The heart of Nayarit beats with a force that transcends the obvious, an energy that shows in the warmth of its people, the richness of its traditions and the authenticity of its experiences. Each year, a special recognition aims to spotlight precisely those heartbeats: the essence that turns a visit into an unforgettable memory. The “Lo Mejor de Nayarit 2024” awards have honored, across 22 categories, those projects, people and celebrations that offer exceptional value to those who explore this corner of the Mexican Pacific. More than a contest, it is a map of contemporary treasures that guides us toward living culture, rooted festivity and heritage defended with passion. Let’s discover some of the winners who are shaping the cultural soul of the state.

The New Voice Echoing Through the Alleys: Rondalla Joyas de Nayarit

In the picturesque Pueblo Mágico of Jala, music is not only heard; it is lived on a serenading stroll. The Rondalla “Joyas de Nayarit,” honored as the “New Voice” or breakthrough act, has reinvented a deeply Mexican tradition: the callejoneadas (roving alley serenades). This group is not confined to a stage; it turns Jala’s cobblestone streets and starry nights into an intimate, magical theater. With guitars, mandolins and voices in harmony, they lead visitors and locals on a musical walk where every corner has a story and every song, a feeling. Their triumph recognizes how innovation, anchored in the classic rondalla format, can create a deeply moving and participatory tourism experience, making Nayarit culture feel close and personal.

The Festival That Honors Those Who Passed: Día de Muertos in Nayarit

Winner in the “Living Festival” category, Día de Muertos in Nayarit proves that the most entertaining celebration can also be the most profound. Far from being a single, uniform festivity, in Nayarit this tradition takes on local colors and beliefs. From the beaches to the mountains, communities build multi-tiered altars, adorned not only with cempasúchil (marigold) but with the region’s flowers and fruits, offerings of traditional food such as shrimp tamales or pescado zarandeado (fish grilled over wood), and photographs of the departed surrounded by candles. It is a celebration where music, dance, the scent of copal and the taste of chocolate merge into a vibrant welcome for the souls. This award celebrates the collective ability to transform nostalgia into an explosion of life, color and community that captivates every traveler.

Guardians of the Dance: The Legacy of the NAYARE Folk Group

To preserve is not merely to remember; it is to keep the fire alive. The NAYARE Folk Group, recognized as “Guardians of Heritage,” embodies this mission with every stomp and every swirl of the skirt. Their work goes beyond performances; it is a meticulous cultural conservation project that researches, rescues and shares the traditional dances of Nayarit’s different regions. From the coastal sones, with movements that mimic the waves and fishing, to the jarabes and cuadrillas of the mountain area, the group becomes a history book in motion. Their award underscores the importance of protecting intangible identity, ensuring that new generations and visitors can experience the authentic Nayarit dance tradition, laden with symbolism, history and a pride that is danced.

Tips for Your Visit to the Winning Places

To experience up close the culture honored by “Lo Mejor de Nayarit 2024,” plan with these practical tips:

  • For the Callejoneadas in Jala: Research in advance the dates and times when the Rondalla “Joyas de Nayarit” holds its walks. Bring comfortable footwear for walking the cobblestone streets and be ready to take part; you are not just a spectator.
  • For Día de Muertos: Visit between October 31 and November 2. The cemeteries and main plazas of towns like Compostela, Ixtlán del Río or Ahuacatlán are epicenters of activity. Be respectful, observe without interfering in family rituals and ask before photographing personal altars.
  • To See Folk Dance: Follow the NAYARE Folk Group’s social media to learn about their public performances, which are usually held in theaters in Tepic or during statewide cultural festivals. Arrive early to get a good spot.
  • Cultural Context: Take a moment to read about the traditions you are going to witness. Understanding the meaning behind a dance or an offering will multiply the value of your experience.
  • Support Local: When you visit these destinations, dine at family-run restaurants, buy authentic crafts and hire local guides. This helps these award-winning cultural expressions keep flourishing.

The “Lo Mejor de Nayarit” awards are more than a list; they are an invitation to experience the state with your senses wide open. They show us that the true magic lies not only in its landscapes, but in the emerging talent that sings in its streets, in the community that celebrates life by honoring death, and in the guardians who dance so the past is never forgotten. By following this map of what’s been honored, your trip transforms: you stop being a tourist and become a witness and participant in a vibrant, resilient and generous culture. Nayarit awaits you with the best of itself, ready to share its stories and create a new memory with you.