The October Festival “Territories of Peace” arrived in Ensenada with color, rhythm, and plenty of heart. It’s a celebration of culture and creativity that reminds us why this coastal city is more than beaches and wine — it’s also soul.
Organized by the Baja California Secretary of Culture, the festival opened at the State Center for the Arts (CEART) and the City Theater. Crowds filled both venues, eager to enjoy performances, exhibitions, and conversations that mixed memory, art, and emotion.
Remembering, Reflecting, and Reconnecting
To begin with, the festival featured a film and panel marking the 57th anniversary of the 1968 Student Movement. It also included the exhibit tour “XV Años HH/CRIA”, a tribute to artist Héctor Herrera, who has spent fifteen years creating pieces that spark reflection.
Meanwhile, the multicultural group Sonora brought emotion to the stage with “Memorias de un General.” Through movement, music, and storytelling, the piece connected the audience with Mexico’s collective memory.
“The CEART is a living space that belongs to the community,” said Octavio Gutiérrez García, the center’s general coordinator. “Each activity becomes a bridge for reflection, where locals can see themselves, feel, and share experiences.”
And honestly, that’s a bridge we could all use — especially these days.
Coming Up Next
As the month continues, the festival’s energy spreads through Ensenada’s cultural scene.
On October 8, the play “Rastreadoras” from Guanajuato takes the stage at the CEART Experimental Forum. This production blends butoh dance, shadow projections, and music to portray the pain and strength of mothers searching for their missing children.
Later, on October 14, audiences will enjoy “El Viaje del Alma.” This Baja California performance offers a soulful night of boleros with just voice and guitar, exploring the beauty of love, heartbreak, and memory.
Finally, on October 17, prepare for an intergalactic trip. The Baja California Orchestra and the State Music System will perform “El Imperio Musical,” a Star Wars tribute with over 90 musicians, directed by Armando Pesqueira.
The show is free, but seats will vanish faster than a Jedi in trouble.
A Statewide Celebration
Throughout Baja California, the October Festival will bring 140 events featuring 943 artists from 12 Mexican states and Los Angeles, California. In every municipality, music, theater, and art will fill public spaces, creating moments of peace and connection.
Importantly, the theme “Territories of Peace” reminds us that culture is more than entertainment — it’s a way to heal, rebuild, and strengthen communities.
Why It Matters to Baja California
Events like this one play a crucial role in shaping Baja California’s cultural identity. Because the region is a crossroads of ideas, languages, and influences, festivals become meeting points where diversity turns into pride. They give artists a platform, invite families to explore their roots, and remind younger generations that creativity isn’t just a pastime — it’s part of who we are. When art fills plazas and theaters, it strengthens the social fabric just as much as any public work project.
Ensenada’s Creative Pulse
For Ensenada, this festival is part of its heartbeat. Between the vineyards and the ocean breeze, creativity continues to define this city. Here, art is not an escape — it’s a mirror, showing who we are and what we hope to become.
From mothers dancing for justice to orchestras celebrating galaxies far, far away, Ensenada’s cultural energy feels alive again. So bring a friend, wear something warm, and let the music do the talking.
Because in Ensenada, peace doesn’t just sound good — it plays in every note.
