Baja Norte

Cultural Complex Los Pinos
 Articles, Baja Norte, National

Free Baja Festival Brings Food and Dance to CDMX

A Weekend of Dance, Storytelling, and Smoke-Kissed Flavor

CDMX – August 2–3, 2025 — This weekend, Baja California is packing its books, spices, dancers, and legends—and heading straight to Mexico City with “Cocinas de humo”.

“Baja California en Los Pinos” lands at the iconic Complejo Cultural Los Pinos, giving chilangos a taste of the state’s rich, spicy, colorful culture. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, entry is free, and so are the vibes.

Part of the ongoing series “México en Los Pinos,” the event features a full lineup of music, theater, dance, traditional food, crafts, and family-friendly workshops. Basically, it’s a cultural road trip without the highway miles.

#Smoke Kitchens: Traditional Baja Cuisine

What’s Happening?

You’ll find everything from oral storytelling to rock-pop concerts, folk dance to mask-making workshops.

  • Lizeth Marcela will share Baja’s legends out loud. Expect mysterious whispers of the desert and tales from the borderlands.
  • Dancer Alejandro Chávez performs “Manuel,” a modern piece full of emotion and movement.
  • Rock-pop vibes arrive with Jesús Bautista and his show “Me verás subir.”
  • And for theater lovers? Minerva Velasco brings Frida Kahlo’s life to the stage in a solo monologue with heart and paintbrush.

Folkloric rhythms hit hard when dancers from the Escuela Nacional de Danza Folklórica light up the stage with calabaceado—a high-energy northern dance that’s part cowboy, part fiesta, all grit.

Books, Smoke, and Handmade Treasures

Not into the stage stuff? No problem. You can still soak up the essence of Baja.

The Nortestación collective is bringing a literary pop-up filled with independent publishers, book giveaways, and author meet-and-greets. Expect some Baja-flavored stories and maybe a free read or two.

Kids get their own fun too. There’s a mask-making workshop where they’ll create creatures and characters inspired by Baja’s cultural roots.

And for foodies? Oh yes—this is where Baja shows off.

The Cocinas de Humo (literally “smoke kitchens”) will fill the air with slow-cooked dishes straight from the ocean and desert. Traditional cooks from Baja are bringing their best firewood game: think grilled seafood, salsas with a bite, and maybe even a cactus surprise.

Meanwhile, artisans and producers will take over Plaza Jacarandas and El Tejabán de Cencalli to offer handcrafted textiles, carved wood, and local agro-products—aka stuff that smells, feels, and tastes like Baja.

If You Go

Here’s the full scoop on what you can experience this weekend in Los Pinos, Mexico City’s historic cultural center, as Baja takes over!
#Here’s the full scoop on what you can experience this weekend in Los Pinos, Mexico City’s historic cultural center, as Baja takes over!
  • 📍Location: Complejo Cultural Los Pinos Molino del Rey 252, Bosque de Chapultepec, CDMX
  • 🗓️ Dates: Saturday and Sunday, August 2–3
  • 🕙 Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • 🎟️ Price: Free! Just bring curiosity (and maybe stretchy pants).

GGNorth Pro Tip:

If you’re from Baja and in Mexico City this weekend, you’ve got no excuse. And if you’ve never had Baja-style food cooked in real smoke by women who learned from their grandmas? This is your moment.

Los Pinos will smell like salt air and carne asada. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

No Bad News. Just Good Culture.

0 582
 Baja Norte, Editions

July 28, 2025 Edition

How to download a PDF of this publication:
1. Locate the icon toolbar at the bottom part of the newspaper window. If you can’t find it you can try going full screen by clicking “Read Now” on the screen.
2. Click on the cloud icon (Download PDF) on the bottom right corner of your screen.
(See example below)

0 523
“Sé Turista en Tu Baja California” card—now in English—so our readers can understand what it looks like and how it works
 Articles, Baja Norte, Tourism

Unlock Baja’s Best Deals with This Free Tourist Card

Free discounts across Baja? Yes, please.

While some folks are flying off to Europe this summer, smart locals and curious gringos are unlocking Baja’s best deals with just a few taps on their phones.

Governor Marina del Pilar has been pushing the digital “Be a Tourist in Your Baja California” card—and it’s not a gimmick. This free discount program is designed to boost local tourism while rewarding you for eating, sipping, and exploring your way through the state.

