Events

Festival Opening at CEART Ensenada
 Articles, Arts & Literature, Events

Art, Memory, and a Little Star Wars in Ensenada

The October Festival “Territories of Peace” arrived in Ensenada with color, rhythm, and plenty of heart. It’s a celebration of culture and creativity that reminds us why this coastal city is more than beaches and wine — it’s also soul.

Organized by the Baja California Secretary of Culture, the festival opened at the State Center for the Arts (CEART) and the City Theater. Crowds filled both venues, eager to enjoy performances, exhibitions, and conversations that mixed memory, art, and emotion.

Remembering, Reflecting, and Reconnecting

To begin with, the festival featured a film and panel marking the 57th anniversary of the 1968 Student Movement. It also included the exhibit tour “XV Años HH/CRIA”, a tribute to artist Héctor Herrera, who has spent fifteen years creating pieces that spark reflection.

Meanwhile, the multicultural group Sonora brought emotion to the stage with “Memorias de un General.” Through movement, music, and storytelling, the piece connected the audience with Mexico’s collective memory.

“The CEART is a living space that belongs to the community,” said Octavio Gutiérrez García, the center’s general coordinator. “Each activity becomes a bridge for reflection, where locals can see themselves, feel, and share experiences.”

And honestly, that’s a bridge we could all use — especially these days.

Festival of October Arrives in Ensenada
#No tickets, no excuses. The Festival de Octubre turned Ensenada’s plazas into living galleries — free, fun, and totally Baja.

Coming Up Next

As the month continues, the festival’s energy spreads through Ensenada’s cultural scene.

On October 8, the play “Rastreadoras” from Guanajuato takes the stage at the CEART Experimental Forum. This production blends butoh dance, shadow projections, and music to portray the pain and strength of mothers searching for their missing children.

Later, on October 14, audiences will enjoy “El Viaje del Alma.” This Baja California performance offers a soulful night of boleros with just voice and guitar, exploring the beauty of love, heartbreak, and memory.

Finally, on October 17, prepare for an intergalactic trip. The Baja California Orchestra and the State Music System will perform “El Imperio Musical,” a Star Wars tribute with over 90 musicians, directed by Armando Pesqueira.

The show is free, but seats will vanish faster than a Jedi in trouble.

A Statewide Celebration

Throughout Baja California, the October Festival will bring 140 events featuring 943 artists from 12 Mexican states and Los Angeles, California. In every municipality, music, theater, and art will fill public spaces, creating moments of peace and connection.

Importantly, the theme “Territories of Peace” reminds us that culture is more than entertainment — it’s a way to heal, rebuild, and strengthen communities.

Why It Matters to Baja California

Events like this one play a crucial role in shaping Baja California’s cultural identity. Because the region is a crossroads of ideas, languages, and influences, festivals become meeting points where diversity turns into pride. They give artists a platform, invite families to explore their roots, and remind younger generations that creativity isn’t just a pastime — it’s part of who we are. When art fills plazas and theaters, it strengthens the social fabric just as much as any public work project.

Ensenada’s Creative Pulse

For Ensenada, this festival is part of its heartbeat. Between the vineyards and the ocean breeze, creativity continues to define this city. Here, art is not an escape — it’s a mirror, showing who we are and what we hope to become.

From mothers dancing for justice to orchestras celebrating galaxies far, far away, Ensenada’s cultural energy feels alive again. So bring a friend, wear something warm, and let the music do the talking.

Because in Ensenada, peace doesn’t just sound good — it plays in every note.

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Swinging Through Sunshine
 Articles, Baja Norte, Events

Baja Blooms Bright on the Ruta de las Flores

Every fall, Baja sheds her dusty summer coat and slips into something far more dramatic—gold, amber, and tangerine. It’s cempasúchil season, and the land looks like someone spilled sunshine across the hills. These flowers, known as Mexican marigolds, are more than decoration. They’re symbols of memory, warmth, and welcome.

For generations, families have planted them to honor their loved ones during Día de Muertos. Now, those same fields have become part of the Ruta de las Flores, a colorful trail that runs through Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada.

A Golden Tradition in Full Bloom

Between September and November, Baja transforms into a living postcard. The Ruta de las Flores, promoted by Baja California’s Tourism Office, invites locals and travelers alike to visit ranches where flowers stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s an easy day trip, but one that fills your camera roll fast.

