Articles

Officially Open: Cutting the Ribbon in El Florido
 Articles

New Marriott Hotel Opens in East Tijuana

A Big Win for East Tijuana

Tijuana’s East Side just scored a major upgrade: City Express by Marriott El Florido is officially open. This isn’t a pop-up Airbnb or a motel with questionable reviews—it’s the first-ever chain hotel in the Zona Este.

Located in El Florido, the six-story hotel becomes Tijuana’s 7th City Express and the 12th Marriott-branded property in Baja California.

Why This Matters

For years, Zona Este has grown in industry, commerce, and housing. Yet, the hotel scene? Practically nonexistent. Travelers had to stay downtown or rely on extended family (and hope the chihuahua stayed quiet).

Now, with this new hotel, there’s finally a quality lodging option on the east side—and that’s a big deal.

More Than Just a Bed

Backed by the Baja California Secretary of Tourism, Zaida Luz López, the project isn’t just about comfort—it’s about community.

“This hotel expands our lodging offer, creates jobs, and supports the state’s economic growth,” said López.

Business Trip, But Make It Comfy
#A modern space with all the essentials: sofa, desk, city view, and bed that won’t break your back. El Florido just got a serious upgrade.
No Filters Needed: A Room Tour with the Bosses
#City Express execs and Baja officials inspect one of the sleek new rooms. Spoiler: it has A/C, a desk, and no scary carpets. Approved

The hotel features:

  • 121 modern rooms
  • Business center and meeting spaces
  • Free breakfast
  • Easy access to industrial parks, maquilas, and the Tecate highway

Whether you’re an engineer in town for work, a road tripper avoiding downtown traffic, or a local just needing a night off-grid—this place covers the bases.

More Jobs, More Development

One major perk? Jobs. From front desk to housekeeping, dozens of Tijuanenses now have work closer to home.

This opening reflects a broader tourism strategy. Baja isn’t just investing in beach towns and border zones anymore. Areas like El Florido are stepping into the spotlight.

Should You Stay Here?

  • Got business in the industrial corridor? Book it.
  • Visiting family in Otay? Stay here.
  • Want to be one of the first to review it? Go for it.

This isn’t just a new hotel. It’s a symbol of progress for a part of Tijuana that’s long deserved attention.

So yes—finally—East Tijuana has something fancy too. And it doesn’t involve crossing the border.

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Governor Marina del Pilar beams in Tecate as she champions Corazones Viajeros—the program putting everyday Baja residents on the road, not just the rich and tanned.
 Articles

Free Trips for Locals? Baja’s New Travel Program Says Yes

Tired of hearing that only influencers can afford to “live their best life”? So is Baja California’s government.

In a refreshing twist, Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila launched a program that doesn’t cater to digital nomads, influencers, or luxury tourists. It’s called Corazones Viajeros—or Traveling Hearts—and it’s aimed at giving real people a real chance to explore the state.

Think of it as Airbnb meets social justice—but with fewer hashtags.

The program is built around a simple idea: tourism is a right, not a luxury. It’s funded by the state and coordinated through the Baja California Secretary of Tourism, led by Zaida Luz López Sánchez. And no, it’s not just for retirees with wanderlust.

So, who qualifies?

Glad you asked. The list includes:

  • Seniors who haven’t seen the ocean since disco was a thing.
  • Low-income families who dream of a weekend away but can’t spare the gas money.
  • People with disabilities.
  • Indigenous communities.
  • Teens who’ve never been to Valle de Guadalupe—because nobody takes their TikToks seriously.

You just have to live in Baja California, earn less than 13,000 pesos a month (around $770 USD), and not be allergic to fun.

What do they actually get?

Two options:

  • Day trips: Think cultural outings or beach runs. Up to 10 hours, fully covered.
  • Overnighters: Two days, one night, with up to $1,600 MXN ($95 USD) in support for lodging and transportation.

Trips include transportation, insurance, entry to attractions, and tour guides who (hopefully) know more than your cousin who “did a wine tour once.”

Best part? It’s free to apply. No fine print. No bait and switch. You just sign up—until the money runs out, that is. If you snooze, you literally lose.

Hearts on the Move: Baja’s Governor Doubles Down on Tourism for All
#Hearts on the Move: Baja’s Governor Doubles Down on Tourism for All

To apply, head to bajacalifornia.gob.mx/secture. Or visit your local tourism office before your spot ends up with someone who already got three trips last year.