The card gives you access to exclusive discounts at over 400 businesses across all seven municipalities, from Ensenada’s wine country to the desert art stops in San Felipe. We’re talking restaurants, boutique hotels, beachy spas, quirky souvenir shops, and even guided adventures. Think of it like Baja’s local “passport to fun”—but without the airport lines or TSA agents.

How to get it—fast and painless

Signing up is laughably easy. Go to seturistabc.com, register, and your digital card hits your inbox within seconds. No birth certificate. No utility bill. No bureaucratic scavenger hunt.

If You See This Screen, You Did It Right
#If You See This Screen, You Did It Right: Now just check your inbox—your tourist discount card is waiting!

There’s just one tiny detail—don’t expect a slick Apple Wallet pass. What you get is a trusty ol’ PDF. Not sexy, but it gets the job done.

For business owners

There’s also a simple form for local businesses that want to join the platform. So if you run a taco joint, a surf school, or a winery, it only takes a few minutes to get in front of thousands of discount-hungry visitors.

Where you can use it

The card’s already being used by more than 20,000 people, unlocking deals in places like La Rumorosa, Tecate, Rosarito, and Valle de Guadalupe. You’ll find promos at the Museo Restaurante La Rumorosa, fun at Campo Recreativo El Vikingo, and chill time at Rancho La Ponderosa.

So whether you’re sipping rosé in El Sauzal, climbing boulders in San Pedro Mártir, or just hunting for a better deal on your next fish taco—this card is your new best friend.

TL;DR ((Too Long; Didn’t Read):

✅ Free.

✅ Works across Baja.

✅ Helps local businesses.

✅ PDF-based, not Wallet-friendly—but hey, you’ll survive.

If you were waiting for a reason to explore more of Baja… this is it.

3 548
Sky Columns in Formation
 Articles, Tijuana

New Tijuana Viaduct Hits Delay, Not the Brakes

If you were hoping to cruise above Tijuana’s daily traffic chaos by next year… slow down. The Viaducto Elevado—that shiny, elevated road linking the airport to Playas—won’t open in 2025 after all.

According to Tijuana’s Chamber of Construction (CMIC), this big-budget shortcut is now aiming for mid-2026.

What’s the Viaduct About?

This project plans to build a 10.5-kilometer road, with 6.6 kilometers suspended in the air. It connects Tijuana International Airport to Playas de Tijuana. No stoplights (No semáforos), just smooth, high-speed transit over the worst congestion zones.

Work officially began in November 2023. Engineers installed columns. Beams followed. Things looked promising.

So… What Went Wrong?

Don’t blame politics or Trump’s tariffs. The holdup is local.

Crews can’t finish certain sections because of land ownership issues. Some property owners haven’t moved. Underground utilities also need relocation. And areas like Cañón del Matadero? Not the friendliest ground for concrete.

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

All this adds time. So, forget September 2025. Mid-2026 is the new goal—if nothing else pops up.

Where’s the Money Coming From?

Mexico is footing the bill. The total investment tops 12 billion pesos—about $700 million USD. Most of it comes from FONADIN and the Customs Fund.

SEDENA, Mexico’s military engineers, are running the build. No budget drama here. They’ve got the plan, the crew, and the machines.

And here’s a smart move: they’re using Mexican steel. That means U.S. tariffs don’t apply. Local companies like INGETEK and APROS are supplying the prefabs, cutting import delays and cost surprises.

What’s in It for You?

Once finished, the viaduct could cut your airport-to-beach time by half. Tourists will love it. So will delivery drivers, border commuters, and anyone who’s tired of hearing Waze say, “rerouting again.”

It’ll also take pressure off key roads like Vía Rápida and Libramiento Sur. Less congestion, less honking, better air. That’s a win.

So, Is It Still Worth It?

Absolutely. Sure, the finish line moved. But this isn’t a failed promise—it’s just delayed progress. Projects this big always hit snags.

The important part? It’s still happening. It’s still funded. And it’s still going to make life better when it opens.

We’ll keep an eye on the timeline. Until then, pack patience. And maybe download a good podcast. That’s a win. Even if it arrives fashionably late.

