What Mexico Has Taught Me: Looking For Gold 

Columns, What Mexico Has Taught Me

What Mexico Has Taught Me: Looking For Gold 

I’ve written before about losing places I love in Ensenada ……restaurants, food carts, folk-art shops, rustic furniture stores, cantinas, book stores. So, for over 30 years I’ve had to search for new places to fall in love with. I’m like a miner looking for gold. (Not a bad job to give yourself.) And, as the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. How have I done it?

My best method is riding my bicycle all over town looking for businesses I haven’t noticed before with my head turning left and right, left and right, like an alert ostrich. And when it comes to food, I’m looking for places that have lots of customers. I remember one of the first times this happened. I was on Juarez / Fifth and saw three taco stands on one corner. One stand was crowded and the other two weren’t. Bingo! That’s how I found Tacos Fenix. I let the Mexican citizens do my quality control research for me.

Lately I’ve found Mariscos El Coyote, a rolling cart on Las Brisas and east of Costero that is across Brisas from the Kia dealership. There are food carts all over the city but this place always had a crowd so I stopped and their ceviche tostadas are excellent. Their days and hours seem to vary a bit but it’s worth it and I bet the Kia workers are a happy gang being so close. Then I noticed Tacos Mi Ranchito El Fenix at the corner of Sixth and Espinoza; an open-air restaurant with lots of customers. (But not related to Tacos Fenix only one block away.) I love their shrimp tacos but their condiment bar really stands out. I often like building my own tacos where one half of the taco will have a whole different load than the other half. Plus, I like eating outdoors.

When I ride my bicycle I won’t necessarily ride in a straight line from one place to another. I like to zig-zag using side streets to find new stuff. And I’ll go inland, far away from the tourist district, too. That’s how I found a Oaxacan festival in a small city park. I SLAMMED on the brakes. I can cover a lot of ground versus walking but at a slower speed versus a car which allows me to see everything left and right without running over a pedestrian. Don’t have a bike with you? You can rent an ATV on Castillo just west of Costero and slowly ride around town instead of being pent up in a car. I’ve seen lots of cruise ship customers do that and they all have big smiles on their faces. Or consider getting an e-bike if your stamina is an issue. Or a folding bike that fits into your car. (The smaller the wheels, the smaller it folds.) You can also take a bike you currently own and have its frame cut so that it folds. You can’t get lost, just head back towards the huge flagpole.

Next method? I keep my ears open. I chat up the staff in the lobby of my hotel or the employees and owners of the businesses I go to. They know I buy folk-art basketry, masks, beadwork, pottery, Mexican craft beer, and am not afraid to eat from food carts. I carry an Ensenada map with me at all times so we can pinpoint any location. Chatting up someone while drinking a beer is a great way to learn about new places. I sometimes buy the second round if I’m getting lots of good info like I did from the retired Canadian airlines pilot that moved to Ensenada with his wife after first trying Florida. He was a gold mine.

Bottom line?  I keep looking for gold.  I want to be a smart tourist and not a “touron”.  What’s that?  A relatively new word that combines tourist and moron.  Like it?  Use it.

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Flying High in Baja
 Articles, Video

Baja 1000 Stays Put With a Cabo Celebration Next Year

Rumors spread fast in Baja, faster than a Trophy Truck on the dry lake beds. The latest? That the legendary Baja 1000 was packing up and leaving Baja California for good. Relax. Put the panic on hold. SCORE International and the Baja California Secretary of Tourism have confirmed the race is not going anywhere—at least not permanently.

Cabo Gets the Spotlight in 2026

Next year, the Baja 1000 will run a special edition starting and finishing in Los Cabos. We already told you about it in our story Baja 1000 Makes History with Los Cabos as Start and Finish in 2026. Cabo’s turn is part of the race’s tradition of roaming the peninsula. It doesn’t mean Ensenada is out of the game.

Ensenada Holds the Crown This Year

The 58th Baja 1000 this November will start and end in Ensenada, the Off-Road Capital of the World. Baja California also stays the main home of the SCORE Desert World Championship. The 2025 season includes San Felipe 250, Baja 500, Baja 400, and the Baja 1000. In 2026, Baja keeps three races: San Felipe 250, Baja 500, and Baja 400.

Baja California Digs In

Let’s be honest. SECTURE wasn’t about to lose its crown jewel. With the support of Governor Marina del Pilar, Ensenada, San Felipe, and San Quintín all lined up to back SCORE. Officials praised Baja’s capacity to host international events, its unique tourism appeal, and the unbeatable hospitality of its people.

SCORE’s Vote of Confidence

SCORE International highlighted the collaboration with Baja authorities, from state to federal. They called Baja the “ideal home” for their races, a mix of wild desert, dramatic coastlines, and taco stands just when you need them most.

#Every boulder is just another speed bump when the desert is your playground. Photo courtesy of Grabowsky Brothers Racing.