But wait—there’s more!

The program didn’t just warm local hearts—it also caught international attention.

Corazones Viajeros was nominated for the 2024 ISTO Awards, an international recognition handed out by the International Social Tourism Organization (ISTO). This group actually promotes tourism that doesn’t revolve around overpriced spa menus and infinity pools.

Baja was nominated in the “Destination Initiatives” category—alongside entries from France, Spain, and Brazil. The awards ceremony happened in Costa Rica last October, where, spoiler alert: Baja didn’t win.

Still, being nominated isn’t nothing. It puts the program on the global radar for doing something truly novel: giving regular folks a chance to travel.

And if that’s not worth a round of applause (and maybe a road trip), what is?

So if you’ve got a grandma who’s never seen the murals in Tecate, or a nephew who thinks Tijuana ends at the mall—send them this link.

It’s not a giveaway. It’s just giving back.

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 Articles, Wine Valley

Pier Collapse at Wine Valley Restaurant Sends Diners for a Swim

What’s the last thing you expect when you sit down for lunch at a winery restaurant? A sommelier who can actually pronounce “Gewürztraminer”? Maybe. But how about the floor beneath you collapsing and dumping you, your family, and the guacamole into a five-meter-deep artificial lake? That’s exactly what happened last month at Mawi Valle de Guadalupe—because apparently, “structural maintenance” wasn’t on the menu.

On July 12, four diners sat at one of Mawi’s so-called overhanging piers, which the restaurant markets as a signature attraction. Think Instagram backdrop: rustic wooden pier over calm water, perfect for showing off your wine glass. Except this one gave way, turning a casual day in the Valle into a scene from “Titanic,” minus Leonardo DiCaprio and with more floating salad.

The victims, including a woman identified on Facebook as Alina Kinoshita, went public after waiting a month for what they say was never-delivered help from the restaurant. In a post titled “VIVIMOS PARA CONTARLO!!” (We lived to tell it!!), Kinoshita detailed the chaos. Not only did they plunge into the water, but they were hit with collapsing tables, chairs, glassware, and bits of the pier itself. Two of the group couldn’t swim, forcing others to pull them to safety while waiters dove in like Baywatch extras.

The restaurant staff managed to rescue the group and even waded in to retrieve lost belongings. It took four hours to recover their phones, which were then lovingly buried in rice—because if Facebook has taught us anything, that’s how you fix a drowned iPhone. Spoiler: it didn’t work.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT TRANSLATION
In relation to a recent publication about an incident that occurred on July 12, 2025, we inform you that:
– From the very first moment, immediate assistance was provided to the people involved.
– Medical expenses, check-ups, and tests were covered.
– That same day, an agreement was signed with the parties, covering the total damages for $93,496 MXN.
Additionally, even after covering the amount agreed upon in writing, we continued to cover additional expenses that the person later submitted, always ensuring their well-being.
At Mawi Valle de Guadalupe, the safety and well-being of our visitors will always be our priority.
MAWI VALLE DE GUADALUPE

Kinoshita says the restaurant initially promised to cover medical expenses and damages. But after some handshakes and vague assurances, silence. The group claims ongoing physical and psychological damage, and they’ve taken their case to local authorities. So far, according to them, the owner has ignored official notices.

Mawi Valle de Guadalupe, for its part, released a very different version on Facebook this week. In their statement, they insist they’ve done everything right. They say they provided “immediate assistance,” covered medical bills and tests, and even signed an agreement that day to pay damages—93,496 pesos, to be exact. They also claim they kept covering additional expenses later on. In other words: case closed, nothing to see here.

Except the victims beg to differ. “We tried to settle at first, but they stopped answering us,” Kinoshita wrote. “Our health issues continue, and the trauma is irreversible. Thank God our kids and parents weren’t with us that day.”

And the internet has definitely taken sides. The viral Facebook post has racked up more than 7,000 reactions, over 1,000 comments, and nearly 9,000 shares. That’s the kind of publicity money can’t buy—and no restaurant wants.

The clash has become a full-blown he-said-she-said: the restaurant waving receipts and claiming generosity, the victims posting bruised photos and pointing to unanswered calls. Either way, the viral outrage has done more damage to Mawi’s brand than a one-star Yelp review could ever dream of.