3 1239
Tuna in Formation: Wellness in Motion
 Articles, Ensenada

Happy Tuna Swim Better

Baja Aqua Farms breaks silence with world-first tuna ranch report

Salmon farms? Sure, they’ve had sustainability reports for years. But tuna ranches? Nothing but crickets—until now.

Baja Aqua Farms just dropped the first-ever sustainability report from a Pacific bluefin tuna ranch. And they didn’t hold back. It’s got transparency, tech, tuna behavior charts—and even a Tuna Shocker. No joke.

Five freedoms, zero fishy business

The farm follows the five internationally recognized animal freedoms. Not for show, but because healthy tuna make tastier tuna. They’re aiming for higher survival rates and better product quality. It’s ethical. It’s smart. It works.

Lunch time at the ranch. That sardine never stood a chance. Healthy tuna = strong appetite = premium harvest.
#One Hungry Bluefin

Algae? Not on their watch

In late 2024, two nasty blooms of harmful microalgae crashed the party. These sudden outbreaks mess with oxygen levels and can suffocate fish. Baja Aqua’s crew didn’t panic. They hit the emergency protocol and evacuated the farm fast.

This wasn’t luck—it was training. The team checks ocean conditions 24/7. Every 15 minutes, sensors measure oxygen, temperature, and currents at multiple depths. They also take four phytoplankton samples a day to spot toxic microalgae early. If numbers rise? Boom—contingency mode activated.

A simple chart tells the team when to go from green to red alert. It even tracks tuna behavior: from “hungry and speedy” to “swimming weird and starving.”

Gentle harvest, Japanese style

Harvesting starts with a Tuna Shocker (yes, it’s a real thing). Then comes the Ikejime method, a precise, painless technique that prevents stress and preserves flavor. No bruising. No panic. No yake—that rubbery texture that ruins good sashimi.

All harvesting happens by daylight, under calm ocean conditions. Fish go straight into chilled seawater at 0°C. No delays. No shortcuts.

No GMOs, no exceptions

The farm follows strict rules from Mexico’s National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), and the National Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INAPESCA). These agencies regulate wild tuna capture and say: no GMOs allowed. Baja Aqua Farms listens.

These aren’t alien landing pads—they’re the offshore homes where Baja Aqua’s bluefin tuna grow big, strong, and sushi-grade.
#Not Your Average Fish Tank

Chill tanks, traceable tuna

Each tuna is tracked from sea to table. They store the harvest in tanks chilled to –0.5 °C using a custom-built chiller. It’s all about keeping it fresh, safe, and sushi-ready.

This isn’t just a fish tale. Baja Aqua Farms raised the bar. Now, let’s see who swims up next.

SustainabilityReport2024BAF_ESPDownload
0 597
Ensenada Airport Plans Resurface—Is This Finally for Real?
 Articles, Ensenada

New Ensenada Airport Could Land by 2029—For Real This Time

If you’ve been hearing rumors about an international airport in Ensenada since the ‘90s—you’re not alone. It’s been the Baja version of “I’ll believe it when I see it.” But this time, it might not be just talk.

From Rumors to Blueprints

Plans for a new airport date back to the mid-1990s, and in 2007 it was even listed in Mexico’s National Infrastructure Plan. Multiple studies were commissioned for a site in Ojos Negros, about 80 km inland. At the end, only one dirt runway was built, which is barely used as an alternative to the Cipres airport, during the Baja 1000 off-road race.

Fast forward to 2024, and the federal Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT), which oversees infrastructure and transportation, allocated over 16 million pesos for studies on hydrology, soil conditions, and environmental impact in Ensenada. That’s a lot more than just lip service.

Then, in July 2025, Ensenada’s mayor Claudia Agatón confirmed that the project is officially back on the radar. According to her statement and sources from federal agencies, the plan is for a new international airport to be located in El Tigre, a zone about 30 km north of downtown Ensenada.

The ASA Plan

The airport would fall under the management of Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), the federal agency in charge of Mexico’s airport network. ASA has already released blueprints that include:

  • A 2,800-meter runway
  • An 8,000 m² terminal
  • A new control tower
  • Commercial zones, parking, and access roads

The total investment? 5.5 billion pesos—but important note: that budget is not just for Ensenada. It’s part of a broader ASA strategy that includes multiple airport projects across Mexico. So while Ensenada is in the mix, it’s sharing the pot.

So… Is This Finally Happening?

