Rosarito’s Ex-Mayor Tagged by U.S. for Alleged Cartel Collusion

Washington woke up with a list and Rosarito’s former mayor was on it. The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) says Hilda Araceli Brown Figueredo, who ran Rosarito City Hall from 2021 to 2024 and now sits in Congress under Morena’s banner, was part of a Sinaloa Cartel racket. The accusation isn’t a court case but a financial hammer: sanctions that freeze any assets in U.S. reach and bar Americans from doing business with her or with the fifteen Rosarito companies the Treasury just blacklisted.

The U.S. statement is blunt. During Brown’s term, cartel operators tied to the Arzate brothers—better known as “Aquiles” and “La Rana”—allegedly installed allies inside local government. Treasury claims Brown, along with fixer Candelario Arcega, collected extortion money, greased operations, and made sure Rosarito’s police looked the other way. In government jargon it’s “facilitating illicit operations.” For residents, it reads more like the city was subcontracted to organized crime.

Brown’s response came quickly and angrily. She called the allegations an “infamia,” insisted her bank accounts are fine, and said she only found out by watching the news like everyone else. She promised to cooperate with whatever authority asks questions. It’s the political equivalent of shrugging while the U.S. slaps a neon sticker on your forehead.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila was caught mid-press scrum in Tijuana when reporters asked for comment. Her answer was cautious: just received the info, no further details, let’s wait. She did admit Brown once sat in state security meetings. That’s not the endorsement you want when Washington is describing you as a bagwoman for the Sinaloa Cartel, but it’s all she offered.

For locals and expats, it’s important to understand what sanctions mean. No police raid, no handcuffs, not yet. OFAC designations are paperwork weapons; they strangle money, not people. Banks from San Diego to Mexico City see the list and quietly close doors. Suppliers stop answering calls. Mexico’s own Financial Intelligence Unit has already said it will mirror the move with an administrative freeze, which means even more banking headaches. None of it is proof in court, but it can ruin business overnight.

The credibility question hangs in the air. OFAC doesn’t publish courtroom evidence, only carefully worded accusations. Targets deny everything, always. Still, the U.S. rarely backpedals once a name is public. And the list is long—Brown’s not alone. Operators, relatives, and companies in Rosarito were all designated together, suggesting a network, not a typo.

Brown remains in Congress, still drawing a salary and still claiming innocence. The governor is hedging, the federal party is silent, and the Americans have already moved on to drafting the next sanctions package. Meanwhile, Rosarito is left wondering if its city hall was ever working for the voters or if it was just a branch office of “Los Mayos.”

For expats who wire money, rent property, or buy into local businesses, this is where you pay attention. Sanctions ripple. If a firm is half-owned by someone on the list, banks can shut it down. Compliance departments don’t care about local politics—they care about not getting fined by the U.S. Treasury.

The bottom line is simple enough. The United States just accused Rosarito’s ex-mayor of helping a cartel tax her own city. She says it’s all lies. The governor says she’ll wait and see. And everyone else is left to calculate how long it takes for financial blacklists to turn into political consequences in Mexico. Until then, it’s just another day in Baja, where the ocean steals your flip-flops and Washington steals the headlines.

Valle de Guadalupe Pours Wine, Horses and Music in September

The Ultimate September Wine Festival in Valle de Guadalupe

A Valley That Knows How to Party

Ensenada doesn’t believe in half-measures. When this city decides to celebrate, it pours the full bottle, not a splash. This September, Valle de Guadalupe is lining up two festivals that mix wine, food, horses, and music into a heady cocktail. It’s all part of Viñadas 2025, the program that keeps the Valley buzzing year-round.

Organizers didn’t hold back at the press conference. They promised energy, flavor, and experiences that stretch beyond the glass. For locals, these events mean jobs and pride. For visitors, they mean late nights, long meals, and memories that usually start with, “I shouldn’t have had that last glass…”

Sombreros and Chardonnay at Limbo

The party starts on Sunday, September 21 at Limbo Hotel Boutique and Vinos 63. Tickets cost 400 pesos and include two tastings plus a commemorative glass. It’s the kind of souvenir you actually use, unlike that keychain from Tijuana you lost years ago.

Food is central. Think paella served steaming in the Baja sun, tacos with just the right salsa kick, and nibbles to keep your wine company. Grape-stomping contests turn guests into winemakers—at least until the juice splashes their best shoes. There’s even a contest for the boldest sombrero, because nothing says “I belong in the Valley” like a hat bigger than your torso.

