Ensenada Turns 143 and Still Knows How to Party

Ensenada hit 143 this weekend—and threw a party loud enough to wake the whales.

On Sunday, May 18, more than 12,000 people packed the Riviera Cultural Center. From start to finish, it was one big community love fest.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz kicked things off at 2 PM. After that, the celebration rolled non-stop until 10 PM.

Meanwhile, three stages kept everyone moving. Takón Machín, Grupo Claytons, and Mariachi Ensenada played throughout the afternoon. Then, at 8:30 PM, Elefante brought the house down.

In addition, families enjoyed a kids’ zone, folkloric dancers, and DJ sets.

To top it off, 65 booths served Baja wine, craft beer, and enough tacos to fuel the whole city.

Early birds got commemorative cups and wristbands—because who doesn’t love free stuff?

“This celebration is for the people,” said Mayor Agatón. “And for the spirit that makes Ensenada unique.”

All in all, the city looked stunning, sounded great, and reminded everyone why we love living here.

Luisa Rosas-Hernández

Luisa Rosas-Hernández is a writer for the Gringo Gazette North, where she covers Baja’s wine scene, good eats, and public safety—with a healthy dose of wit and no bad news allowed. By day, she’s a health researcher recognized by Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI), and by night, she handles the Gazette’s finances and dabbles in social media—making sure the numbers add up and the posts pop. When she’s not chasing stories or crunching data, you’ll likely find her in the Valle enjoying a glass of red (or a crisp white with oysters)… for research purposes, of course.

See Full Bio