Event Overview and Casualties
The unofficial motocycle event known as Acamoto 2025, held in Acapulco over the weekend, resulted in eight motorcyclist fatalities from various road accidents. Authorities made 42 arrests for administrative offenses, issued 290 traffic violations, and seized 115 motorcycles, three of which were reported stolen.
Security Challenges and Risky Behaviors
Eduardo Bailleres Mendoza, the Secretary of Public Security in Acapulco, oversaw operations along the Costera Miguel Alemán avenue, specifically near the Emporio hotel. By Friday, over 10,000 motorcyclists had gathered in the port city, with a 20% increase on Saturday. Bailleres Mendoza emphasized that Acamoto 2025 is not an officially organized event by the municipal government, stating that controlling such a large number of motorcycles is operationally challenging.
The event was marked by risky behaviors, including dangerous stunts and illegal races on Acapulco’s main roads. Videos circulating on social media showed motorcyclists riding at high speeds without caution.
Most fatalities were due to high-speed crashes, but there were also instances of pedestrians being hit by motorcyclists. A woman died after being struck on the Costera avenue near Playa Suites hotel. The suspect was apprehended and handed over to the Guerrero State Attorney General’s Office (FGE).
Who Organized Acamoto 2025?
This annual national motorcycle gathering takes place in Acapulco every May, drawing thousands to Guerrero’s beaches for exhibitions, rides, and camaraderie. Founder Ramón Pérez Rodríguez anticipated over 1,500 participants from across the country. Despite preparations, the event spiraled out of control due to its sheer size.
Acamoto 2025 continues to be a contentious event, with the city divided between those celebrating its economic impact and others warning of its high social, environmental, and logistical costs.
Environmental Impact
The event’s environmental impact was significant. On Sunday morning, the Costera avenue was littered with trash following Saturday night’s activities. Alfredo Lacunza de la Cruz, Director of Playa Promotion, reported collecting 110 tons of solid waste from beaches and nearby areas over three days.
From early Sunday, municipal government workers, hotel employees, and personnel from the National Fund for Tourism Development worked to restore order in the tourist zone.
Canaco Supports Event, Calls for Better Control
Despite criticism, some acknowledge Acamoto’s economic value. In 2024, the Acapulco Canaco-Servytur estimated that the event generated over 200 million pesos, with a 70% hotel occupancy rate.
Canaco president Alejandro Martínez Sidney highlighted the importance of such gatherings for economic recovery, especially following the 2023 hurricane Otis blow. However, he stressed the need for clear rules and increased surveillance to prevent abuses: “Security must be reinforced, along with law enforcement, to ensure the event remains under control,” he said.
Residents and social media users have expressed concern over participants’ excesses. They report dangerous stunts, road invasions, and a sense of impunity among motorcyclists.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who organized Acamoto 2025? The event is not officially organized by the Acapulco municipal government. It is an annual gathering founded by Ramón Pérez Rodríguez.
- What were the consequences of Acamoto 2025? Eight motorcyclists died in various road accidents, 42 people were arrested for administrative offenses, and 290 traffic violations were issued. Additionally, 115 motorcycles were seized, three of which were reported stolen.
- Why is Acamoto 2025 controversial? The event is contentious due to its economic benefits versus social, environmental, and logistical costs. Critics highlight risky behaviors, illegal races, and excessive partying.
- What is the environmental impact of Acamoto 2025? The event generated significant waste, with authorities collecting over 110 tons of solid trash from beaches and nearby areas.
- What measures are being taken to manage Acamoto 2025? Authorities, including the Secretary of Public Security and hotel workers, collaborate on maintaining order. Canaco calls for clearer regulations and increased surveillance to prevent abuses.
