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Spring Break for Adults: A Guide to March Events in Los Cabos

February 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

It’s easy to tell when March has arrived in Los Cabos. Playa El Medano, the longest and most popular beach in Cabo San Lucas, is awash in bikini and board shorts clad college students, many of whom are packed into Mango Deck for bawdy entertainment (banana eating and sex position contests, anyone?) and beverage service from Big Johnson, a mustachioed Pancho Villa look-alike whose holsters are packed not with pistols, but bottles of tequila.

For those whose idea of a good time no longer includes copious amounts of tequila shots – which is to say, more mature adults – the cape cities still have plenty to offer in March. In fact, March is one of the best months to experience traditional regional festivals, culture-oriented events that celebrate art, film, drama, and music…with plenty of regional food thrown in for good measure.

Here are five of our March favorites…

Todos Santos Film Festival (March 7 – 11)

This annual showcase for Mexican and Latin American films was founded in 1994, and is based each year at the historic Teatro-Cine Manuel Marquez de Leon, a landmark 70+ year old movie theater that overlooks the town square in Todos Santos. The 15th edition will include full-length films, as well as shorts, documentaries, and projects from the local Youth in Video program. Additional screenings will take place in nearby Pescadero, and Baja California Sur’s capital city, La Paz.

Baja Shakespeare Festival (March 9 – 11, 14 – 17)

For nearly 20 years, Baja Sur’s beautiful East Cape has welcomed visitors for fun-filled theater twists on cultural classics…often but not always Shakespeare. This year’s selection, The Baja Shake Up!, shows what happens when star-crossed lovers (from Romeo and Juliet) meet gangsters and gun molls (inspired by Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway). The highly anticipated Camilla Ford directed theater production will be held during consecutive weeks at Hotel Buenavista Beach Resort.

Wine & Cheese Festival at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar (March 10)

Want to know how locally made cheeses and wines from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe stack up against the fancy competition from France and elsewhere? Then we recommend attending the 6th annual Queso & Vino Festival on March 10th at Sheraton Grand’s scenic and stylishly appointed Hacienda del Mar property. Each year, the resort packs its Salon Hacienda ballroom with wines and cheeses from around the world, adds live music for a more festive atmosphere, and later donates the proceeds to local charities for children.

El Triunfo Arts Festival  (March 11)                        

El Triunfo and San Antonio, two mountain hamlets about 35 and 40 miles south of La Paz, respectively, are the two oldest secular communities in the Californias (yes, that includes the U.S. state of California). Both were built on gold and silver mining, and in fact during the latter part of the 19th century El Triunfo was the wealthiest community in Baja California, with reportedly the highest concentration of pianos per capita in México. It was the first Baja town to boast luxuries like electricity and telephones, and its largest smokestack, dubbed Ramona, was built by none other than Gustave Eiffel. Today, the populations of El Triunfo and San Antonio number in the hundreds, but both retain their old-fashioned charm and offer abundant historical artifacts and attractions. The best time to visit the former is during its annual Festival Artesanal, when vendors line the streets hawking traditional food, art and clothing, and colorfully costumed men and women waltz around the town square.

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo (March 14 – 19)

During the Spanish colonial period, many towns in Baja California and elsewhere in Mexico and Latin America were named according to the Catholic calendar. San Jose del Cabo’s first Spanish name, for instance, was San Bernabe, so named by Sebastian Vizcaino when he landed there on June 11, 1602, during the traditional Catholic feast day for Saint Barnabas. San Bernabe replaced Anuiti, the name given to the place by the indigenous Pericues, and was itself later replaced by San Jose del Cabo, the name of the Jesuit mission that opened in 1730. The city’s fiestas tradicionales, or fiestas patronales (as the patron saint festivals are typically known in Spanish), encompass nearly a week of celebrations, and include parades, live music, regional food and drinks (the ceviche preparation contest is an annual highlight), plus the coronation of an event king and queen. The festivities culminate on March 19, the official feast day of Saint Joseph.