Beyond the legal back-and-forth, the cautionary tale here is simple: be careful where you brunch. Instagrammable views don’t mean the wood beneath your feet is up to code. And if a pier is held together by “aesthetic rustic charm” instead of screws, maybe pick the table inside.

For the diners who fell in, the incident was terrifying. For the Valle restaurant scene, it’s a reminder that maintenance matters just as much as Malbec. And for the rest of us, it’s another reason to check twice before posting that perfect #ValleVibes shot.

Because you never know—next time your wine flight might come with an unplanned swim lesson.

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Gridlock Diplomacy: Protest Hits the Brakes on Reforma
 Articles

How Protest Cripples Ensenada Traffic—Act Now

Ensenada, August 15, 2025 — If you’re reading this while stuck in traffic on Avenida Reforma… well, welcome to the party.

This Friday afternoon, Ensenada’s busiest avenue turned into a real-life version of bumper cars (minus the fun and music). Dozens of police officers and firefighters—both retired and active—parked their official vehicles sideways, smack in the middle of Reforma, bringing traffic to a screeching halt.

Why the chaos? They’re protesting. And not the usual picket-line-and-bullhorn type. This is the park-your-cop-car-and-leave-it-there variety.

The blockade is happening right in front of the Municipal and State Government buildings, stretching all the way to the Government Center stoplight. Drivers have reported being stuck for over 90 minutes, and some probably still haven’t moved as you read this.

And honestly? If you’re heading out now, don’t. Grab a snack, pour a cold drink, and wait it out.

What Are They Protesting?

According to protestors, the City of Ensenada has been making “excessive and unjustified deductions” from their paychecks and pensions. They’re not talking a few pesos—they say the deductions exceed legal limits set by the SAT (Mexico’s tax authority) and are being labeled as “otros descuentos” (other deductions). That’s as vague as it sounds.

Retired police officer Efraín Ávila Cruz, speaking on behalf of the group, said that despite promises from officials and previous meetings, nothing has changed. One woman, Adriana Quiles, told local reporters she’s been waiting nine years to receive the pension of her late husband, a firefighter.

They’re also upset that vacation bonuses are being taxed like regular income, even though pensioners are legally exempt from ISR (income tax). That’s why they’re calling out Mayor Claudia Agatón and her team to stop hiding and finally fix the mess.

Meanwhile, on the Streets…

Frustration is boiling over—not from the protesters, but from drivers trapped in the gridlock. Some have taken to social media to document their impromptu car karaoke sessions. Others are trying to escape down side streets, only to find more red lights and more red brake lights.

So far, the protest has been peaceful—just painfully slow for everyone else. No reports of violence, just a whole lot of honking, sweating, and texting, “I’ll be late” for the fifth time.

Alternate Routes (If You’re Lucky)

If you’re brave enough to venture out, Reforma and Ciprés are a no-go. Locals suggest trying Lázaro Cárdenas, Ryerson, or Álvaro Obregón, but honestly, it’s hit-or-miss. The traffic backup is reaching far beyond the protest zone.

Also, maybe don’t rely on Google Maps. Even it seems confused.

Our Advice?

Stay where you are. Pour another glass of wine (or agua mineral, if you’re driving). Text your boss, your date, or your dinner plans and tell them Ensenada’s finest are taking over the city’s main road today—and you’re not going anywhere fast.

But hey, there’s a bright side. You now have a front-row seat to one of the most polite, civic-minded traffic jams in Baja history. No burning tires. No flipped cars. Just a sea of uniforms, official trucks, and frustrated drivers listening to rancheras and reruns of Bad Bunny remixes.

Final Thoughts

In a city where the beach is always calling and the wine is always flowing, today’s vibe is a little less “vino under the sun” and more “engine idling under stress.” But don’t worry—this too shall pass. Eventually. Probably.

We’ll have full video coverage soon at www.ggnorth.com. Until then, hang in there, Ensenada. You’ve got this.

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 Articles, Charities, Philanthropy

BECA Scholarship Program Celebrates 30 Years of Impact

Let’s Celebrate 30 Years of La Mision Children’s Fund BECA Scholarship Program

BY Mary Beth DiCecco, Molly Post with Martina Dobesh

Since 1995 BECA has been supporting students in La Mision, Santa Anita and Santa Rosa, Baja California, Mexico. The BECA Scholarship Program works with educators who identify motivated students that benefit from financial assistance to stay in school. 