The entertainment keeps things lively. Bachata rhythms push guests to dance off the carbs. Artist Antonio Proa will paint live, auctioning the finished work by sundown. The evening closes with Porfirio Siga performing under the stars. Wine, music, and sombreros—exactly the mix you didn’t know you needed.

Hats, Grapes and Bachata in the Valley
#Sip, stomp, and swing your sombrero this September 21 at Limbo Hotel Boutique. Wine never looked this stylish. 🍷👒

Horses and High Notes at Indómito

Barely a week later, the Valley saddles up again. On Saturday, September 27, Indómito Resort hosts the Feria del Caballo. This isn’t your local county fair with a tired pony and a funnel cake. It’s Lusitano horses from Portugal, riders who make dressage look effortless, and demonstrations of horsemanship that border on performance art.

Gates open at 12:30 p.m. Tickets cost just 100 pesos, covering exhibitions, food, wine, and access to the fair. At 4 p.m. there’s an inauguration ceremony. By 9 p.m., singer Majo Aguilar takes the stage. Her concert is free if you register online, though VIP tables up close sell for 8,000–10,000 pesos. Expensive? Maybe. Worth it to sip Syrah while she belts out rancheras? Absolutely.

Last year, about 3,000 people attended the Feria and 900 stayed for the concert. This year, with 50 sponsors and wineries like Barón Balché, Casa Luna, Don Tomás, and Casta de Vinos on board, expectations are higher than a champagne cork.

Horses, Wine and a Night with Majo Aguilar
#September 27 rides in with equestrian shows, fine wine, and live music at Indómito. Saddle up, Baja style.

Why it Matters?

Beyond the laughter and spilled wine, Viñadas is serious business. These events keep hotels booked, restaurants buzzing, and wineries thriving. Every visitor who stays one more night means local jobs, stronger businesses, and an economy that runs on more than just grapes. Viñadas is proof that Baja’s wine country is more than a weekend getaway. It’s a destination.

More Than Just a Weekend

Organizers want to stretch visits into longer stays. Their vision includes a Valle Christmas parade, a carnival, and community festivals that highlight local culture. Last year’s ten Viñadas drew 6,500 people. This year, they’re aiming for 13 or 14 events with more than 10,000 guests.

And yes, safety matters. Locals describe the Valley as calm, welcoming, and watched over by police, firefighters, and neighbors who still wave at passing cars. Their message is clear: bring the family, enjoy the wine, and leave your worries at the border.

The Big Picture

Viñadas 2025 is a full-bodied blend of wine, food, music, and culture. From grape stomps to flamenco, from tacos to Chardonnay, the Valley knows how to pour a good time. September in Ensenada isn’t just another month—it’s an invitation. Bring your sombrero, polish your dance moves, and let the Valley remind you that life, like wine, should always be enjoyed by the glass.

Baja Faces Water Cuts

High-stake Negotiations Faulter

Water Watch Editorial, Part 1

Time is running out for Baja and the seven states that are depending on the Colorado River water allotments. An agreement must be made by 2026 to cut water use. The precious supply has been in constant jeopardy for years due to poor management. The truth is how does anyone presume to manage the unknown? Somehow the politicians have made us believe that they know what they are doing. The government agencies have been constantly in debates for several years; some more hostile the than friendly.

Again, this is a reminder that whatever happens in these negotiations happens to us locally from Mexicali, Tijuana, Ensenada and the wine country. Baja has depended on 80% of its water from the Colorado that once flowed freely into the Gulf of California. If there is no agreement President Trump’s administration has the final word. We will remember this yearwhen the United States refused Baja a special request for water. The Colorado River has faced persistent drought since 2000. The old Colorado River Compact allocated basin states more water than the watershed could sustainably deliver. For decades there has been overly optimistic estimates about weather and usage.

It always amuses me when I dive into more water research to find an authority trying to sell the public that they are actually doing their best. Mr. Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California, said without all the measures that have already been tried, “the river would be in a very bad place,” It would have been more honest to inform us that we the water users would be in a very bad place. Without humanity the river will restore itself. Without water humanity cannot say the same. Of all the measures thus tried water users are one severe drought away from our 2022 crisis.  Water saving measures have included 15 dams on the main stem of the Colorado River and hundreds more on the river’s tributaries in an attempt to store water. Like a bank we have to deposit before we can withdraw. No human measures have solved the water issues. Einstein once said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Few talk about the true problem; over development in an arid region. 

