Authorities in Acapulco have canceled the Acamoto 2026 motorcycle rally due to a lack of official permits and security concerns [1, 2].
The decision comes as city and state officials seek to prevent the violence and traffic chaos that have historically plagued the massive gathering. By blocking the event, the government aims to protect public safety and the city's tourism image in the state of Guerrero [2, 3].
Julián Urióstegui, president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) of Guerrero, said the move is necessary to avoid the risks associated with large concentrations of motorcyclists. He said that the event often leads to accidents, acts of vandalism, and severe traffic congestion [1, 3].
To ensure the rally does not take place despite the cancellation, the government will implement strict measures. Urióstegui said, "Operatives and checkpoints will be deployed on highways and access points to the port to avoid concentrations of motorcyclists, drag races, acrobatics and street blockages" [1].
Josefina Rodríguez, the head of Mexico's Secretariat of Tourism, expressed her support for the municipal government's action. "I applaud the decision of the municipality," Rodríguez said [2].
The safety concerns are rooted in the history of the event. According to reports, at least eight people died during the 2025 edition of Acamoto [2]. This high fatality rate, combined with the logistical strain on the port city, prompted the current administration to deny the necessary permits for the 2026 iteration [1, 2].
While some sources emphasize the administrative failure to secure permits, others highlight the systemic security risks as the primary driver for the cancellation [1, 2]. Regardless of the specific trigger, both the business sector and tourism officials remain aligned in their opposition to the rally's return this year [2, 3].
“"I applaud the decision of the municipality."”
The cancellation of Acamoto 2026 reflects a shift in how Acapulco manages mass-tourism events, prioritizing public order over the economic influx of a large rally. By citing both a lack of permits and a history of fatalities, the government is establishing a lower tolerance for events that cause significant urban disruption and loss of life.