Education not only changes the life of a student it also changes the lives of the family and the community. Over the years BECA has provided hundreds of scholarships for students from elementary schools through university. Over 100 BECA students have graduated from university or trade schools in the past 20 years. Some have returned to teach in the La Mision community! 

 In addition to scholarships, other services include a Breakfast Program, WIFI to schools,  school supplies, clean water systems, building repairs, field trips and services of a part-time school psychologist. 

Our Major Fundraiser

Our annual Fandango is our biggest fundraiser. Fandango is a lively celebration with dinner and drinks, Silent and Live Auctions, music and dancing, and is a roaring good time! Fandango has had extraordinary support from the community over the past 25 years! 

We fondly remember our original Fandango flyer as designed by Charlie Wild, a longtime resident of La Mision and a Hollywood artistic legend.  Continued in later years by Keith Williamson, also somewhat of a Hollywood legend, as photographer to the stars.

Our venue has changed from Charlie Wild’s Beach house on La Mision Beach, to Eve’s Garden in La Mision, then the Kirchhoff Ranch for many years, and later to the Croswaithe property near the Estuary. BECA families prepared our food, under the direction of local resident Vita Bon.  

We have been privileged to have California voice and film actor Douglas Rye as our emcee and auctioneer for 20 years, with accompanying support by Winifred Morice. The silent and Live Auctions are always a highlight, offering gift baskets, gift certificates, jewelry, art, furniture as well as unique dining,  party and even travel experiences. Under Doug’s spirited auctioneering, there has always been enthusiastic bidding at the Live Auction  and its one of a kind treasures, one year including a bracelet owned by Elizabeth Taylor! 

Live music has been provided by a variety of talents, including local recording artist, composer, and producer Derek Wille as well as  drummer Randy Seol, formerly of the psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock. 

Fandango 2025: Tacos, Tunes & Tuition
#Get ready to party with a purpose! Fandango 2025 brings music, dancing, dinner, and margaritas—all to support local kids. It’s for the niños, but let’s be honest… you’re gonna have a blast too. 🎶🌮🎓
🎟 Info & tickets: lamisionchildrensfund.org/purchase-fandango-tickets

Join Our Volunteer Staff

The BECA Fandango Committee is a collaborative committee  with many strong and talented members. Beverly Wilburn and Molly Post are often credited for being the leaders because of their long-time involvement. 

We are an all-volunteer organization with minimal overhead costs. Volunteers are the heart and soul of LMCF. Every dollar donated to LMCF/BECA goes directly to support local education. 

 If you are interested in volunteering with us, we would love to talk with you—whether you are a longtime resident in Baja, have recently arrived, or visit only occasionally.  If interested go to “contact” at https://lamisionchildrensfund.org and send us your information.

Celebrate With Us and the Children!

Thank you to everyone who made Fandango a celebrated and successful event for so many years.  Our 2025 event on  Sunday, August 31, 2 pm features a spacious new venue by the sea, Quinta Las Delfines Cultural Art Center, k 56.5 Carretera Libre. Our DJ is well-known musical talent Billie Knight, and actress and artist Lisa Briganti Rath will serve as emcee. Students will provide a special folklorico performance, and the legendary Silent and Live Auction items will continue to awe and inspire! Dress in your finest Western attire and come join us!

See flyer in this edition for more information on this year’s special event, and to purchase your tickets!

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Because Your Vacation Fund Shouldn’t End at a Traffic Stop”
 Articles, Baja Norte

Baja’s New Hotline Keeps Tourist Trips Trouble-Free

Baja California is stepping up its game when it comes to keeping your vacation stress-free. The state’s Tourism Office is inviting everyone—locals and visitors alike—to take its shiny new complaint system for a spin. Yes, it’s real. Yes, it works. And no, you don’t need a law degree to use it.

The idea is simple: if something goes wrong with a tour operator, hotel, rental car agency, or even a public official while you’re here, you can report it quickly through official, government-backed channels. It’s part of a permanent campaign to make sure service quality stays high and shady behavior gets addressed.

How it Works

Before you even book your adventure, you can check PROFECO’s “Buzón Comercial” (Commercial Mailbox) to see if your chosen provider has a clean track record—or a history you should avoid.

