The word Navojoa comes from the Mayo Indians dialect root, navo: “prickly pear cactus” and jova: “house” and therefore meaning, "the house of prickly pears”. Even before the Spaniards arrived, the Mayo’s tribe had possession of the land which includes the river and the valley of the mayo.
The story of Navojoa is extensive, going back to 1825 when it was politically a part of the now vanished State of the West, so defined by the culmination of the Mexican War of Independence, which started in 1810. Later in 1831, it separated and became part of the municipality of Alamos. As a result of political reform in 1869, it became a municipality.
Due to its geographical location, Navojoa has been considered from the start as the center of productivity of this region. The most important business is concentrated here. The main northbound and southbound state highways and railroads come through this city as well as highways going to Alamos and Yavaros.
Progress and modernization have been the result of its strategic location along with the development of productive activities common to this area. Excellent health, electricity, potable water and communications services are widely available here the same as the many services that characterize a modern city. When visiting restaurants in Navojoa, visitors must delight their palates with the most exquisite regional Sonoran dishes.
Known as “The Pearl of the Mayo” due to the diversity of its attractions, Navojoa is a city of contrasts. In spite of its modern features, the city sports contrasts and covets and preserves an array of important historical monuments in the area. Included in these precious sites:
Palacio Municipal, the municipal palace;
Church of the Sacred Hearth of Jesus;
Sculpted monuments such as the one erected in memory of General Alvaro Obregon, the plaza with obelisks in honor of Talamante brothers, and some others that are a must see spot.
Navojoa, is a community proud of it history. Such history is re-lived by the Indian culture as illustrated through traditional festivities during Holy Week and San John’s Day in Pueblo Viejo and other Yoreme communities, as well as during the diverse cultural activities that take place during the year, such as the outstanding Dr. Ortiz Tirado festival.