Each stop has its own charm. In Tijuana, the Cueros de Venado circuit surrounds you with tidy rows of bright orange blossoms and the hum of bees at work. The scent is earthy with a hint of citrus—something between sunlight and nostalgia.

As you drive south to Rosarito, the landscape softens. The Cañón Alisitos, Cañón Histórico Rosarito, Cañón El Descanso, and Cañón El Médano all burst with color, framed by palm trees and sea breeze. Here, you’ll find local families selling pumpkins, vegetables, and fresh-cut flowers. Some have added mazes, swings, and even altars decorated with papel picado.

And this year, the celebration extends farther south into Ensenada, where Ejido Uruapan joins the route with the rural calm of the Valle de la Grulla. It’s a new addition, but it already feels like it’s been part of the trail forever.

Marigolds Meet the Mountains
#Fields of gold stretch toward the hills of Rosarito, turning every ridge into a backdrop for Baja’s most photogenic season.

📍 Ubicación probable: Cañón Alisitos, Playas de Rosarito, Baja California.
The Altars of Autumn
#Scarecrows, papel picado, and marigold arches—because in Baja, Día de Muertos comes with ranch style and a side of color.

📍 Ubicación probable: Rancho en Cañón El Médano, Rosarito.

Beyond the Marigolds: MD Vinos Joins the Celebration

While most stops showcase endless fields of orange marigolds, MD Vinos offers a different view of Baja in bloom. Located in the same valley, this small family winery adds its golden touch to the season with a sunflower field right next to its vineyards.

The result is pure harmony—sunflowers rising tall toward the sky while grapevines rest below, waiting for harvest. Visitors can stroll through the sunflower rows (entry is free) or sip a glass of local Chardonnay as the light turns warm and honey-colored. There’s even a pumpkin patch for kids and shaded picnic spots for those who prefer their flowers with a side of rosé.

MD Vinos opens its gates starting October 10, from Tuesday to Sunday (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) and Monday (9 a.m.–3 p.m.). It’s one of several participating spots in the valley, and together they create a perfect mix of color, culture, and flavor.

The Spirit of Baja in Every Petal

The Ruta de las Flores isn’t just for pretty pictures—it’s a story of community. Every bouquet sold supports local families. Every visit brings life to rural tourism. And every marigold grown represents a link between the living and those remembered.

Over the years, this event has helped position Baja as more than just beaches and wine country. It’s also a land where tradition still thrives under the open sky. And while Michoacán may have its famous flower fields, Baja’s version comes with ocean wind, mountain light, and a touch of ranch-style hospitality.

Where the Sunflowers Toast the Sky
#At MD Vinos in Valle de la Grulla, golden sunflowers rise beside the vineyards, proving Baja’s harvest isn’t just in grapes. 📍 Ubicación confirmada: MD Vinos, Ejido Uruapan, Valle de la Grulla, Ensenada.

When to Go and What to Bring

The best time to visit is mid-October, when the flowers reach peak bloom. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and extra space on your phone for photos—you’ll need it. The route can be done by car or with local tour operators, who often include stops for food, shopping, and those irresistible roadside antojitos.

So, before the petals fade and the altars rise, take a drive along the Ruta de las Flores. Wander between the rows. Smell the soil, the sweetness, and the effort it carries. In Baja, beauty isn’t staged—it’s cultivated.

And as we like to say around here: No bad news, just better views.

📍 Find MD Vinos on Google Maps

📞 WhatsApp: 646 383 4353 | 646 116 6397 | 686 232 0539

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 Articles, Ensenada, Events, Guadalupe Valley

Masked Magic Lights Up Valle de Guadalupe at Castillo Ferrer

The Valle de Guadalupe knows wine, paella, and opera. However, it has never seen masks, fire shows, and aerial spirals—until now. Castillo Ferrer is launching the first edition of Renacimiento Mascaradas this October 4, creating a carnival of elegance with a Baja twist.

A New Signature Event

For years, Castillo Ferrer celebrated harvest with different themes. One year it leaned Mexican, another went patriotic in September. Because of that inconsistency, organizers decided it was time for one identity. As director Luis Alonso Altamirano said, “This is our renaissance.”

The word Renacimiento honors Italy’s 15th-century masquerades. Yet it also marks the vineyard’s revival of concerts, paused after the pandemic. Before that, Castillo Ferrer hosted acts like Tigres del Norte. Now, the stage returns.

