One of the reasons that we chose Mazatlan as our home is because it has a historic colonial Centro – and is on the beach. Usually these two don’t go together.

But there’s another thing that makes Mazatlan interesting – it’s varied people.

Germans settled in Mazatlán in the 1820’s. Their presence is noticed in the music, food, and beverages. There is strudel in most bakeries and Pacifico beer is the most popular in town. Oompah music is heard everywhere.

The city also attracted Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Greek imigrants. For example, our insurance agent is Juan Chong. A couple of doctors from the yellow pages are Dr. Gerardo Orozco Kawashima and Dr. L. Wonjoy Figueroa Wong. We bought some furniture from people who said people are often surprised when they meet because their name is German but they are Mexican.

This diversity is something that makes Mazatlecos very tolerant of newcomers, I think. People also say it is what makes Mazatlán women so beautiful!