If trouble strikes during your trip, just send an email to assistance@baja.gob.mx. Include the name of the person or agency involved, their license plate or badge number, and the date, time, and place of the incident.

For those who like instant action, you’ve got options:

  • 911 for emergencies
  • 089 for anonymous tips
  • 078 for roadside help from Ángeles Verdes
  • (664) 624 2020 ext. 6411 for direct assistance from Baja’s Tourism Office

If you prefer to go digital, the State Attorney General’s virtual complaint portal is ready for you at https://cdtec.fgebc.gob.mx/cdtec/.

Why This Matters

Tourism is big business here, and the last thing Baja wants is for a bad experience to ruin your time—or our reputation. Officials say the goal is to protect both visitors and locals while keeping service standards high.

More importantly, this is your chance to actually try the system. It’s not just a dusty suggestion box. Reports go into a process designed to track, follow up, and resolve issues, whether you’re a weekend visitor or a full-time resident.

Baja’s Got Your Back—And a Hotline to Prove It
#Bad service? Shady cop? Weird extra charge? Baja’s official hotline is here to keep your trip smooth and drama-free.

Industry Involvement

Tourism providers are also being encouraged to get on board. Hotels, tour operators, and other service businesses can participate by promoting the complaint system to customers. The more it’s used, the faster issues can be caught and fixed—something that benefits both sides.

Your Time to Shine

And if your complaint starts with, “The cops robbed me,” this is your moment to shine—or to finally tell your novella-worthy story. In fact, you can even share it in our comments (in addition to making the formal complaint, of course). Just don’t forget to have all the details the officials require, or your plot twist might flop.

Peace of Mind, Baja Style

In a place famous for sunny beaches, whale watching, and tacos worth crossing a border for, the last thing you should worry about is poor service or a questionable charge on your bill. This system helps keep things honest, fair, and fun.

So go ahead—plan that trip. If something’s not right, speak up. The government says it’s listening, and this time, it looks like they mean it.

After all, in Baja, the only thing that should be salty is your margarita.

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Baja’s Moving… in Its Own Way
 Articles, Breaking News, Ensenada, San Diego, Tijuana

Baja’s New Ferry Waits, Tijuana’s Viaduct Shrinks—Progress, Baja Style

Baja California is on the move… sort of. Ensenada has a shiny new ferry sitting pretty at the dock. Tijuana’s long-promised viaduct is, well, shorter than promised. It’s progress—just not the fast-lane kind.

Ferry Fantasy Meets Dockside Reality

The Azteca Express I made its grand entrance into Ensenada’s port on July 25. Locals cheered, phones snapped, and Instagram lit up. But anyone hoping to hop on for San Diego this week is in for a plot twist—the first passenger trip won’t be until late August.

Phase one will carry people only—no cars until next year—but it will have a bar on board. Because priorities. It’ll seat about 230 passengers and take 2.5 to 3 hours each way.

Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but early chatter points to $70 USD one-way or around $130 USD round trip. The experience promises full customs and immigration checks at both ends—think “airport with a sea breeze.”

The San Diego–Ensenada ferry arrived on July 25 with room for 330 passengers, but no launch date or tickets are available yet. Here’s everything we know so far.
#The San Diego–Ensenada ferry arrived on July 25 with room for 330 passengers, but no launch date or tickets are available yet. Here’s everything we know so far.

Viaduct Loses the Beach

Meanwhile, in Tijuana, the Viaducto Elevado—that elevated road designed to whisk drivers from the airport toward Playas—has officially been downsized. The new plan ends the road at Cañón del Matadero, about 1.5 kilometers short of the beach.

The change trims the original 10.5-kilometer project and cuts Playas de Tijuana out of the direct link. Local residents worry this will dump traffic into their neighborhoods and worsen the rush. Officials say the viaduct is still on track to open late 2025 or early 2026.

Same Goal, Different Routes

In a way, both projects have the same mission—make it easier to move people and goods in and out of Baja. But like a good Baja road trip, there are always detours.

The ferry is stuck in “coming soon” mode. The viaduct is trimming its route. Neither is a total win yet, but each inch forward matters for a region that relies on cross-border travel like fish rely on water.

We’ll take the progress, even if it comes in small, slightly salty steps.