We know what you’re thinking: Didn’t they say the same thing in 2007? And in 2016? Yep. Baja residents (and frequent visitors) have seen this movie before. But this time we’ve got:

  • Confirmed site and design (El Tigre)
  • Federal and municipal coordination
  • Concrete funding allocations
  • A proposed timeline: earthworks in 2026, terminal structure in 2027, and operations by 2029.

Bottom Line

We’re cautiously optimistic. With backing from SICT, project management by ASA, and a mayor who’s actively promoting it, this version of the Ensenada airport feels more grounded than ever.

But let’s be honest—we’ll believe it when we see the bulldozers. Until then, Gringo Gazette North will keep a close eye on progress. And if it does happen, maybe you can book your next flight into Ensenada instead of dealing with Tijuana or San Diego.

1 1113
Indie Filmmakers Wanted for Ensenada’s Séptimo 2.0 Showcase
 Articles, Ensenada, Film Industry

Indie Filmmakers Wanted for Ensenada’s Séptimo 2.0 Showcase

Lights, camera, community. If you’ve been editing a film in your garage or storyboarding between coffee breaks, now’s your moment. “Séptimo 2.0,” Ensenada’s indie film showcase, is back—and this time, it’s calling for filmmakers from all corners, including you, dear Gringo.

Set to take place on September 6, the event is organized by local cinephile and creative agitator Víctor Valdez, and backed by the Subsecretariat for Creative Industries under the Baja State Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Their mission? To shine a projector-sized spotlight on emerging storytellers who are often overlooked in the big-budget, algorithm-driven film world.

This isn’t your typical red carpet affair. Séptimo was born in the shadows—literally—where independent films rarely get the recognition they deserve. According to Valdez, the goal is simple: create a space where the stories, messages, and raw talent of new filmmakers get the attention they’ve earned.

What Can You Submit?

  • Short films or music videos made in 2022 or later
  • Minimum duration: 1 minute
  • 1080p resolution or higher
  • All content (including music) must be 100% original

Whether it’s a poetic piece about tacos and existential dread, or a punk-inspired music video shot on the Malecon, they want it—as long as it’s yours.

How to Apply

Submit your work via Google Drive to: 📧 septimo.muestra@gmail.com

Include a PDF with:

  • Project title
  • Genre
  • Synopsis
  • Official poster
  • Full credits list

Not From Ensenada? Even Better

While the event is based in Ensenada, this is a call for creators everywhere, especially our readers across Baja and beyond. If you don’t live here, it’s the perfect excuse to visit. Come for the screening, stay for the coastline—and yes, the wine.

We actually have a hot tip for an incredible local rosé that’s about to hit the radar… but you’ll have to stay tuned for that one.

What to Expect

The Séptimo 2.0 showcase includes screenings, panels, and authentic networking—not the business card kind, the beer-and-brains kind. Think less stuffy film school, more creative BBQ with projectors.

Interested? Follow @septimo.ens on Instagram or message +52 646 256 4016 via WhatsApp.

And who knows—your next big break might start with a cold Tecate, a room full of strangers, and a story only you could tell.

0 563
 Articles, Cuisine, Ensenada

24,000 Bites and Zero Regrets

Cocina la Baja 2025 Delivers Another Delicious Hit

If your taste buds weren’t at Estero Beach this weekend, you missed out. Big time.

Cocina la Baja 2025 turned up the heat with a full-on seafood fest. Chefs, fishers, and food lovers gathered for one of Baja’s most flavorful events of the year.

A Feast from the Sea

Guests were welcomed with a wine glass and a massive display of the event’s logo. The air was filled with the scent of grilled octopus and sizzling clams.

More than 40 booths offered tastings of Baja’s best. Think fresh ceviche, smoked oysters, sea urchin pasta, and even oyster ice cream.

Over 24,000 individual tastings were served throughout the day. That’s a lot of bites—and a lot of happy bellies.

Top Dishes, Big Wins

The People’s Choice went to Ilusso from Tijuana. Their taco of merluza in nori with plantain tortilla stole the show.

First place from the judges? A tiradito of cabrilla with yuzu and miso by Bocalobina and chef Abraham Gutiérrez.

Second went to Bivalva for their smoked oyster ice cream. Third place was a rich pasta with sea urchin cream by Almatierra.

Not Just Eating—Learning Too

The event wasn’t only about food. It was about education and fun.

