Baja Norte

Tijuana Fair 2025 Lights Up the City
 Articles, Events, Tijuana

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.

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 Ensenada, Rosarito

Ensenada Told to Hand Over Rosarito Land, Again

The Baja California Congress has had enough of the territorial tug-of-war between Ensenada and Playas de Rosarito. Lawmakers have once again told both city halls to sit down, coordinate, and finally wrap up the handover of disputed land and assets.

Yes, again.

This latest “exhorto”, basically a strongly worded reminder, was approved unanimously in Congress. The message was clear: Ensenada needs to finish delivering the goods to Rosarito, and Rosarito needs to get its ducks in a row to take over. The call came from Morena deputies Juan Manuel Molina García and Jaime Eduardo Cantón Rocha, who insisted that after years of dragging feet, residents deserve legal certainty and decent public services.

The backstory goes like this. The Baja California Territorial Statute (Decree 15, for those keeping score) set rules for municipal boundaries. It told Ensenada to hand over certain properties, records, and even tax authority to Rosarito. Articles Five and Six of the statute gave a 180-day deadline for transferring files and updating regulations. That deadline passed long ago, yet here we are.

Even January 2024 saw a similar resolution pushed by the very same players: Rocío Adame Muñoz (now Rosarito’s mayor) and Claudia Agatón Muñiz (now mayor of Ensenada). Both promised cooperation. Both still have homework.

In the meantime, confusion reigns in the disputed neighborhoods. Which city collects taxes? Which city provides services? Residents aren’t amused. Congress says the situation undermines trust in government.

The new exhorto adds a layer of accountability. It calls for a legislative follow-up table involving committees on governance, finance, and municipal strengthening. Translation: lawmakers will keep checking until the job is done.

Some voices are calling for more than just a handover. Miguel Ángel Lazcano Campos, legal advisor for the Pro Municipio Committee, argues that Ensenada should not only stop charging taxes in Rosarito’s turf but also pay back what it’s already collected. That idea should spice up future negotiations.

For her part, Ensenada mayor Claudia Agatón recently met with deputies and promised to cooperate. “We want this resolved so residents have certainty and can receive all the services they’re entitled to,” she said. Sounds good on paper—now it’s about action.

Congress isn’t pretending this is optional. The unanimous vote shows legislators are done with excuses. Rosarito and Ensenada have to finish the handoff, transfer the files, and put the territorial dispute to rest.

Until then, it’s a tale of two cities sharing one headache.

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Independence by the Sea
 Articles, Ensenada, Events

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.

#
Good news, drivers. The south-to-north lanes on Boulevard Costero stay open during the Grito. You’ll still move—slowly, but you’ll move.
Northbound Closed for the Party
#Heads up! North-to-south lanes on Boulevard Costero close between Esmeralda and Estancia. Plan ahead or spend Independence Day parked.

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.

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 Articles, Baja Norte, Economy

Baja’s Credit Score Gets a Boost – Just in Time for the Governor

In case you missed it between tacos and sunsets, Baja California just got a financial thumbs-up from Moody’s. That’s right — the international credit rating agency gave the state an A-.mx rating with a stable outlook, which is kind of like getting an A-minus on a math test you didn’t even study for. Except this time, they actually did study. A lot.

This is the highest rating Baja California has received in the last four years, and it didn’t happen by chance. The upgrade is thanks to Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda’s administration, which has been slowly climbing the ranks since 2022. Apparently, someone finally decided to stop setting fire to the financial paperwork.

And let’s be honest — this news couldn’t come at a better time for the Governor, who’s been dealing with political turbulence after she and her husband reportedly had their U.S. visas revoked, a move that sent her approval ratings into a tailspin. A shiny new credit rating? That’s a much-needed talking point.

Wait—What’s A-.mx, Anyway?