Still the water war is ongoing behind closed doors. Lake Powell governed by the upper basin states and Lake Mead governed by the lower basin states of which Baja is included. Fact: The current level of Lake Mead is about 165 feet below what’s considered full. Lake Powell is just 48 feet above minimum level to produce power through the turbines. Conservation groups are calling for changes to the management of Lake Powell after the discovery of damaged plumbing within the Glen Canyon dam.

Why is Lake Powell important to Mexico? If the problem is not fixed or the water drops too low, the river cannot flow through Glen Canyon dam to be stored in Lake Mead for our allotment. Eric Balken, executive director of the Glen Canyon Institute said, “I think it’s really important for people to recognize how much of a threat this is to our water delivery system. This is a really big infrastructure problem. Projections for the end of water year 2025 and into 2026 show continued low levels, with the possibility of falling below the minimum power pool elevation by late 2026.  The reservoirs’ water levels have only slightly recovered from our 2022drought, when they reached historic lows. John Berggren, a regional policy manager for Western Resource Advocates said, “We need to be thinking closely about the risks of a very bad year and thinking about what we’re going to do in the case of a very, very bad year.” As of this writing the Glenn Canyon dam has not been repaired.

Editor’s Note: Martina is a freelance journalist who has been reporting on the water issues facing Baja since 2007. Many years of Water Watch articles have been archived and found on our website, ggnorth.com

Tijuana Fair 2025 Lights Up the City

Food, Music, and Memories Await at Tijuana’s Big Fair

The wait is over. Tijuana’s biggest family party of the year is back, bigger and louder than ever. From August 28 to September 28, the Feria Nacional de Tijuana 2025 takes over Parque Morelos with music, rides, food, and a Palenque lineup so heavy it could tip the border fence.

More Than Concerts

Of course, the lineup is huge, but the fair isn’t just for superfans clutching VIP tickets. Instead, it’s designed for everyone. Families stroll through colorful midway lights, kids spin themselves silly on rides, and abuelas hold court over the food stalls. Meanwhile, you’ll find games, exhibitions, and performances that keep all ages entertained.

A Century of Fun, Border Style

Back in 1915, the first “Feria Típica” gave Tijuana a taste of culture and carnival. Since then, the event has grown into a month-long bash that mixes tradition with modern spectacle. In fact, what began with horse shows and crafts now features roller coasters and stadium-level concerts.

Who’s Playing and Where

The fair runs on two main stages: the Palenque (indoor, ticketed, usually pricier) and the Teatro del Pueblo (outdoor, fair-style). Both offer star power. Here are just a few:

  • Grupo Firme – Palenque, Sept. 28. Tickets start at $925 pesos, VIP runs up to $4,625. Bring tissues for your wallet.
  • Banda MS – Palenque, Sept. 27. Prices range from $1,390 to $3,700. Expect sing-alongs so loud they rival airport noise.
  • Alfredo Olivas – Palenque, Sept. 19. From $1,160 to $3,245. Ballads guaranteed to raise both eyebrows and bar tabs.
  • Eden Muñoz – Palenque, Sept. 25–26. Between $925 and $2,890. Two nights, twice the tears.
  • 90’s Pop Tour – Teatro del Pueblo, Sept. 20. From $250 to $1,500. Nostalgia with a neon glow.
  • Banda El Recodo – Teatro del Pueblo, Sept. 21. Entry runs $200 to $1,000. Mexico’s Mother Band keeps the tradition alive.
  • Paty Cantú & Piso 21 – Teatro del Pueblo, Sept. 28. From $300 to $1,200. Pop anthems for the dreamers.

Tickets and Access

When you buy a ticket, your choice really shapes the night. General gets you inside the show or fairgrounds. Preferente moves you closer to the action with fewer elbows in your ribs. VIP, meanwhile, plants you practically on stage. At the Teatro del Pueblo, tickets are easier on the wallet and often include fairground access too.

Beyond the Music

The fair is also about family bonding. Parents grab tacos al pastor while kids line up for cotton candy taller than they are. Couples wander through craft exhibits. Teens scream their lungs out on roller coasters. Finally, everyone somehow ends up with a giant stuffed bear under their arm.

