale hotels with rooftop bars and swanky nightclubs have cropped up along the oceanfront. As Mazatlán’s ‘Party Central,’ most clubs, restaurants and hotels are within walking distance inside the Golden Zone.
#4. La Plazuela
I kept calling the central square in Old Town Mazatlán ‘la plaza.’ But when I asked directions to ‘la plaza,’ no one seemed to understand. That was until I consulted a visitor map that called it Plazuela – as in small square – Machado.
Restaurants surround Plazuela Machado, and their tables spill out into the square and under the park’s trees. The plazuela, located in the heart of the historic district, is a glimpse of real Mexico and a genuine cross-cultural experience since you’ll rub elbows with locals as well as visitors. You may even be romanced by traditional music coming from the park’s bandstand or quiosco de música.
#5. Mariscos
Mariscos means seafood, but in Mazatlán, it’s more than just a word—it’s a way of life. The city is famous for its fresh and flavorful seafood, which you’ll find in abundance along the Malecón Mazatlán and throughout the Golden Zone.
Think ceviche, aguachile, shrimp tacos and grilled fish, all prepared with local flair. Mariscos Mazatlán is an essential part of the dining culture, and knowing how to order—or at least being familiar with the popular dishes—will take your Mazatlán foodie adventures to the next level.
#6. Callejóneada
Callejón is Spanish for ‘alley,’ so callejóneada (not found in my Spanish-English dictionary) means ‘alley stroll.’ Hundreds of people come out to Mazatlán’s annual callejóneada on the evening of November 1 to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a three-day event.
Families gather at Plazuela Machado and, when the firecrackers signal the start, promenade through the historic district to Malecón Mazatlán. Some wear Dia de los Muertos attire and paint their faces with candy skull designs, but all remember loved ones who have died. In a happy and celebratory way.
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Final Thoughts About Mazatlán Gotta-know Words
Need the definition of ‘candy skull?’ Then it’s time to head to Mazatlán to learn a little ‘local speak’ on your own. Start planning now.
My story first appeared in Sunwing online magazine.
RELATED: Mazatlán Recognized by Forbes, AmEx and Live and Invest Overseas
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
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