Before you go thinking Baja is now on par with Switzerland, a quick note: A-.mx is what’s called a national scale rating. The “.mx” means it’s graded relative to other entities in Mexico, not the entire world. So while it’s not the same as a global Moody’s A-, it’s still a very strong sign of financial health — kind of like being voted Most Responsible in a room full of tequila drinkers.

Moody’s gave the nod not just because the numbers looked good, but because the whole plan looked good. The state has been showing what the agency calls “disciplined financial management, strategic investment, and long-term vision.” Translation: They’re not just patching potholes—they’re planning roads that actually lead somewhere.

From Financial Freefall to Surplus

Back in the not-so-distant past (pre-2021), Baja’s credit rating was heading downhill faster than a beer on a beach slope. Investors were nervous, debt was piling up, and confidence was, well, somewhere in the basement.

But Marina del Pilar’s team hit the brakes and flipped the script with a six-year financial plan. The pillars? More revenue, tighter spending, strategic infrastructure investment, boosted social spending, and yes—embracing technology.

And guess what? It worked. The state has racked up three years of financial surpluses, something no one thought possible after back-to-back deficit-heavy administrations. Starting from a BBB rating with a negative outlook in 2022, Baja made it to BBB with a positive outlook by 2023, climbed to BBB+ in 2024, and finally earned the A- crown in 2025.

That puts the state back to solvency levels not seen since 2018. Not bad for a government everyone used to accuse of being more familiar with burritos than budgets.

So, What’s Driving the Recovery?

It’s not just clever accounting. Baja California has a diverse, healthy economy with a solid industrial base. According to Moody’s, the state’s GDP per capita is about 130% of the national average. That’s like saying your piggy bank has more coins than the neighbor’s entire bank account.

Even better? In 2024, 31% of the state’s operating income came from its own revenue, far above the national median. That’s a big deal in a country where many states rely heavily on federal transfers.

How’d they do it? Moody’s credits smart tax reforms and effective collection measures implemented since 2020. In plain English: they found better ways to bring in money without just hiking taxes.

So yes, the boring stuff—like budgeting and planning—is finally paying off. Baja California isn’t just waiting for good news. It’s building it, one spreadsheet at a time.

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 Articles, Rosarito

Dreaming off the Grid, A Family takes the Leap, Part 2

By Martina Dobesh


Since the family found water on their property, they went to work creating their first garden. It
was a steep learning curve. During the dry season, the garden became a virtual foodie-heaven for the
wild critters and the neighbor’s cows. Annel shared, “We had worked so hard and were so proud of our
flourishing first garden. We admired it as we drove passed it into town.” She stops and gulps, “But when
we returned the garden was gone! The cows had destroyed it.” Annel moaned, “I have never been so
devastated in my entire life.” This followed with battling the rabbits and mice. If you are committed to
living in harmony with the land that sustains you, poison is not the first thing you want to reach for.
Poison disrupts nature in ways rarely thought about in urban communities. When a mouse or rat has
just eaten a poison pellet, it becomes a death meal for an owl or hawk. When your water comes from
ancient aquifers you become very careful about what you put in the soil.
For power Drew had two small solar panels and a couple of batteries. But he wanted something
more adequate. Living off the grid doesn’t mean what it used to in the old days. Now there is the
worldwide web and invisible information flying through the air. Drew said, “I went to work online to find
how to build a solar system large enough for our needs.” He grinned, “It turned out to be really easy just
following the directions. But I did blow out the battery when I first connected everything!” He added,
“One thing you have to learn when you live so away from the city; you can’t just jump in the car make a
quick run into town. You must begin to think differently. There has been a lot of trial and error.”
Of the three most important things for living, water, power and what to do with the poop.
Usually, people don’t need to know what to do with “it.” However, off the grid “it” can’t be overlooked.
Our intrepid family bypassed the old fragrant outhouse method. They chose a composting toilet that is
in harmony with nature, preserve water, and prevent water pollution.
Sasha, now 12 is a respected working member of the family and is hands-on learning the family
business. She attends a five-day online school with changing subjects; sketching, painting, marketing,
first aid, science, public speaking, and entrepreneurship. Good old fashion outdoor fun is known to be
the healthiest activity for the young. Sasha thrives in Mother Nature’s school with her friends. Bright
minds explore the sunrises and sunsets, the moon in its cycles, the star filled night skies and rainbows.
This family has already stretched the boundaries together, but they are not done dreaming.
Currently, they have returned to their earlier success story. Their outdoor kitchen, Alumina Sagrada
translated Sacred Alchemy is open. Drew explained. “We always wanted to bring people back to the
table to share a meal.” The menu features home-crafted meals. Drew looked at his wife, “Annel is the
visionary and I have crazy ideas. We are being called to follow them.” Annel smiled, “We have merged
our goals with our dreams.”
info@alquimiasagradabaja.com
AlquimiaSagradabaja.com

