fbpx

Rosarito Takes Center Stage with First Opera Encounter

BY ARCHER INGRAM

Gear up, opera lovers and curious bystanders! The city of Playas de Rosarito in Baja California is gearing up to host its first-ever Opera Encounter in Rosarito (ENOR), set to transform the State Center for the Arts into the opera hub of the region from July 27 to August 3. This inaugural event is not just a series of performances; it’s a cultural movement aimed at making opera accessible and enjoyable for all.

The Baja California Secretary of Culture is spearheading this initiative, with a packed schedule that includes masterclasses, rehearsal sessions, insightful lectures, and riveting recitals. The event will gather a mix of experienced maestros, professional singers, and up-and-coming talents, all dedicated to providing a unique artistic experience that cultivates a deeper appreciation for this majestic art form.

According to Marco Antonio Nuño Sánchez, the coordinator of CEART Playas de Rosarito, the essence of ENOR is to foster artistic development, broaden the opera’s appeal to new audiences, and strengthen the cultural community. “By creating spaces for opera, we aim to not only entertain but also educate and inspire connections among local, national, and international artists,” Nuño Sánchez remarked.

This sentiment is echoed by Javier Carrillo, the artistic coordinator of ENOR Rosarito, who emphasized the festival’s role in breaking down the elitist barriers often associated with opera. “ENOR is designed to integrate opera culture in a natural and accessible setting for everyone. This week-long event focuses on unveiling the behind-the-scenes of opera production, from singer preparation to the complexities of staging an opera,” Carrillo explained.

One of the highlights of the Opera Encounter is the grand concert “Il baccio di Tosca,” scheduled for July 31. This performance will commemorate the centennial of Giacomo Puccini’s passing by bringing to life scenes from his iconic opera “Tosca.” The event will feature renowned opera stars Maria Katzarava as Floria Tosca, César Sánchez as Mario Cavaradossi, and Carlos Conde as Il Barone Scarpia. They will be accompanied by the Ghukasyan String Orchestra with Andrés Sarre at the piano, under the skilled direction of Armando Pesqueira, coordinator of the State Music System of Baja California.

As ENOR draws to a close, the festival will segue into the twelfth edition of the “Opera by the Sea Festival,” which will take place at the CEART Rosarito arts esplanade. This event is free to the public, further emphasizing the initiative’s goal to make cultural events accessible to a broader audience.

Local businesses and tourism operators are also set to benefit from the influx of visitors and cultural aficionados expected to attend the festival. This aligns with the broader vision of the organizers to not only enrich the cultural landscape but also stimulate the local economy through high-quality artistic events.

For those interested in experiencing this operatic extravaganza, further details about the program and ticket information can be found on the websites and social media pages of the Baja California Secretary of Culture and CEART Playas de Rosarito. This is a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of opera right in the heart of Baja California.

July 15, 2024 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)

July 1, 2024 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)

June 17, 2024 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)

Tijuana’s Ultimate Wine Festival Returns!

UPDATE: This event date was changed to Saturday, October 5th, 2024.

Get ready to sip and savor, wine enthusiasts! The third edition of the “Festival Vino sin Fronteras” (Wine Without Borders Festival) is set to take Tijuana by storm on Saturday, June 29th at Club Campestre Tijuana, starting at 3:00 PM. This fantastic event is all about bridging our border with the rich enological and gastronomical offerings of the region, thanks to the efforts of the Comité Provino Baja California. 

Last Wednesday, June 12th, a press conference was held at the CANIRAC Tijuana conference room to unveil all the juicy details of this year’s festival. Attendees included representatives from Provino Baja California, Zaida López Sánchez, President of CANIRAC Tijuana, Dr. Karim Chalita Rodríguez, President of COTUCO Tijuana, and José de Jesús Quiñónez, Deputy Secretary of Tourism of Baja California. 

“The main goal of the event is to continue promoting the culture of wine to the public on both sides of the border, while also serving as a significant promotional platform for enotourism among national visitors and those from Southern California,” emphasized Juan Carlos Ochoa, General Manager of Provino. 