Viaduct in Action
#Workers and machines hustle under the sun, assembling what might just be the fastest road Tijuana has never seen… yet.

Quick Facts:

ProjectStatusETAFun Fact
Ensenada–SD FerryDocked, delayedLate August 2025Has a bar before it has car space
Tijuana ViaductRoute shortenedLate 2025/Early 2026Lost the beach but kept the traffic

Baja’s building momentum—just not at the speed locals (or drivers) might hope for. But hey, at least we’re not bored.

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 Articles, Arts & Literature

Mutual Hug: Where an Eagle Meets a Condor at the Border

If you’ve been to Playas de Tijuana lately, you’ve probably noticed something new on the border wall—something that doesn’t look like it belongs in a dystopian movie. No rust, no razor wire. Instead: color, shapes, and a whole lot of heart.

It’s called Abrazo Mutuo—Mutual Hug—a mural stretching about 60 meters long and nine meters high, painted on the Mexican side of the border fence. The mastermind? Alfredo “Libre” Gutiérrez, a Tijuana-born artist who, after 25 years in the game, knows how to turn cold metal into a warm conversation.

From Prophecy to Paint

The mural takes its cue from an indigenous prophecy known as The Eagle and the Condor. In this centuries-old vision, the eagle represents the cultures of the North, the condor those of the South. When the two birds fly together, peace and balance return to the land. Libre thought there was no better place to put that message than on the literal line dividing Mexico and the U.S.

And he didn’t go it alone. Ten artists joined in, including two young Kumiai creators who showed up with their grandmother. She painted alongside them, taught a workshop on native plants, and even shared traditional herbal tea recipes. This is the kind of art project where you go home with paint under your fingernails and a new respect for chamomile.

The Work and the Why

Over three weeks, the crew worked marathon days—sometimes from eight in the morning to eight at night—filling the wall with Baja landscapes, cultural symbols, and the native plants that survive here despite heat, wind, and politics. Libre says it’s about joy, unity, and deciding to “give color and life” to a place that can feel heavy with division.

The mural’s funding came from a Los Angeles foundation. While grateful, Libre didn’t shy away from pointing out the irony: no local government or big business chipped in. “We should invest in giving love to this city,” he said. “It’s a shame it has to come from abroad.”

Why Here, Why Now

The unveiling, complete with Mexica dance and participation from local indigenous groups, was timed with the 54th anniversary of Friendship Park—a binational space meant to connect people on both sides of the fence. From there, you can see the mural in all its glory, the eagle and condor locked in that symbolic embrace.

Organizers hope Abrazo Mutuo will spark more public art in Tijuana—pieces that reflect its border identity, tell its stories, and maybe even make you smile at a wall that wasn’t built to be smiled at.

As Libre put it: “We decided to be happy, to be united, to be shared nations.” Standing in front of that giant eagle and condor, it’s hard not to believe him.

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La Verbena 2025 Gets the Green Light
 Articles, Events, Mexicali, Wine

La Verbena Brings Bold Flavors and Big Energy to Ensenada

Ensenada is about to pop the cork on one of its most beloved harvest season traditions. La Verbena de Santo Tomás returns this Saturday, August 16, and it’s ready to prove that wine, art, and food can still throw a better party than Netflix.

This is the 33rd edition of the event, set in the heart of downtown at the Plaza Santo Tomás. Organized by the Fundación Elías Pando and the Centro Cultural Santo Tomás, it’s part of the Fiestas de la Vendimia—aka Ensenada’s annual excuse to celebrate wine like it’s an Olympic sport.

Why “La Verbena”?

The name comes from an old Spanish tradition where towns gathered at night for music, dancing, food, and drink. It also happens to be the name of a plant (Verbena officinalis) once used in folk celebrations. In other words, “verbena” is basically code for “let’s party, but classy.”

A Local Icon

Yes, it’s emblematic. La Verbena isn’t just another Vendimia event—it’s a love letter to Ensenada’s cultural and wine roots. It also puts the spotlight on Bodegas de Santo Tomás, the oldest winery in Baja California, founded in 1888. This year’s edition brings back the intimate, community vibe with a 150-pesos cover that includes tastings, a commemorative glass, and enough reasons to call a taxi.