A Program Full of Surprises

The party runs from 4 p.m. to midnight. Guests will enjoy grape-stomping, live music, and circus-style spectacles. Meanwhile, acrobats, jugglers, fire artists, and stilt walkers will keep the night electric.

Artistic director César Cervantes even promises Baja’s only aerial spiral performance. In other words, Cirque du Soleil finally meets Cabernet.

The stage is set—literally. Installations for Renacimiento Mascaradas are already taking shape at Castillo Ferrer’s vineyard grounds.

Music Across Centuries

Violinist Luis Henry will welcome guests with a DJ-violin duo. Later, he joins a string orchestra mixing Bach, Vivaldi, Coldplay, and boleros. Because nothing says Renaissance like waltzing to “Clocks” under vineyard lights.

Dress Code and Tickets

The event is formal. Women wear dresses, men suits. Ties are optional, but jackets are required. Every ticket includes a mask, although guests can bring their own—yes, lucha libre counts.

General admission costs $900 pesos. VIP tickets are $1,700 pesos, with extras like a glass and bottle of wine. Tickets are available on PrimeraFila.mx, City Express Tijuana, or at the winery box office.

Safety and Comfort

Organizers expect around 1,000 guests, though the venue can hold 2,000. Because no one should risk driving after Tempranillo, PB Tours will run shuttles from Ensenada and Tijuana.

A Baja Tradition in the Making

Renaissance masquerades blurred social lines. Everyone mingled freely, hidden behind masks. This festival aims for the same spirit. Finally, Valle de Guadalupe gets its own masked ball.

So prepare your gown, shine your shoes, or grab that lucha mask. Castillo Ferrer promises mystery, music, and midnight firelight this October 4.

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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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 Arts & Literature, Events

Dead Artists Make More Money? DAMMM Hits the Stage

If you think the art world is full of egos, scandals, and ridiculous schemes — you’re right. And now, you can watch it all unravel (with jazz hands) at the world premiere of Dead Artist’s Make More Money — or simply DAMMM: The Musical — opening September 26 at the La Misión Performing Arts Center (LMPAC).

Created by Baja resident Scott Haynes, this original production isn’t just theater, it’s a tongue-in-cheek dive into the chaotic world of contemporary art. Imagine the art market in the ‘80s, where a painting wasn’t worth much until the artist stopped breathing. Add toe-tapping songs, a crew of absurd characters, and a little tequila-soaked scheming, and you’ve got a show that’s exactly as unhinged as the real art scene.

The story drops us in Los Angeles, 1981 — neon suits, booming galleries, and everyone chasing the next Warhol. Dealers want fortune, artists want fame, collectors want bragging rights. The catch? Value skyrockets when an artist dies. Cue the hustlers, hangers-on, and over-the-top plots to cash in. This is not your average Broadway tear-jerker.

At the center of it all is EiD, a mysterious portrait painter in disguise — hoodie, shades, and all. Played by Matthew Noakes, EiD paints while he sings, hiding a past and a talent that just won’t stay buried. His sidekick Sancho, brought to life by Enrique Geronimo, is a dance instructor by day and a hustler by night. Think charm, chaos, and a little too much cologne. Together, they tumble through schemes outrageous enough to make even Picasso raise an eyebrow.

If you’re lucky, you might crack EiD’s true identity before the final curtain. The creators promise it’s hiding in plain sight, tucked into lyrics, glances, and that classic theater “ah-ha!” moment.

The soundtrack alone is worth the ticket — with cheeky numbers like “I Smell a Rat,” “It Has to Pass the Smell Test,” and “Drinking with a Purpose.” If you’re not humming on your way out, you probably fell asleep (which, frankly, seems impossible).

One of the quirks that makes DAMMM unique is the cast itself. Fifteen actors, each with speaking, singing, and dancing roles. Some are seasoned vets — like Danny Ingersol as A. Wormhole, a boozy insurance investigator who deserves his own spin-off. Others are first-timers stepping on stage for the first time, including performers over 60. According to director David Cattanio, this blend created unexpected chemistry: “Every cast member has lines, sings, and dances… the mix creates something truly special.”