This year, the festival moves to the picturesque Club Campestre Tijuana, providing an ideal atmosphere surrounded by trees to enhance the enogastronomic experience. Attendees will get to enjoy the best from the Valle de Guadalupe and Baja California’s wine valleys, with 45 participating wineries offering tastings and sales of over 100 wine labels, including whites, rosés, reds, and sparkling wines. Additionally, Temecula, CA, will be the guest wine region, featuring prominent wineries such as Doffo Winery, Falkner Winery, Churon Winery, and Oak Mountain Winery, enriching the event’s wine selection. 

Thanks to a partnership with the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC) of Tijuana, the festival will feature 25 regional restaurants from Tijuana, Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe, Tecate, and Rosarito. These establishments will offer a variety of gastronomic samples, supported by supplies from Distribuidora La Canasta, and some will also sell dishes. 

The musical lineup is set to entertain with regional talent, including DJ Maury de la Vara spinning retro ’80s tunes, DJ Amy with contemporary electronic sounds, and DJ Winstone closing the night with a tropical set guaranteed to get everyone dancing. The main act will be Astros de Mendoza, a Mexican duo with 12 years of experience, who will delight the crowd with their blend of organic and electronic tropical sounds. 

Tickets are priced at $1,500 MXN per person, including a wine glass and tastings of wine and food (while supplies last). Attendees are encouraged to arrive on time to fully enjoy the enogastronomic and musical experience. The event also has a social impact, as part of the proceeds will support Provino Baja California’s projects benefiting the communities of the wine valleys, such as the reconstruction of San Vicente Park in the Valle de San Vicente, south of Ensenada, where the Antigua Ruta del Vino is located. 

Tickets can be purchased at various Farmacias Roma locations in Rosarito (Giramar Juárez), Tijuana (Paseo Playas, Triángulo de Oro, Campestre, Las Américas, Conquistador, Hipódromo, La Mesa, Tropicana, Plaza Torre Agua Caliente, Zona Río Urbana, Chapultepec, Cuauhtémoc), Mexicali (Justo Sierra, Caballito, Plaza 686), and Ensenada (Parque Revolución).  Online tickets are available here.

New International Flight Connects Tijuana and Las Vegas

Heads up, travelers! Starting October 29, you can hop on a direct flight from Tijuana to Las Vegas, thanks to Volaris. This new route is not just about hitting the jackpot or seeing dazzling shows; it’s about connecting cultures and boosting tourism between these vibrant cities.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and Miguel Aguiñiga Rodríguez, Baja California’s Tourism Secretary, are thrilled about this development. They believe it underscores the region’s growing connectivity, making it easier for more folks to explore the hidden gems of Baja California and enjoy its rich offerings.

Ticket sales kicked off this June, so you can already start planning that Vegas vacation or a business trip. And it’s not just about convenience. This flight is a bridge between communities, fostering stronger economic and cultural ties. Nevada ranks as the third-largest source of tourists to Baja California, right after California and Arizona, which means there’s already a keen interest in travel between these spots.

Volaris is equally excited about this new venture, aiming to diversify its travel destinations and strengthen its presence in key markets. This new route is a big win for everyone involved – from everyday travelers looking to expand their horizons to businesses eyeing new opportunities.

Whether you’re in Tijuana looking to experience the thrills of Las Vegas or a Nevadan curious about Baja’s attractions, this new flight is your ticket to new adventures. Check out Volaris’s website for more details on flight schedules and bookings, and get ready to take off on a new international journey.

New Tourist Marina Set to Transform Ensenada’s Port Area

Get Ready for “Ventana al Mar”: Ensenada’s Shiny New Waterfront Gem

The Ensenada port is getting a fabulous makeover, folks! The National Port System Administration (Asipona) has announced an exciting new project: a state-of-the-art tourist marina called “Ventana al Mar.” This marina isn’t just about docking boats; it’s a whole experience with fuel stations, restaurants, commercial areas, and much more.

Covering an impressive 12,000 square meters of prime maritime real estate right next to the current cruise terminal, “Ventana al Mar” promises to be a bustling hub for both locals and tourists. The marina will be leased for 19 years with an option to renew for another 19, making it a long-term fixture in Ensenada’s waterfront.