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Sip & Crunch
 Articles, Tijuana, Wine

Wine Without Borders 2025 Brings Baja Energy to Tijuana

Tijuana’s biggest wine party is back. On Saturday, October 11th, 2025, the 4th Festival Wine Without Borders takes over the Campestre Golf Club at 3 pm. This is where Baja wine meets Paso Robles, where food meets music, and where nobody asks grapes for their passport.

Baja shows up strong

More than 40 Baja California wineries will pour over 100 labels, proving our local valleys can hold their own against anyone. Add 30 restaurants serving everything from seafood tostadas to mini burgers, and you’ve got enough food to keep even the “I don’t drink wine” friend happy.

And yes, there’s live music, because swirling your glass looks much better with a rhythm.

Paso Robles crosses the border

This year’s guest region is Paso Robles, California. Expect bold reds and smooth blends. Think of it as a friendly sibling rivalry — but with better glassware.

Organizers explained: “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.”

Smiles Served
#At Baja Terra, food comes with extra love and a grin.

Why this festival is one of a personal favorite

For me, this isn’t just another wine event. It’s one of the best. Why? Because the kitchens aren’t hidden in the back. They’re demonstrative kitchens, where chefs cook in front of you. The food is made with love, and you can tell by the smile of the people serving it. Just ask the team from Baja Terra — last year they made you feel like family.

Pro tip: sign up for the maridaje sessions. You’ll get wine and food pairings with top-quality glasses, turning a sip into a guided trip across flavor country.

The fine print

Tickets are $1,500 pesos. That includes a commemorative glass, tastings, and food samples while supplies last. Attendance is limited, so don’t wait. And sorry — no kids, no pets. This playground is for adults only.

So whether you’re a sommelier who loves to lecture, a weekend warrior with a wine app, or just someone who thinks “oak notes” means drinking outside, this is your festival.

🎟 Tickets: shorturl.at/bJXQj

🍇 Wine Without Borders 2025 — because great wine ignores geography.

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 Articles, Events, Rosarito, Sports, Video

Rosarito’s Ultimate Fun Run: ‘Corre con Don Pisto’ Charity Race for Fitness and Community

Rosarito is lacing up its running shoes — or maybe just its walking shoes — for the first ever Corre con Don Pisto, a community race with a cause that blends exercise, charity, and a splash of local pride.

The press conference introducing the event felt less like a stiff announcement and more like a family reunion. That makes sense, because Don Pisto isn’t just a liquor company; it’s part of the Rosarito DNA. For over 30 years, the brand has been pouring not just drinks, but also steady support into local projects.

This first edition is dedicated to Bernardo Pérez, founder of Don Pisto, who passed away two years ago. Pérez was remembered as a strong, athletic, big-hearted man who rarely turned down an opportunity to help his community. His legacy is now running forward — quite literally — through this race.

The Cause Behind the Course

Proceeds will go to DIF Municipal, specifically to bolster rehabilitation services in Rosarito. Plans include a playful outdoor space for patients beginning the tough process of physical recovery, plus a circuit designed to help restore mobility after injuries. Organizers stressed this is more than just a race: it’s a way to fund hope, therapy, and second chances.