Wine First, Beer… Maybe Later

Traditionally, it’s all about the wine—especially when you’re standing in the shadow of one of Mexico’s wine pioneers. This year, beer will also be available. We’re not saying you shouldn’t enjoy it, but if you’re here for hops, you might be missing the point. The focus is still on wine in all its forms: experimental blends, food pairings, and guided tastings.

What’s On the Menu?

Expect live music from electronic beats to Latin rhythms, performance art, grape stomping, and wine workshops. The Plaza’s restaurants will serve up local flavors, while pop-up kitchens and tasting bars keep your glass and plate full. Look for the “Cata y Coto” sessions at Bar Escala and bites from chefs working right in front of you.

Behind the Scenes at La Verbena
#Loic Barbara, the mastermind behind La Verbena’s cultural mix, promises a celebration with wine, flavor, and more dance moves than you expect.

Culture Meets Celebration

Art installations, creative markets, and kids’ activities make this a family-friendly affair. That said, don’t be surprised if you spend most of your time hopping between wine stands like a well-dressed scavenger hunter.

La Verbena runs from 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM, which means you have 12 solid hours to experience one of Ensenada’s most charming traditions. It’s not just a party—it’s a taste of the city’s history in every sip.

Bottom line: If you’ve never been, you’re overdue. And if you have, you already know this is the event where Ensenada shows off its true flavor—one pour at a time.

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Claudia Agatón Makes History at the Grito
 Articles, Ensenada

Historic First Woman Grito in Ensenada With Edith Márquez 

Ensenada’s about to swap its sandals for sombreros. This September 15, the city will celebrate Fiestas Patrias like never before — and make history in the process.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz will be the first woman in Ensenada’s history to lead the Grito de Independencia. About time, right? She’ll be up on the Playa Hermosa stage, ready to shout ¡Viva México! to thousands of locals, tourists, and anyone within earshot — probably including a few confused pelicans.

And because historic moments deserve a proper soundtrack, Mexican pop legend Edith Márquez will follow the patriotic yelling with a full-on concert. Bring tissues. She’s famous for songs that make you cry, sing, and question your last breakup — sometimes all at once.

What’s in Store Before the Grito

The fun starts at 7:00 PM. Playa Hermosa’s esplanade will turn into a giant, family-friendly block party. Expect tacos, tamales, pozole, churros, and that smell of grilled corn that makes you instantly hungrier than you thought possible. Drinks? Oh, plenty. From aguas frescas to Baja’s craft beers — and yes, the grown-up margaritas will be there too.

There will be live performances before the main act, because nothing says “We love you, Mexico” like dancing in the sand while holding a plate of street food.

The Moment Everyone’s Waiting For

At around 11:00 PM, lights dim, the crowd pushes forward, and Mayor Agatón grabs the microphone. Cue the bell ringing — the tradition that’s been part of the Grito since 1810. She’ll shout out the heroes of independence, and the crowd will shout back ¡Viva! after each name. By the time she yells ¡Viva México! the energy will be electric — and slightly sticky from all the cotton candy in the crowd.

Edith Márquez Lights Up Ensenada’s Fiestas Patrias
#Edith Márquez Lights Up Ensenada’s Fiestas Patrias

Then the stage belongs to Edith Márquez. Her set list will likely include Fue mi Error, Mi Fantasía, Entiende Que Ya, and Mírame. If you’re not singing along, don’t worry — the crowd will carry you.

Day Two: The Parade Showdown

On Monday, September 16, the party switches gears. The Plaza Cívica de la Patria will host the official ceremony marking 215 years since the start of Mexico’s independence movement. Then comes the Desfile Cívico Militar — part marching band, part military precision, part “wait, is that a horse in the middle of downtown?”

You’ll see school kids marching in perfectly imperfect lines, veterans in polished uniforms, and community groups waving flags like their lives depend on it. The parade route will snake through Ensenada’s main streets, so plan ahead if you want a good spot — or if you just want to avoid being stuck behind a drum line for an hour.

Why You Should Go

It’s not every year you get to see history, music, and churros in the same night. This is the first time a woman has ever led Ensenada’s Grito, and the first time Playa Hermosa hosts the city’s biggest patriotic bash. Plus, the weather in mid-September? Warm enough for sandals, cool enough to survive the crowd.

So, September 15 and 16 — two days of ¡Vivas!, music, and patriotic calories. We’ll see you there. And yes, you can bring your dancing shoes… but flip-flops work too.

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