Forms-Only FMMs from Discover Baja
Discover Baja is still not able to fully process prepaid FMMs because the Mexican government website is still not working to accept payment. However, we are able to complete the FMM form part of the process (without making the payment) for a fee of $10. Members would still need to stop at the border to make the payment for the FMM and to get it stamped for entry, BUT it would be filled out with all your information saving time and worry. Please call us at 800-727-2252 for more information.
Baja California’s First Mexican Open of Surf in Rosarito
Playas de Rosarito will be home to the 2023 Abierto Mexicano de Surf (Mexico Open of Surf). The competition is expected to draw an international crowd of surfers and will take place on Sept 16-17 at the Rosarito pier. For more information, visit the Baja California Surfing Association Facebook page.
Baja Sur Film Festivals
The Cabo Film Festival just announced that they will unfortunately be cancelling their event for 2023, but there are plenty of other film festivals going on in Baja California Sur this season. Don’t miss Ciudad Insurgente’s first film fest, Festival de Cine de la Toba taking place October 2-6. And the 19th annual Festival de Cine Todos Santos will take place November 24-26 in Todos Santos, La Paz, and Los Cabos.
La Chinesca Designated Baja California’s first “Magical Neighborhood”
The governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar, officially designated Mexicali’s chinatown, La Chinesca, as Baja California’s first Barrio Mágico de Mexico (Magical Neighborhood of Mexico). La Chinesca is the first neighborhood in Baja California to be awarded the designation. Some investments and improvements have been made in the neighborhood and more infrastructure and beautification projects—such as a massive mural painting program and facade restorations—are scheduled for 2024. To learn more about the neighborhood, read our La Chinesca article.
Honeymoon at Sea
When Jennifer and Russel Redmond got married in 1989, they made a decision to spend their honeymoon at sea, sailing to and around Baja California’s Sea of Cortez. The voyage tested their new relationship, not just with storms and bad weather, but in all the ways that living on a twenty-six-foot sailboat make one reconsider what’s truly important. The account of this important year in her life is told in Jennifer’s upcoming memoir, Honeymoon at Sea: How I Found Myself Living on a Small Boat (Sept, re:books, Toronto). In witty insightful prose, Jennifer recounts that first year, moving back and forth with the currents of her life. Her unique experience on the boat weaves through time as she explores the events that lead to taking her first step onto Watchfire, from her bohemian 1960s childhood in Southern California to her years in NYC. As Jennifer’s grandfather once said, “If you want to get to know someone, take a long trip in a small boat.” Honeymoon at Sea is available to order now!
Kumiai Cultural Festival in Rosarito
Rosarito CEART will be home to a Kumiai cultural festival open to the public on October 7-8. The festival will feature traditional native songs, dancing, food, artisans, and a photography exhibit. For more information, visit the Familias Kumiai Rosarito Facebook page.
New Saddling South Operators
Saddling South is returning for the 2023/2024 tour season with new operators—Christine & Joel Clarkson! Saddling South was founded in 1988 by Trudi Angell and runs small horseback riding trips through the remote Baja sierras where customers learn about traditional ranch culture and to see some of Baja’s best cave paintings. More information about Saddling South and the upcoming tour schedule can be found on the Saddling South website.
Piece of Berlin Wall Finds Home in Tijuana
An original piece of the fallen Berlin Wall was donated to the city of Tijuana and will be on permanent display in Playas de Tijuana in front of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, which is currently undergoing construction. The nearly 3-ton, 12-foot-tall piece was originally gifted to the White House during the presidency of Donald Trump in 2019 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall as part of an initiative called Walls Against Walls to honor the “U.S. dedication to building a world without walls.” The gift was rejected by the White House and subsequently toured different parts of the U.S. before being officially donated to its permanent home in Tijuana. A small sign at the bottom of the wall reads in Spanish, “Let this be a lesson to build a society that breaks down walls and builds bridges of solidarity and understanding, always seeking the common good, social justice, freedom and brotherhood.”
Corazón de Vida San Diego Gala
Corazón de Vida will host their Hollywood’s Golden Age gala in San Diego on Saturday, November 11 at the US Grant hotel. The evening will support orphaned children in Baja. More information about the event can be found online and more information about Corazón de Vida and their mission can be found on their website.