Why You Should Go

Because it’s not just a concert series—it’s a full-on experience. Music, rides, food, and family collide under Baja’s night sky. While you might go for Banda MS, you’ll stay for the churros, the carnival lights, and the thrill of seeing Tijuana at its brightest.

Shrimp Season Served on Ice

Shrimp Season Brings Flavor and Fortune to Baja California

Shrimp season is back, and Baja California is ready to cast its nets. The National Closed Season Committee just marked the calendar for the 2025–2026 season: September 29 for the Pacific, and October 14 for the Gulf of California. Get your cocktail sauce ready.

A Lifeline for Families

According to Alma Rosa García Juárez, head of Baja California’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Secretariat, this isn’t just about seafood. Shrimping keeps hundreds of families in San Felipe and the Upper Gulf afloat. From catching and cleaning, to packing and trucking, the shrimp trade is an entire ecosystem of jobs. Think of it as Baja’s pink gold rush.

Last Year’s Catch

In 2024, Baja’s fleet pulled in 94.25 tons of shrimp. Yes, the quarter ton counts, and no, we don’t know who weighed it. Small boats made the biggest splash, hauling 93.6 tons, while larger vessels collected the rest. The little guys clearly have game.

Baja Shrimp Season Is Back
#Fresh, icy, and straight from Baja’s coast — shrimp season has officially begun.

Science Behind the Season

These dates didn’t appear out of thin air. They came from research by the Institute for Sustainable Fisheries Research (IMIPAS), led by Víctor Manuel Vidal Espinoza. The science is simple: give the shrimp time to grow, then let fishermen have their turn before nature hits the reset button.

Programs with a Purpose

The state government, under Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, is pushing support programs for fishermen. New boat engines, fleet upgrades, and the “Fishing with Heart” initiative all aim to keep the industry healthy. The name might sound like a Hallmark movie, but it means help for fishermen and their families.

Shrimp on the Menu

What does all this mean for the rest of us? More shrimp dishes on Baja tables. Whether grilled on the beach, simmered in garlic butter, or tucked into a taco, shrimp is as much culture as it is food. Bite into one, and you taste the ocean — salty, sweet, and slightly rebellious. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a cold Tecate, and you’ll understand why locals guard this season like a holiday.

Closing Time

Every party has an end. For shrimp season, that comes on March 3, 2026, when the ban begins again. Until then, expect busy docks, humming processing plants, and Baja’s coastal towns celebrating their annual shrimp boom.

For the fishermen, the season means survival. For the rest of us, it means flavor. Either way, Baja wins.

Cutting Traditions, Not Corners

From Rosarito With Craft: Tlaqueparte Brings the World to Baja

A Ribbon Cut with Soul

At exactly 12:30 p.m. on September 12, the air at the Baja California Center wasn’t just filled with incense—it was filled with anticipation.

The Kumiai, one of Baja California’s indigenous communities, opened the 11th Rosarito edition of Expo Tlaqueparte with a traditional spiritual cleansing. It was quiet, reverent, and deeply grounding—an unusual but beautiful way to open a commercial event. And then, like every good Mexican fiesta, came the scissors.

Tourism Secretary Zaida Luz López cut a handcrafted ribbon that looked more like a woven sash than something from Office Depot. No dull red polyester here—this one had character.

Confetti? Nope—That’s Culture”
Colorful handcrafted pompoms hit the floor as the ceremonial ribbon unravels. This is how Rosarito opens a craft fair.

Global Goods, Local Vibes

With over 180 booths and more than 200 artisans, this edition of Tlaqueparte has become a cultural juggernaut. But don’t call it a flea market—this is more like a living museum with very persuasive salespeople.

Exhibitors hail from 25 Mexican states and 16 countries, including:

🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇵🇾 Paraguay, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇸🇳 Senegal, and 🇪🇬 Egypt.

Each booth offers a slice of its homeland—from Cuban cigars and Colombian hats, to Turkish lamps, Indian jewelry, and Kenyan textiles. Some smells sweet, some smells spicy, all of it pulls you in.

Kumiai to the Core

The Kumiai also have a booth—and it’s more than just symbolic. Their display includes woven baskets, beaded necklaces, pieces inlaid with deer horn, and ethnobotany books that tell you more about Baja’s native plants than most locals know.

It’s not a gimmick. It’s a reminder that we’re standing on their land.