NOTE:  Mexico has its own traditional Spring Break period, which coincides with Semana Santa (the Catholic Holy Week that concludes with Easter Sunday). Outside of Christmas, this is the busiest holiday period in the country, as students and families flock to coastal beach resorts for some well-earned rest and recreation. What this means for U.S. and Canadian tourists is an increased competition for hotel rooms. Thus, while we always recommend villa rentals as a more luxurious, memorable, and surprisingly affordable alternative to the resort experience, there is no better time to find out just how true this is than during Semana Santa.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-548, or visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com .

Photo courtesy of Michael Kull.

Upcoming Event Calendar

March

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Todos Santos Historic Homes Tour – March 4

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

Wine & Cheese Festival at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar – March 10

El Triunfo Festival Artesanal – March 11

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

El Ganzo Music Presents: Jenny & The Mexicats – March 24

Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March 25 – 31

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 5, 12, 19, 26

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Los Cabos Culinary Awards – April 25

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28

 May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 21

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July – August

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

 November

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February 23, 2018

This past week we saw a slight increase in the amount of anglers arriving. As we have become accustomed, the month of February continues to produce a wide range of unpredictable weather patterns. We felt a cold wave sweep in, starting with a couple of days we felt scattered rain, mostly sprinkles, some areas reported a bit heavier precipitation, much cloud cover and daytime highs reaching only into the low 70s. More wind from the north, though it was on and off and not so strong that charter boats had to abort plans. Despite the cooler conditions, the ocean has remained relatively warm, now averaging 70 to 74 degrees, very clean and blue close to shore, strong current running though. Lots of jelly fish in the area now, as there was continued large presence of whales and of course those pesky sea lions, which have been robbing their share of the catch.

Sardinas continue to be the main bait being used, found schooling off of the beaches from Palmilla to Cabo Real, as well as they are now being once again found off of the rocky beach stretches north near San Luis, these being a larger grade of these baitfish. Other options have been slabs of squid as well as on some days varying quantities of mackerel were being jigging up on sabiki rigs, mainly off of Punta Gorda.

The highlight this week was that the yellowfin tuna which had really faded out last week, rebounded this week as water conditions actually improved despite the cooler weather patterns. Fleets found decent action near Vinorama for yellowfin that were ranging in sizes to over 50 lb., quality tuna considering that this is never known as a favorable time frame for this pelagic species. The fish were striking on sardinas, strips of squid, as well as on mackerel, when they were able to be found. Boats were averaging from one or two to five or six fish per morning. Another common fish being found were dorado, most of these were under ten pounds, but we did see some larger fish, included a true 25 lb. bull dorado, which we had not seen for some time. Many people are releasing the small sized dorado, especially the females, remember to practice this conservation of these juvenile fish to help maintain future stocks.

Not much in the way of billfish action now off of San Jose del Cabo, better chances on the Pacific now, we heard of a blue marlin being landed, though most common is the striped marlin this time of year. Bottom action was limited, not much besides a scattering of cabrilla (leopard grouper), pargo and triggerfish, though swift currents made this tough and most charters were going after the tuna and dorado, or fishing for sierra along the beaches.

As long as ocean water conditions remain favorable we do expect that these yellowfin tuna will stay in the area. Hard to predict, but typically in the next few weeks we start to see weather patterns with warming days and less persistent winds. It has been a bonus that supplies of sardinas have held up and seem to be sustainable for the time being.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 59 charters for this shortened week due to weekend travels. Anglers reported a fish count of: 112 yellowfin tuna, 135 dorado, 2 amberjack, 8 yellow snapper, 4 island jack, 8 barred pargo, 11 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 14 huachinango (red snapper), 94 sierra and 18 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Catch Them if You Can: A Guide to Los Cabos Fishing Tournaments in 2018

February 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos as a tourist destination was built on big-game sportfishing, and truth be told there is no bad time to cast a line into the local waters. But some times are definitely better than others, especially for those who not only want a trophy-sized catch, but the sort of trophy-sized check that’s handed out to winners at the area’s premier fishing tournaments.