So, What Happens Next?

The Cabo edition will be flashy, no doubt. But will it become a regular stop? Baja California swears the race remains its own. Still, with Cabo flexing its party credentials, this story isn’t finished.

Your Turn to Decide

Where would you rather see the Baja 1000?

  • Ensenada, the forever Off-Road Capital
  • Los Cabos, where the finish line means margaritas

Whatever the outcome, Baja proves once again that nothing here stands still—not the racers, not the fans, not even the rumors.

Photos courtesy of Grabowsky Brothers Racing, capturing the true spirit of Baja’s desert playground.

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Reforma Stuck in First Gear
 Articles, Breaking News, Ensenada

Officers Unite at City Hall Seeking Respect and Full Wages

If you were planning a quick errand downtown this morning, good luck. Ensenada’s police officers are once again trading patrol duty for protest duty, and they’re not showing up quietly.

At 9 a.m. today, September 23, officers from the Municipal Public Security Directorate are expected to gather at City Hall. Their demand is simple: give back the money that was deducted from their paychecks.

A Familiar Story

This isn’t their first rodeo. Just last month, the same group blocked Reforma Avenue, turning the city’s main artery into an accidental parking lot. Cars didn’t move, tempers flared, and coffee got cold in cup holders all across town. You can read our full coverage of that traffic nightmare here: How Protest Cripples Ensenada Traffic—Act Now.

Back then, the officers agreed to clear the streets after city officials promised to fix the issue. Spoiler alert: nothing changed. The five affected officers are still waiting for reimbursement. And patience, much like Reforma during a protest, has run out of lanes.

The Group Behind It

The call comes from Por la Dignificación Policial y su Comunidad A.C., a group that insists police deserve not only respect but also their full pay. According to their statement, deductions were made under the mysterious category of “otros descuentos.” For the record, that’s not a fun line item on a paycheck.

The group points out that these deductions directly impact families. From groceries and rent to medical care and school supplies, every peso matters. And when officers struggle at home, the entire community feels it.

The Official Letter

The call for today’s protest isn’t rumor—it comes directly from Por la Dignificación Policial y su Comunidad A.C. On September 21, 2025, the group published a signed letter on its official Facebook page, confirming the City Hall protest and restating their demands.

The letter is official, but not every detail inside has been independently verified. While the deductions are well-documented, claims about specific broken promises, deadlines, or refund agreements have not been confirmed by municipal authorities.

Official Police Protest Letter Released
#Straight from the source — the official letter calling Ensenada’s police back to the streets. Paychecks first, politics later.

Why It Matters

The group stresses that fair pay is not only a matter of justice but also of public safety. Police families depend on these salaries to cover food, housing, transportation, and healthcare. Officers argue that when they struggle at home, the entire community feels the impact.

While today’s action won’t officially target Reforma Avenue, our recommendation is simple: avoid Reforma if you can. Previous protests have shown how quickly things can escalate, and traffic on that road can freeze faster than your morning coffee.

What’s Next?

So far, city officials have offered no fresh solutions. Whether today’s protest forces change—or just another round of promises—remains to be seen.

And Baja what? If the people sworn to protect our streets can’t even protect their own paychecks, what does that mean for community trust?

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Hunting Down Mosquito Nurseries in Baja
 Articles

Keep Mosquitoes Away by Cleaning Tires and Buckets Now

After the Rains, the Bugs Arrive

Mexicali got rain, and now Baja has puddles. Perfect news for thirsty plants—and unfortunately, for mosquitoes too. The infamous Aedes aegypti is back in business. This tiny vampire doesn’t just whine in your ear. It brings Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya to the party.

What Exactly Is a Mosquito Breeding Site?

A “criadero” is basically a mosquito nursery. It’s any spot where water sits still for a few days. Tires, buckets, flowerpots, tinacos without lids—welcome centers for eggs and larvae. Mosquito moms just need a teaspoon of water to set up shop. And once they do, you’ve got dozens of new tenants buzzing around your yard.

Tires: The Worst Roommates

Adrián Medina Amarillas, Baja’s Secretary of Health, says old tires are the worst culprits. They trap rainwater for weeks, creating mosquito spas. If you can’t recycle or toss them, poke holes in them so water drains. Weekly scrubbing helps too. Think of it as evicting the freeloaders.

The Simple Four-Step Defense

Health authorities push the “Lava, Tapa, Voltea y Tira” rule: wash, cover, turn over, and throw away.

  • Wash buckets and containers.
  • Cover your tinaco and water barrels.
  • Turn flowerpots and bottles upside down.
  • Throw away junk that catches water.

It’s not complicated, and it works.

#Mosquito Motel: Vacancy Always Open
#Old tires filled with rainwater are five-star hotels for mosquitoes. Don’t give them free rent.

