Acapulco bans controversial Acamoto motorcycle festival

Acamoto Festival in Acapulco: Controversy and Conflict

Acapulco cracks down on Acamoto motorcycle festival amid violence and legal battles

Chilpancingo.—The 26th edition of the Acamoto motorcycle festival has not even begun, yet it has already sparked controversy and conflict in Acapulco. On one side, a group of business leaders has warned they will impose a "commercial blockade" on all participants, arguing that the event brings only losses, disorder, and a tarnished image to the port city. Meanwhile, another segment of the private sector maintains that the festival generates economic activity that cannot be dismissed.

Its realization remains uncertain. No authority has officially canceled it. The city council has stated it will not grant permission for the event, but the motorcyclists have never sought authorization to hold it.

The state government has distanced itself from the festival, stating that the city council alone is responsible for approving or canceling it, while the federal government has expressed opposition, arguing that the event does not foster prosperity.

Meanwhile, on social media, organizers are offering packages to attend the 26th Acamoto, including—for 2,200 pesos—accommodation, transportation, travel insurance, and beach tours. "Everything confirmed! We're heading to Acamoto 2026. Enjoy the beaches, the biker vibe, and the party," the ads promote.

Last year's Acamoto left a deadly toll: eight people killed (including a woman struck by a motorcyclist), 30 injured, 45 arrested, and 120 motorcycles impounded—some reported stolen. During those days, around 300 tons of trash were collected, according to Guerrero's Civil Protection Secretariat.

The Acapulco government reported that roughly 10,000 motorcyclists arrived in the city, though this did not translate into significant economic benefits for local businesses. Many visitors did not dine in restaurants or visit bars, instead buying beer and alcohol at convenience stores like Oxxo or Circle K. Many also skipped hotels, opting to sleep on the beaches.

Commercial Blockade

This year, opposition to the Acamoto has reached an extreme: business leaders grouped under Guerrero's Business Coordinating Council (CCE) have issued a warning—there will be a commercial blockade against anyone participating in the festival.

"The private sector's strategy is a commercial blockade against everything related to Acamoto. Some hotels and restaurants have already decided not to serve Acamoto attendees," warned Julián Urióstegui Carbajal, president of the CCE, during a press conference in early April.

CCE members argue that the Acamoto should not come at the cost of lives, property damage, or harm to Acapulco's reputation.

"The Acamoto is not good business for Acapulco. An event that generates 33 million pesos but causes over 50 million pesos in damages and costs human lives—there's no balance here," he stated.

José Luis Smithers Jiménez, president of Acapulco's Hotel and Tourism Business Association, has been one of the most outspoken critics, calling the Acamoto "a disgusting event."

"The Acamoto brings no business to hotels—some even considered closing. You can't compare it to spring break. Many Acapulco residents leave town for the weekend because they don't want to see them. For those with children, it's an event of promiscuity—a disgusting event," he said.

The threat of a commercial blockade against Acamoto participants has sparked debate within the business community.

Jesús Zamora, a representative of restaurants along Miguel Alemán Boulevard, holds a very different view from the CCE. He argues that Acapulco should not project an image of discrimination or disdain toward visitors, as the city should welcome all tourists who come to enjoy themselves responsibly.

The Acapulco Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco) acknowledged that while the Acamoto brings "significant economic activity to our city," it also generates conflict.

"Acapulco is a city that depends on tourism, and we need events like the Acamoto to boost the local economy. We cannot be elitist or reject events that benefit our community. We are committed to working together to make the festival a safe and successful event," Canaco stated.

Last year, Canaco Acapulco reported that the Acamoto generated 987 million pesos in economic activity, benefiting hotels and restaurants in the traditional zone, as well as the municipal government through fines.

"Every fast-food restaurant was packed; taco stands were overflowing, as were late-night eateries, convenience stores, supermarkets, and hotels—there was something for everyone, and we can't complain," declared a local official last year.

A Shifting Landscape

For decades, 80% of the tourists visiting Acapulco have come from central Mexico—primarily Mexico City and the State of Mexico—and the port has adapted to meet that demand. This shift came after the loss of international tourism, compounded by relentless violence, reshaping the city's tourist offerings.

Taco stands now line the new face of Miguel Alemán Coastal Boulevard, Acapulco's main tourist strip. Joining them are dozens of convenience stores like Oxxo and Circle K, along with pharmacies and countless vacant storefronts bearing "For Rent" signs.

Abandoned buildings also dot the area—some crumbling with age, others still unrepaired since Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, struck in October 2023.

Oxxo and Circle K stores have taken over the boulevard. In some stretches, they stand one after another or directly across from each other, serving as the primary supply hubs for many visitors.

Regarding the cancellation of the event, Mayor Abelina López Rodríguez of the ruling Morena party has stated that while the city will not grant permits, it also cannot legally block motorcyclists from arriving, as that would violate freedom of movement.

Port Security Secretary Federico Argumedo Rodríguez confirmed that the city has received no permit requests from Acamoto organizers—and if one arrives, it will be denied.

"If such a request were submitted, it would not be approved because our priority is ensuring the safety, coexistence, and peace of the local population," the secretary told business leaders.

The Guerrero state government has pledged to support the city's decision. In a statement, officials declared they would not endorse events that "glorify crime or encourage mass gatherings that promote disorder and violence."

Federal Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez Zamora backed the refusal to authorize Acamoto. "The Tourism Ministry will always support events that foster prosperity—not just for the local ecosystem, but for the people. The most important thing is that they benefit Acapulco's residents," she said during her most recent visit to the port.

Despite the unified stance of municipal, state, and federal authorities against permitting the event, no formal cancellation of Acamoto has been announced.