 Food, Flavors, and a Little Mezcal

Tlaqueparte isn’t just a treat for your eyes. Your taste buds get a passport too.

You’ll find hand-ground mole, salsas, dulces, artisanal cheeses, fresh coffee, and plenty of tequila and mezcal to keep things interesting. One vendor’s Oaxacan mole tasted like a burnt sienna sunset—complex, smoky, and worth smuggling across borders (figuratively, of course).

Everything is beautifully presented, with textures that range from silky to crunchy and aromas that jump out of the packaging.

  • Jewels in Bloom
  • Silver Tales from Taxco

Just a Little Buyer’s Advice

Most prices are fair and reflect the work behind each item. But let’s be honest: some copper mugs were priced like they came with a bartender.

Just take a breath before you tap that card. Admire first. Ask questions. If you still love it—go for it. If not, plenty of other booths will charm your wallet.

Plan Your Visit

Tlaqueparte runs until Tuesday, September 16. It’s open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and entry is free. Bring cash, a tote bag, and maybe a little restraint. Or not—live your best artisan-loving life.

And yes, it’s pet friendly. So go ahead, bring your chihuahua named Frida.

If you love culture, craft, and casually dropping phrases like “This is hand-carved from Guatemalan granadillo wood,” this event is for you.

No bad news—just good crafts.

Baja’s Film Fest That Actually Feels Like Baja

Wine, Movies, and Magic in the Valle

A festival worth swirling over

I’ve never been to a film festival like this—and honestly? It looks amazing.

From September 26 to 28, the Valle de Guadalupe will host the second edition of the Festival Internacional de Cine del Valle de Guadalupe (FICVG). If you’re thinking red carpet and awkward speeches, think again. This is Baja, after all.

Instead of glitter and egos, you’ll find wine, cinema, art, and native culture—all beautifully blended, much like the Syrah-Cabernet mixes this valley is known for.

What makes this event different?

To begin with, the entire festival is themed around wine. Not just as a drink, but as a lifestyle, a landscape, and a source of local pride. Whether you’re a filmmaker or a Merlot fan, there’s something here for you.

The event includes free film screenings, workshops on writing and editing, an art exhibit by Julio Orozco, and yes—brunches and themed dinners that sound too good to miss.

Moreover, the festival includes a spiritual ceremony led by native communities, reminding us that this land has stories older than cinema itself.

This Isn’t Just a Film. It’s a Homecoming.
#A still from “Kumeyaay Land,” one of the most intimate films ever shot in Baja. No filter needed—just truth and tenderness.

Who’s showing up?

For one, Sergio Arau and Yareli Arizmendi, the creative duo behind A Day Without a Mexican, are debuting scenes from their new documentary, The Mexican Files. That alone should get your film-loving heart racing.

In addition, expect appearances by director Carlos Bolado, producer Salvador Aguirre, and actor Jesús Ochoa. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s been in everything. (And probably in your aunt’s novelas too.)

Also featured is the 2024 film Amor a Fuego Lento, with director René Bueno, producer Barbarella Pardo, and actress Isaura Espinoza joining the conversation.

It’s more than a red carpet

According to Nora Bringas, the festival’s coordinator, FICVG is as much about inclusion as it is about cinema. Pueblos originarios will not just be honored—they’ll participate directly through ceremonies, handmade crafts, and community spaces.

This mix of film, culture, and local tradition is exactly what makes FICVG unique. It’s not just another stop on the festival circuit. It’s a window into Baja’s heart.

The festival is co-produced by Carlos Sarabia and Bringas, with support from Virgilio Muñoz and the Fundación Alberich. Institutions like COLEF, the Secretaría de Cultura, Secretaría de Economía, and local wineries are also on board.

Why should Baja care?

For starters, this event puts Valle de Guadalupe on the global cultural map—not just the wine map. And that’s a big deal. It adds depth to what tourists (and even locals) expect from the region.

In fact, over 1,500 people attended last year’s first edition. Organizers aim to beat that number in 2025. While most activities are free, the fancy brunches and dinners require a ticket. Worth it, if you ask me.

Beyond tourism, the festival fuels something deeper: pride in Baja’s diversity, creativity, and voice. And yes, it’s okay to enjoy that with a glass of Tempranillo in hand.