Think of “Ventana al Mar” as more than just a marina. It’s set to offer a range of services including public port services for recreational and sports boats, specialized operations like embarkation and disembarkation, rope mooring, in-water repairs, and supply services (water, fuel, internet, and waste collection). There will also be diving services, maritime inspections, and a vibrant commercial area with restaurants and shops.

To be part of this grand project, participants (whether individuals or companies, Mexican or foreign) need to show they have at least 25 million pesos in assets. The leaseholder will pay Asipona an initial fee, a fixed annual fee, and a variable fee based on income from services provided in the area. If you’re interested, you need to buy the bidding documents by June 11, 2024, for a cool 200,000 pesos. Proposals will be reviewed on October 30, 2024.

Asipona will evaluate proposals based on technical criteria and the highest initial fee offered. In the event of a tie, the winner will be the one promising the highest investment in the marina’s construction and equipment before it opens.

This project, detailed in the official federal gazette on May 28, is spearheaded by Vice Admiral Joel Sandoval Gómez, the head of Asipona Ensenada.

June 3, 2024 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)

Get Ready for the Roar on the Shore! The Baja 500 is Here

The Baja California Peninsula is revving up for the much-anticipated Baja 500 off-road race, a rugged, adrenaline-pumping event set from May 29 to June 2, 2024. This wild race will roar through the landscapes of Ensenada, starting and ending right by the cultural hotspot, the Riviera del Pacífico.

For those looking to catch the action up close, there are designated viewing areas along the route which promise great visibility without compromising safety. These spots are perfect for fans who want to experience the thunderous excitement of engines and the gritty determination of the racers.

Safety is a top priority, with Baja California’s Civil Protection issuing guidelines to ensure everyone enjoys the event safely. They’ve advised spectators to keep at a safe distance from the race path, stay hydrated, and use sun protection during the sunny race days.

Ensenada’s downtown area will feel the race’s pulse too, with several roads, including sections of the Bulevar Costero, temporarily closed to manage the race and ensure smooth operations from start to finish.

With the support of various organizations and local government, the Baja 500 not only promises high-octane excitement but also boosts local tourism and business. It’s not just a race; it’s a celebration of motorsport culture, right in the heart of Baja California!

Playas de Tijuana and Rosarito Declare Beaches Fit for Fun!

Good news, beach lovers! Both Playas de Tijuana and Rosarito have rolled out the blue carpets, inviting everyone to enjoy their sparkling sands and clear waters. After months of efforts and environmental vigilance, these popular coastal spots are ready to make your beach day dreams come true.

Playas de Tijuana: From No-Go to Go-Go!

It wasn’t looking good for a while there. With high levels of enterococcus bacteria—yes, that’s the yucky stuff from sewage spills—Tijuana’s beaches were a no-go zone for months. But thanks to the tireless efforts of the ‘Proyecto Ambiental Fronterizo’ and various local campaigns, the tides have turned. As of late May 2024, after relentless monitoring and cleaning, the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COEPRIS) has given Playas de Tijuana the green light. They’re not just open; they’re officially safe for all your beachside frolicking. Let’s just hope they stay that way for a while.

Rosarito’s Center Beach: The Place to Be!

Moving down the coast to Rosarito, things are looking equally sunny. Center Beach has passed recent water quality tests with flying colors, showing levels of enterococcus well below the threshold of concern. Thanks to continuous improvements in beach surveillance and the commitment of local lifeguards—who train rigorously three times a week to keep their rescue chops up—beachgoers can rest easy. And to top it off, vehicle access to the beaches has been restricted to keep the sands safe and serene.

Both cities have seen remarkable community and governmental collaboration, demonstrating a stellar commitment to environmental health and public safety. From closed beaches marred by pollution to thriving recreational hotspots, Playas de Tijuana and Rosarito are clean, clear, and utterly inviting.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab that beach towel, slap on some sunscreen, and head to these beaches. Whether you’re building sandcastles, catching waves, or just soaking up some rays, these clean coastal gems are the place to be. Remember, though, the battle for clean beaches continues, and it’s up to all of us to keep them beautiful. Pack your trash, use those bins, and let’s keep our sands as clean as our fun is wild!

Send this to a friend