December in Tijuana brings two familiar sights. Tamales everywhere and fireworks in every corner. The tamales are harmless, yet the fireworks rarely are. This week, the city proved it again after inspectors seized 30 kilos of illegal pyrotechnics in Presa Este. Yes, kilos. That amount steps far beyond “a few estrellitas for the kids” and into “my cousin swears he’s an expert, please step back.”
A Not-So-Festive Surprise at the Swap Meet
Inspectores de Inspección y Verificación were doing their regular rounds in Cañadas del Florido. During the route, they noticed a stand offering fireworks. After checking the setup, they found a hidden stash under a table. In Baja, everything interesting hides under a table.
They documented the incident and secured the merchandise. According to director José Antonio Olivas Heredia, Mayor Ismael Burgueño ordered stronger safety actions this holiday season. As a result, the city is taking a firmer stance. Holiday chaos should include overcooked ponche, not explosive surprises.
What Fireworks Are Actually Legal in Baja?
Let’s keep this simple. Some items are legal when sold by licensed vendors. These include quiet, ground-based options such as estrellitas and luces de bengala. They sparkle, stay on the ground, and avoid trouble.
Meanwhile, everything that booms, whistles, launches, or risks taking a finger with it requires federal permits from SEDENA. It also needs municipal approval. The vendor selling Pokémon socks and cohetes at the tianguis does not have those permits.
Additionally, Tijuana’s laws prohibit unauthorized sales or detonations under the Bando de Policía y Gobierno and the Noise Control Regulations. Consequently, if you bought it beside a stack of used DVDs, it is not legal.
And Yes, This Applies to All of Baja
Although the seizure occurred in Tijuana, the warning extends across the peninsula. Cities like Rosarito, Ensenada, Mexicali, Tecate, and San Quintín face the same holiday pattern. Fireworks arrive, frightened pets follow, and veterinarians prepare for emergency calls. Because of that, the advice applies everywhere: avoid illegal fireworks and avoid trusting a neighbor who insists “pero aquí sí se puede.”
which means “but here you can do it.”
The Real Victims: Pets and Wildlife
Let’s shift to the real issue. Dogs hear far more intensely than humans. Each explosion feels like a shockwave for them. Many run, tremble, hide, or leap fences like seasoned athletes.
Cats react differently. They may hide, show rapid heartbeat, or stay frozen in place while pretending they’re fine. Birds face their own dangers. Loud detonations can cause disorientation, nest abandonment, or mid-flight shock. Along Baja’s coast, shorebirds are especially vulnerable to repeated noise.
If You Must Celebrate, Choose the Right Place
Authorities recommend avoiding fireworks altogether. However, if someone insists for the sake of “tradition,” open spaces are safer. Beaches offer wide areas where sound disperses more gently, and fewer pets are nearby. Even so, legality still applies. A beach is not a loophole; it is only a quieter option.
Keep Baja Bright, Calm, and Safe
To help everyone enjoy a peaceful December:
• Report illegal fireworks sales to official municipal pages.
• Keep pets safely indoors during noisy hours.
• Choose legal, low-risk options—or skip fireworks entirely.
Because yes, the holidays should sparkle. They just shouldn’t explode.
