Morelia and Sacramento: Sister City agreement for cooperation and unity between communities.

Sister cities are formal agreements between municipal governments of different countries with recognition of their communities, which favor alliances and cooperation through the exchange of best practices and the implementation of projects that promote integration and support between the populations of the sister cities.

The mayors of Morelia and Sacramento signed a Sister City Agreement on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Morelia, which will promote greater cooperation in culture, economic development, education and tourism, among other sectors.

These capital cities of the states of Michoacán and California already have important links. Approximately 300 thousand people of Morelian and/or Michoacán descent live in the area of Sacramento. The state of California is home to the largest population of people from Michoacán in the United States. This Sister City agreement acknowledges the importance of Michoacán’s people in Sacramento.

“This sister city agreement formalizes what our communities have long known — that when we invest in cooperation, we strengthen economic opportunity, educational exchange, and support for immigrant families on both sides of the border.” — Kevin McCarty, Mayor of Sacramento.

The strong presence of Michoacános in Sacramento contributes significantly to the economy and cultural diversity of the Californian capital. Likewise, the Michoacán diaspora in Sacramento contributes to Morelia’s economy.

This link between communities from both countries prompted the Mexican airline Volaris to offer four direct weekly flights between Morelia and Sacramento from July 2025.

This route facilitates connectivity between the inhabitants of both cities with family ties, generates new business opportunities for investors and invites Californians to discover the interesting tourist offer of Michoacán and particularly of Morelia, whose historic center has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“Tourism between Morelia and Sacramento is an investment in our communities, our culture, and our local businesses.” — Karina Talamantes, Sacramento Vice Mayor.

As sister cities, Morelia and Sacramento agreed on:

• Promoting tourism and cultural exchange through joint events and artistic collaboration.
• Advancing economic development, trade, innovation, and growth in agriculture and small businesses.
• Supporting immigrant and migrant families and strengthening community relationships.
• Expanding educational opportunities, professional collaboration, and workforce development.
• Encouraging citizen diplomacy to foster peace, understanding and shared prosperity.

“We are strengthening the bonds between capital cities by connecting and reunifying families, encouraging tourism and innovation, and bolstering economic opportunity and community pride.” — Eric Guerra, Sacramento Mayor Pro Tempore, cofounding Chair of the Sacramento–Morelia Sister City Committee.

TERRACANTO Experiences worked closely with the delegation to facilitate their stay in the Michoacán capital by coordinating lodging, transportation, dinners in traditional restaurants that use ingredients from local producers and other services adapted to the needs of the group.

In line with the purpose of TERRACANTO Experiences, I wish every success in the implementation of the agreements, particularly in those that promote sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, the economic and social development of communities and a greater appreciation and conservation of the ancestral traditions and knowledge of indigenous peoples.

Congratulations to the cities and communities of Sacramento and Morelia for this alliance, and I thank the City of Sacramento for inviting TERRACANTO Experiences to participate in this project that unites hearts and builds bridges for a more prosperous future.

I also express deep appreciation to the members of the Sacramento and Morelia delegations who with their enthusiasm and commitment filled my soul and mind with inspiration.

Gustavo Morales Cirión
Director / Founder