🗓️ Event Snapshot

Tijuana’s Viaduct Rises Above the Border Wall

New Tijuana Viaduct: So Close, Yet Matadero

Tijuana’s sky-high road project is nearly finished—91% complete, to be exact. But it comes with a twist: the elevated viaduct will no longer reach Playas de Tijuana as originally planned.

Wait… It Doesn’t Go to the Beach Anymore?

Correct. The project will now end at Cañón del Matadero, cutting out the final 1.5 kilometers that would have taken drivers straight into Playas. That change reshapes traffic expectations, especially for locals who were counting on a smooth, direct bypass.

The Big Picture: Still a Game-Changer

Stretching about 10.5 kilometers in total (before the trim), the viaduct offers more than 6.5 km of elevated lanes. It’s designed to connect the Otay area to the western side of the city, avoiding the slow grind through downtown. This should dramatically reduce drive times for commuters, airport travelers, and anyone who dreads the Vía Rápida crawl.

Construction is in the hands of SEDENA, Mexico’s military engineers. And they’ve moved fast. Columns, beams, and the primary structure are in place. What’s left? Paving, ramps, signage, and final safety tests.

Officials still expect it to open by late 2025 or early 2026.

Toll Booths? Not Here


Let’s settle this once and for all: no tolls. That rumor’s been dead since 2024—when the president shut it down. We covered it. You’re welcome.. No concessions, no surprise fees, no “express lane” pricing. This road is funded by the federal government and built for public use.

The materials? All made in Mexico. That means no tariff drama, no import delays, and fewer budget headaches.

It’s one of the few roads where you won’t have to pay in time, tolls, or sanity.

Viral Collapse Video? Nope.

You may have seen the clip floating around social media—a structure buckling, people gasping, dramatic captions. The rumors? False. The viaduct didn’t collapse.


That viral video? It captured a crane collapse during a concrete pour—not a structural failure. The columns didn’t flinch, the platform stayed put, and no one was hurt. Big projects like this come with big equipment, and sometimes that equipment fails. But the viaduct? Still standing. Still solid.

Traffic Fallout for Locals?

The rerouted design raises concerns for residents near Soler and El Mirador. With the project ending short of Playas, local streets could take the hit, absorbing diverted traffic that was meant to glide over them.

City officials haven’t offered a full traffic mitigation plan yet. So while the viaduct solves some problems, it may create others. As usual, it’s complicated.

Is It Still a Win?

Yes. Even trimmed down, this elevated route will shave time off daily commutes and keep cars out of the urban bottleneck. You’ll still get faster access from the airport and major corridors.

Just don’t expect to coast all the way to the malecón. You’ll need to finish that leg the old-fashioned way—through city streets and with a little patience.

Final Thoughts

At 91%, this mega-project is almost ready. With SEDENA at the helm, federal funds backing it, and local steel holding it together, it’s one of the most ambitious infrastructure efforts in recent Baja history.

So what do you think?

Still excited about Tijuana’s sky highway—even if it makes a slightly earlier exit?

🛣️ Watch the updated video and see for yourself.

📰 Gringo Gazette North – No Bad News

Baja 1000 Makes History with Los Cabos as Start and Finish in 2026

For the first time in its nearly six-decade history, the legendary Baja 1000 will both start and finish in Los Cabos. The announcement came after the Los Cabos City Council unanimously approved a deal with Score International, the event’s promoter, during its September 8 session. The 59th edition of the race, set for November 2026, will mark a historic milestone for Baja California Sur.

Never before has the Baja 1000 launched and wrapped up in the same city at the southern tip of the peninsula. Cabo San Lucas has hosted the finish line before—first in 2000 and again in 2007—but this will be the first time Los Cabos holds both the start and the finish.

“This will put Los Cabos in the eyes of the world,” said Councilman Celestino Atienzón Beltrán, who called the move “historic” and a massive boost to the local economy. Councilwoman Valerie Olmos Domínguez added that while it’s a moment of pride for locals, safety and proper organization must remain priorities to ensure a smooth event.

The Baja 1000 isn’t just about roaring engines and desert dust. It’s an economic engine of its own. When the 2023 edition took place in La Paz, more than 320 teams from Mexico, the U.S., and abroad showed up. That single race pumped nearly 100 million pesos into La Paz’s hotels and businesses, with occupancy hitting 98 to 100 percent in more than 3,100 available rooms. Across the peninsula, the economic impact was estimated between 10 and 12 million dollars, along with worldwide media coverage.