Behind the humor, DAMMM marks a milestone for the La Misión Performing Arts Center. It’s the first original production staged at the venue, and it highlights LMPAC’s mission to bring innovative, cross-border theater to Baja California. And yes, whispers of future Spanish-language productions are already floating around.

Scott Haynes, the show’s creator, summed it up perfectly: “We wanted to create a world where the art world’s absurdities are on full display… and have fun doing it.” Mission accomplished.

The run kicks off September 26 at the La Misión Performing Arts Theater, Km 56.5 on the free road. Matinee shows run from 2–4 PM: September 26, 27, 28, October 2, 3, and 4. The cast will then head south for a final performance at the Gertrude Pearlman Theater in Punta Banda on October 10.

Tickets for the La Misión shows are available now on Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/DAMMM-tickets. For the Punta Banda finale, tickets are only through the Gertrude Pearlman Theater box office. Pro tip: don’t wait — sell-out buzz is already circling.

So, if you’re looking for a fall season outing that’s equal parts art, comedy, and chaos — DAMMM is the show to see. Just don’t be surprised if you leave wondering if maybe… dead artists really do make more money.

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Cutting Traditions, Not Corners
 Articles, Events, Tourism, Video

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.

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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, 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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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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This Is Where the Story Literally Starts
 Events, Mexicali, Tijuana

Watch Baja’s Best Films Free in Tijuana and Mexicali Tonight

Baja California is known for wine festivals, fresh seafood, and weekend gossip. However, there’s another story worth telling—our movies. We make them here, we win awards with them, and tonight, you can watch two of them for free.

The BC by BC program, backed by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda through the Baja California Film Commission, is bringing local talent into the spotlight. The goal is simple: combine art, economy, and identity, then show the results on the big screen.

Free Screenings in Tijuana and Mexicali

Starting at 6 p.m., Cinépolis Plaza Río in Tijuana and Cinépolis Plaza San Pedro in Mexicali will feature two Baja-born productions: Soy lo que nunca fui (2023) and Entre las cuerdas (2024).

Both have made an impact far beyond Baja’s borders. Now, they return home for a night of free cinema.

Soy lo que nunca fui (2023) — Tijuana Up Close

This is not your typical “border story” full of clichés. Instead, director Rodrigo Álvarez Flores offers an intimate look at a fractured family navigating emotional boundaries that run deeper than any wall.

Because the film was shot mostly at Estudios Baja and on real Tijuana streets, it captures the city’s true character. Each main character has a distinct visual style: wide shots for the restless, close frames for the introspective, and calm tones for those hiding chaos.

The cast includes Ángeles Cruz, Andrés Delgado, César Kancino, plus graduates from UDCI. Over the past year, the film has collected an impressive list of awards. Among them are Best Mexican Feature at GIFF, Audience Award at Cine Las Américas, and Best Picture at “Hola México” in Los Angeles. It has also been honored in Calcuta and Ensenada.

Clearly, Álvarez proves that Baja doesn’t just have stories—it has stories worth sharing with the world.

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Entre las cuerdas (2024) — Tijuana in the Ring

If Soy lo que nunca fui is a slow burn, Entre las cuerdas throws the first punch early. Directed by Fernando A. Fisher, who grew up in Tijuana, the film follows Martín, a boxer fighting battles inside and outside the ring.

Filmed entirely in Tijuana over 17 days, it features a cast made up almost entirely of local talent. Because of its authenticity, it has earned international recognition, winning Best Picture and Best Director in Sweden, Audience Choice in London, and another Best Picture in Los Angeles.

Fisher’s film doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. Instead, it shows the fight in its raw form, told by people who know it well.

Why This Matters for Baja

For decades, Baja was a backdrop for Hollywood pretending to be somewhere else. Although local crews got work, the stories weren’t ours.

Now, with directors like Álvarez and Fisher, Baja is telling its own stories. These films prove that local talent is not only strong but growing. That is why events like Séptimo 2.0 are essential. They provide a stage, and our filmmakers fill it with stories that travel far beyond the state line.

Tonight’s the Night

If you are in Tijuana or Mexicali, this is your chance. Two films, two directors, dozens of local actors, and hundreds of hours of Baja talent—all for free.

Head to Cinépolis Plaza Río or Cinépolis Plaza San Pedro by 6 p.m., grab some popcorn, and watch Baja’s stories unfold. By the time the credits roll, you will see it too: Baja is not just making movies—it is making its mark.

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