At the Pabellón Manglar, kids colored sea creatures and joined a fishing-themed rally. Meanwhile, adults watched a live tuna “ronqueo” (butchering demo) by Bluefiná.

Cocina la Baja also featured producers from all over Baja. Wine and craft beer flowed freely between bites.

A Toast to Baja’s Coast

Cocina la Baja keeps getting better. With support from SEPESCA BC, COMEPESCA, and dozens of local chefs, the event once again proved why Baja is king of the sea.

It’s not just a food festival. It’s a love letter to Baja’s coast—and a reason to come back next year.

1 615
 Baja Norte, Editions

July 14, 2025 Edition

How to download a PDF of this publication:
1. Locate the icon toolbar at the bottom part of the newspaper window. If you can’t find it you can try going full screen by clicking “Read Now” on the screen.
2. Click on the cloud icon (Download PDF) on the bottom right corner of your screen.
(See example below)

0 407
Big names, big wine plans — The Fiestas de la Vendimia 2025 press crew: Wenceslao Martínez (Provino), Andrés Bremer (Proturismo), Álvaro Romero (Provino), and Yolanda Navarro (Tourism), standing tall for Baja’s boldest wine season yet.
 Accidents, Ensenada, Wine

Wine, Music and Magic Await at Baja’s Fiestas de la Vendimia 2025

This week, the Valle turned up the charm and the wine for the official press launch of the 35th Fiestas de la Vendimia. The venue? Viña de Liceaga, of course. And if the flawless service and perfectly laid tables are any clue, we’d bet Myrna Liceaga had a hand in supervising the event. From Gringo Gazette North, a big thank-you to the Provino team for treating us like royalty—we felt every sip of the hospitality.

  • #Under the oaks, over the top — Robleza, the restaurant at Viña de Liceaga, served up elegance with every bite. Pretty sure Myrna Liceaga had a hand in this.
  • Mic up, wine down
  • #Table’s set, let the pouring begin 🍽️🥂
  • #Big names, big wine plans — The Fiestas de la Vendimia 2025 press crew: Wenceslao Martínez (Provino), Andrés Bremer (Proturismo), Álvaro Romero (Provino), and Yolanda Navarro (Tourism), standing tall for Baja’s boldest wine season yet
  • #Press, ready, sip! 📸✍️
  • #First impressions: 10/10 reception
  • #Spoiled by PROVINO—don’t stop now! 😎🍇

The 2025 edition, themed “Terruño, Identidad y Vocación,” will run from July 30 to August 24 with more than 45 events celebrating wine, land, and the people who make it all happen. Expect everything from vertical tastings and intimate 20-person dinners to wild, woodfire-fueled paella competitions and full-scale music festivals. Because that’s just how Baja rolls.

Kicking Things Off – Muestra del Vino | Aug. 1

This is the OG of wine events in Baja and it’s still going strong. Held at the Centro Cultural Riviera, Muestra del Vino will showcase 80 wineries, over 160 wine labels, and bites from 50 local restaurants—all for $1,450 pesos. Oh, and there’s a secret headliner on the main stage. Who? They’re not telling. But with five stages covering everything from jazz to norteño, no one’s going home disappointed. Pro tip: It’s 18+ only, so leave the littles with abuela.

Paella Showdown – Aug. 17 at Viña de Liceaga

This is the big one. The Dr. Ramón García Ocejo Paella Contest isn’t just a cook-off—it’s a campestre family fiesta under 120-year-old oak trees and, yes, one majestic 500-year-old roble. More than 90 paella teams will compete with over 160 wines from Baja’s best wineries. The firewood-only rule (no gas!) adds smoky magic to the mix. Tickets are $1,450 pesos, kids under 12 get in free, and if history tells us anything, it’ll sell out by 5 PM. So show up early and hungry.

Wines, Roots, and Roaming

Beyond the big names, there are also six multidimensional events, weekly guided tours to Provino-affiliated wineries, and 46+ food and wine pairings planned. Whether you’re into intimate dinners, educational catas, or just sipping with friends, there’s something for everyone.

Over 100,000 visitors are expected, with a projected $800 million pesos in economic impact. So, yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

Need Tickets or Want to Stalk the Calendar?

Find everything at: provinobc.mx

You bring the glass. We’ll bring the buzz.

2 782