The Route & Rewards

The 5.5 km race kicks off September 7th at 8 a.m., starting and finishing at Don Pisto Castillos on Boulevard Popotla. The route winds through key intersections, with local authorities promising full security, ambulances on site, and traffic control so runners (or walkers, stroller-pushers, and wheelchair participants) can move safely.

Cash prizes are on the line: 3,000 pesos for first place, 2,000 for second, and 1,000 for third, with categories for men, women, and wheelchairs. Registration costs $250 pesos per person and can be done at Don Pisto branches, DIF offices, INDER, or even via WhatsApp if you’re out of town. The first 400 finishers will also score a commemorative medal at the finish line.

A Race for Everyone

Worried you’re not fast enough? Don’t be. As organizers said with a smile, “It’s okay, let’s walk. Bring the stroller, bring the dog, bring the neighbor. The important thing is to show up.”

And yes — because this is Rosarito — the press conference closed with an invitation to enjoy a cold Don Pisto beer. After all, it’s not every day you get to hydrate post-race with the sponsor’s finest brew.

So mark your calendars, Rosarito. Whether you’re sprinting, strolling, or rolling, Corre con Don Pisto is your chance to support the city, honor a local legacy, and maybe even earn a medal. Or at the very least, a well-deserved beer.

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 Articles, Ensenada

Tourists and Locals Celebrate La Misión’s New Bridge

Crossing Without Playing Frogger

Playa La Misión has always been a curious mix. Families set up tents, kids kick soccer balls, and drivers on the scenic highway race past like they’re late for a wedding. For decades, the real danger here wasn’t the surf—it was crossing the road without becoming a hood ornament.

Now, salvation is rising in steel and concrete: a new pedestrian bridge is under construction right across from the beach. Workers started in June, and while the official line says November, some optimists claim October. We’ll believe it when we see it.

The S-Shaped Star

This isn’t your typical boxy overpass. The design has an S-curve, giving La Misión a bridge with a little flair. It’s the kind of project that makes locals whisper, “Wait—are they actually finishing this one?” Considering Baja’s track record of half-built bridges, that alone deserves applause.

Concrete proof that Baja miracles exist.
#S-shaped and stylish—La Misión levels up.

Safer Sand and Surf

La Misión isn’t exactly a swimmer’s paradise. The surf is strong, and lifeguards recommend sticking to volleyball, soccer, or long walks. Camping is popular, and if you want calmer waters, the La Misión river is perfect for kayaking. Add tacos, a few cold beers, and you get the full family recipe.

The missing ingredient? Safe access. Until now, families ran across the highway dodging SUVs and semis. With the new bridge, both locals and tourists finally get a safe way to reach the sand without sprinting like Olympic athletes.

A Win for Everyone

Drivers get fewer near-death surprises, pedestrians get safer crossings, and La Misión gets a touch of dignity. Whether the ribbon gets cut in October or November, this bridge is a small miracle on the scenic highway.

For once, the view won’t just be breathtaking—it’ll also be a little less life-threatening.

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Team Spirit and Big Catches
 Articles, Ensenada, Fishing

Big Fish, Big Prizes at Dos Mares Baja in Ensenada

ENSENADA – Ready to hook half a million pesos? The international sportfishing tournament Dos Mares Baja California drops anchor this weekend in Ensenada.

The Prize Catch

Organized by SEPESCA BC and the Baja Sportfishing Clubs Association, the event promises serious rewards:

  • 200,000 pesos for first place
  • 100,000 pesos for second
  • 60,000 pesos for third
  • 30,000 pesos for Catch and Release champions
  • 10,000 pesos each for best female, child, and captain

And yes, everyone gets a shot at raffles and jackpot categories for surface and bottom fish.