With Los Cabos playing host in 2026, the financial ripple effect is expected to be even bigger—boosting hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour services, while also driving improvements in infrastructure and public services. In short: the Baja 1000 is more than a race—it’s a cash cow on wheels.

Score International had already hinted back in July that a route change was on the horizon for 2026. The full championship calendar for that year is now set:

  • San Felipe 250: March 25–29
  • Baja 500: June 3–7
  • Baja 400: September 9–13
  • Baja 1000: November 9–15 (Los Cabos debut as start and finish line)

Los Cabos’ loop will stretch north as far as Guerrero Negro in Mulegé before turning back south, making this one of the most ambitious routes in recent memory.

Meanwhile in Ensenada…

While Los Cabos celebrates, Ensenada faces a bittersweet reality. Right now, the city is hosting the Baja 400 (Sept. 10–14, 2025), part of the current SCORE World Desert Championship. For decades, the Baja 1000 has been Ensenada’s crown jewel—the biggest event the city has, hands down. Losing it will sting.

Critics of the race, however, see things differently. Protests against SCORE events have been growing louder. Residents and activists complain of chaos in the city, environmental damage from tearing up natural landscapes, and frequent dangerous accidents. Still, the economic benefits in tourism, restaurants, hotels, and services are undeniable. Without the Baja 1000, Ensenada’s local economy could feel the shockwaves.

What Comes Next?

The move south marks a bold new chapter for SCORE and for Baja California Sur. Los Cabos gains international spotlight and millions in revenue, while Ensenada faces questions about its future as an off-road capital.

One thing is certain: when November 2026 rolls around, the world’s eyes will be on Los Cabos—and the roar of the Baja 1000 will echo all the way up the peninsula.

Independence by the Sea

Everything You Need to Know About Ensenada’s Oceanfront Grito

Independence With a Splash
For the first time in history, Ensenada will shout “¡Viva México!” with the Pacific as backdrop. On September 15, thousands will gather at Playa Hermosa for the Grito de Independencia. Forget city hall balconies—this year, the waves get the VIP seats.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz invited the community to join, promising an event that mixes civic pride with beachside charm. Moreover, the celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. with a monumental stage, fireworks, and Mexican pop star Edith Márquez.

Edith by the Ocean

Fans can sing along as Edith Márquez performs hits like “Mi error, mi fantasía” and “Mírame.” Meanwhile, the Pacific will provide the best natural backdrop in Baja. In addition, organizers say the concert crowns a night of patriotism, music, and oceanfront vibes. Best of all, admission is free.

Edith Márquez Rocks Ensenada
#The voice, the hits, the drama—Edith Márquez brings her magic to Playa Hermosa for a free concert under the stars

The First Lady of the Grito

This year also makes history. Claudia Agatón will become the first woman to lead the Grito in Ensenada. Furthermore, she emphasized Playa Hermosa as a symbol of local pride and identity. Translation: Ensenada just upgraded its party credentials.

Food, Drinks, and the Crowd Factor

Naturally, no fiesta is complete without food stalls and drinks. Expect tacos, elotes, and more—at prices that won’t ruin your mood. At the same time, thousands are expected to fill the coastal zone. Therefore, the city rolled out a special traffic plan.

From north to south, lanes on Boulevard Costero will close between Esmeralda and Estancia. However, the south-to-north lanes will remain open, easing circulation. In addition, officers will help direct traffic to prevent chaos in nearby streets.

Safety First, Fiesta Second

Authorities also boosted security. In total, 120 officers will patrol the festival, supported by cameras, a drone, and security arches at entrances. Consequently, visitors can focus on the fireworks and music, not on their wallets.

In addition, mobile units and checkpoints will ensure the party remains family-friendly. The goal is simple: keep the mood festive, safe, and loud enough to drown out the waves.

A Free and Open Party

The schedule starts at 7 p.m. with local bands. Then comes the Grito led by the mayor, followed by fireworks, and finally Edith Márquez rocking the beachfront stage. And remember, no ticket is needed—entry is completely free.

Why It Matters

Patriotic celebrations happen everywhere. Nevertheless, Ensenada is adding a twist by moving the fiesta from the city center to the coast. As a result, locals can celebrate Independence Day in a way that reflects the city’s identity.

So pack your flag, your appetite, and maybe a folding chair. Because this Independence Day, Ensenada is offering fireworks, music, and ocean views—without charging a peso.