The Numbers Behind the Battle

Baja’s vector program is going all in. Crews have wiped out over 200,000 breeding sites physically and 34,000 more with chemicals. They sprayed 5,000 homes, fogged nearly 1,700 hectares, and treated another 9,000. Plus, they installed 5,017 “ovitrampas”—mosquito egg traps—to spot hotspots before things get ugly.

Why You Should Care

Dengue often comes with fever, joint pain, headaches, rashes, nausea, or vomiting. Zika and Chikungunya look a lot like it too. If you get symptoms, don’t wait it out—go to a clinic.

It’s a Team Effort

Yes, the state sprays and fogs. But if your backyard looks like a junkyard, you’re undoing all that work. Mosquitoes don’t respect fences. Your neighbor’s tire pile can become your midnight itch.

And Baja, What About Us?

We live in a desert that only pretends to be dry after a rain. Water doesn’t stick around long, but when it does, mosquitoes throw a fiesta. The question is simple: will Baja beat them to it, or do we let the bugs win?

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 Baja Norte, Editions

September 22, 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)

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Meet the Chilaquiles
 Articles, Ensenada, Sabor Patrol

Sabor Patrol Finds Clara in Ensenada a Breakfast to Love

Breakfast in Ensenada has many players, but Clara on Primera and Miramar knows how to steal the show. It’s not your average café with plastic chairs and weak coffee. This is a place where every detail—from the breadbasket to the bathroom lighting—feels like someone actually cared. Modern, airy, and chic without being pretentious, it’s the kind of spot where locals and visitors mingle over something better than a rushed plate of huevos rancheros.

Starting Light but Strong

To begin, we ordered green juice ($75). Usually, these drinks taste like liquid spinach punishment. Yet this one managed balance: pineapple added sweetness, parsley gave freshness, and ginger offered a subtle punch.

Meanwhile, the ginger shot ($70) made its entrance. With turmeric joining the mix, the flavor was fiery but clean. It hit like a quick jab in the throat and left us feeling sharper than a double espresso. Healthy? Absolutely. Easy? Not for everyone.

Chilaquiles That Deserve Attention

Of course, juice alone doesn’t win the morning. We aimed for Clara’s green chilaquiles ($210), wisely adding chicharrón prensado ($105).

The plate landed colorful and layered. Crunchy tortilla chips sat under smooth salsa verde, crowned with refried beans, queso fresco, purple onion, cilantro, and sour cream. The chicharrón delivered flavor without heaviness, while the toppings gave contrast and freshness.

Because each bite had crunch, cream, spice, and pork, this dish proved itself more than hangover relief. Instead, it felt like a proper introduction to Mexican breakfast done right.

Mexican Benedicts With a Bold Twist

Then came the house star: Huevos Benedictinos “Los Mexicanos” ($295). Forget English muffins—Clara swapped them for gorditas stuffed with cheese and chicharrón prensado. Two perfectly poached eggs rested on top, while a velvety morita chile hollandaise sealed the deal. On the side, refried beans kept it grounded in tradition.

The first cut brought joy. Yolks spilled golden rivers that met the smoky hollandaise. The gordita offered a chewy-crisp base, and the chicharrón added salty depth. Each bite combined indulgence and comfort, which is exactly what breakfast should do.

Still, one element was missing. Avocado slices would have elevated both this plate and the chilaquiles from excellent to legendary.

Little Details That Win You Over

Before the mains, the team sent a courtesy board that stole the spotlight: butter infused with tortilla ashes, salsa macha, and raspberry compote, served with mini biscuits. The server suggested the sequence—and I’ll second it. Open the biscuit, spread the butter, add the compote, and finish with the salsa. The mix of smoky, sweet, and spicy turned a simple bite into something unforgettable.

Ending on a High Note

Finally, we closed with a cappuccino ($70). Frothy foam, smooth body, and roast done right. No bitterness, no shortcuts. The milk created a velvety texture, and the coffee itself had strength without aggression. It was the kind of cup you actually sit with, not just gulp.

The Sabor Patrol Verdict

Clara almost nailed the Sabor Patrol test—but no avocado means no crown. Add it, send the invite, and I’ll gladly return… preferably with guacamole waiting.

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 Articles, Breaking News, Crime, Mexico: Making Headlines, Public Security, Rosarito

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Valle de Guadalupe Pours Wine, Horses and Music in September
 Articles, Ensenada, Wine Valley

The Ultimate September Wine Festival in Valle de Guadalupe

A Valley That Knows How to Party

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

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

Sombreros and Chardonnay at Limbo

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

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

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

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

Horses and High Notes at Indómito

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

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

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

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

Why it Matters?

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

More Than Just a Weekend

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

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

The Big Picture

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

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 Articles, Water, Water Watch

Baja Faces Water Cuts

High-stake Negotiations Faulter

Water Watch Editorial, Part 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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