Species in the Spotlight

Surface hunters can bring in swordfish, bigeye tuna, yellowfin, marlin, dorado, wahoo, jacks, bonito, and roosterfish. Bottom contenders include halibut, lingcod, cabrilla, pargo, and cochito. In Catch and Release, only the heavy hitters count: gulf grouper, broomtail grouper, and giant sea bass.

Weekend Agenda

  • Friday, Aug. 29: Registration 2–6:30 pm at Monumento al Pescador. Opening and captain’s meeting at 7:15 pm.
  • Saturday, Aug. 30: Boats head out at 6 am. Weigh-in 2–4 pm at the malecón. Awards at 7:15 pm back at the monument.
Showoff at the Dock
#That grin says it all—worth every hour under the Baja sun.

Beyond the Rod and Reel

SEPESCA’s Alma Rosa García Juárez credits local maritime and port authorities, ASIPONA Ensenada, and CONAPESCA for making the event possible. The tournament also reels in tourism revenue. Hotels, restaurants, and tackle shops all get a welcome bump as anglers flood the city.

Why It Matters

The Dos Mares isn’t just about bragging rights and prize money. It’s about tradition, community, and proving to your friends that the one that got away actually didn’t.

For details, visit bajasport.fishing/dosmares or call +52 646 172 3080 (ext. 3264 and 3318).

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Contramar Fest 2025 Press Crew
 Articles, Events, San Quintin

San Quintín Welcomes Contramar Fest with Wine and Sunset Magic

San Quintín is ready for the fourth edition of Contramar Fest. On September 6 at Playa San Ramón, Vicente Guerrero, visitors will enjoy seafood, wine, beer, and one legendary sunset.

Local Leaders Toast the Event

During the press conference, Baja California’s Secretary of Tourism, Zaida Luz López Sánchez, praised the festival. “It celebrates our identity, fuels the economy, and shows the strength of our cuisine,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ana Lourdes Lomelí Morales, CEO of the festival, stressed its original goal. Since 2021, Contramar has worked to spotlight San Quintín’s food, art, and traditions.


Contramar Fest swag lands on Francisco Ortega’s desk—because every Tourism Director deserves more than paperwork.

Sea, Land, and Plenty of Wine

This year’s menu features clams, oysters, lobster, and ceviches. Guests can pair them with wines like Prestigio de Becerra, from the valley’s first winery, and Vino Love, courtesy of Luis Alberto Lomelí Morales.

In addition, Anays Naranjo Araiza of Comercializadora Jimnar confirmed that local co-ops will supply fresh seafood. She also revealed their craft beer, created to match the region’s catch.

Music, Dancing, and That Sunset

The entertainment is just as tempting. Contramar Fest promises five hours of live music. The lineup shifts from DJs to norteño to dance beats. “Smile, taste, drink, and dance,” remains the official motto.

As a result, visitors can sip, dance, and then watch the sun set in style.

Beyond the Festival

Maricela Valladolid, VP of Proturismo San Quintín, said Contramar is part of a larger push to promote the town. Likewise, Francisco Alfredo Ortega Gamboa, municipal tourism director, explained that it now joins events like the Almejazo, Langostazo, Fiestas de la Vendimia and Agrofest. Both already attract fans from California, Arizona, and across Baja.

If You Go

  • 📍 Playa San Ramón, Vicente Guerrero, San Quintín
  • 📅 September 6, 2025 – from 3:00 p.m.
  • 🎟️ Tickets at Casa Magnolia, Ensenada, or @Contramar_fest on Instagram
  • 💲 $500–$600 pesos

Organizers also confirmed safety measures. Finally, they encouraged visitors to extend their stay. Options include missions, lagoons, volcanic hikes, and stargazing in San Pedro Mártir.

Bonus for Readers

Your GGNorth reporter walked away with a Sauvignon Blanc 2020 “Prestigio de Becerra”. The label even has a radar chart—stat fans will understand the thrill. Also gifted: a Jimnar Beer “El Chute Ámbar.”

Curious about the taste? Drop a comment, and I may share my review. It might even spark the next “Sabor Patrol” adventure.

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