Here’s a look at the most prestigious and prize money packed tournaments on tap in 2018, both in Cabo San Lucas, and on the Los Cabos municipality’s gorgeous East Cape…

East Cape Dorado Shootout  (July 21)

The rules are simple for the 14 edition of this East Cape classic:  catch the biggest dorado on Saturday, July 21st, and you win a brand new, fully loaded, 2018 4×4 Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck. There will also be great prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, as well as for the largest tuna and largest wahoo caught. This year’s entry fee is $500. After the tournament, Palmas De Cortez will host the award ceremony, which is unlike any in Baja. In addition to dinner and music,  over $30,000 in raffle items will be given away.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore  (July 31 – Aug. 4)

The East Cape Offshore is one of three Bisbee’s sponsored fishing tournaments that take place in Baja California Sur each year. The ECO is always first, and kicks off Bisbee’s 2018 series on July 31st. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three qualifiers in marlin, tuna and dorado categories, with the awards celebration taking place afterwards at the Hotel Buena Vista. Base entry for the event is $1500 per team, with additional fees for daily jackpots. Prize money is based on entry fees received, with 60% going to the billfish winners, and 20% each to top tuna and dorado anglers.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament  (Oct. 14 – 18)

Just as September is El Mes de la Patria, the “the country’s month,” in México, October is the month of the fishing tournament in Cabo San Lucas. Bisbee’s two cash-rich tournaments – the Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue – get most of the publicity, but the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament also sends out a siren call to big-game fishermen eager for big-money prizes and jackpots. The three tournaments combined last year to pay out over $4,735,000 to the winners. The 20th annual LCBT has three entry levels:  a $5,000 base entry for each 6-person team; daily jackpots for the largest tuna, wahoo and dorado; and daily billfish release jackpots. Optional marlin only jackpots are available to teams that paid base entry.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore  (Oct. 18 – 21)

Commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the “Big Bisbee’s” Black & Blue marlin fishing tournament that also takes place each October in Los Cabos, the Los Cabos Offshore dates back to 2002, and is considered a more laid-back, charity focused endeavor than the Black & Blue. Cash prizes are awarded to the teams with the three biggest qualifying fish in the game and billfish categories at the LCO, and large amounts of money are always donated to local causes. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $17,000 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue  (Oct. 23 – 27)

Oft billed as “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament,” thanks to its million dollar payouts, this marlin fishing tournament originally premiered in 1981, and remains to this day the highest profile annual event in Los Cabos. The $4.165 million payout in 2006 was and still is the largest in sportfishing history. Base entry for this millionaire maker is $5,000 U.S. per team, and requires a $71,500 U.S. outlay across all categories, jackpots and challenges. Prizes are awarded for the top five catches of black and blue marlin, assuming they meet the minimum standards (300 lbs.).

WON Tuna Jackpot  (Nov. 7 – 10)

The Western Outdoor News has a long history with Los Cabos, dating back to the 1950s, when Baja columnist Ray Cannon’s rave fishing reviews helped put the area on the destination travel map. The WON Tuna Jackpot is one of the larger fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas, a fixture of the autumn sporting calendar that follows hard on the heels of the Los Cabos Billfish and Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue Tournaments. Last year’s event, the 19th edition, saw 147 teams competed across 11 events for over $677,000 in prize money. Even bigger things are expected this year.

 For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com .

Photo courtesy of WON Tuna Jackpot.

Upcoming Event Calendar

 February

Baja Hog Motorcycle Rally – Feb. 21 – 25

Vidanta Los Cabos Grand Opening Featuring Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki and Zedd – Feb. 23 – 25

 March

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Todos Santos Historic Homes Tour – March 4

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

Wine & Cheese Festival at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar – March 10

El Triunfo Festival Artesanal – March 11

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

El Ganzo Music Presents: Jenny & The Mexicats – March 24

Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March 25 – 31

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 5, 12, 19, 26

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Los Cabos Culinary Awards – April 25

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28

 May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 21

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July – August

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

 November

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

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Los Cabos Fishing Report – February 18, 2018

February 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February 18, 2018

This week began with light crowds of visiting anglers, ended up being very busy, particularly on Friday, when everyone decided to go fishing. Weather patterns were a little up and down as well, some wind early in the week , then laying down, before picking up swiftly again from the north on Friday. Water conditions are now more stable in the direction of Cabo San Lucas, cooler greenish water has steadily been pushing in the from the north, water temperature ranging from 67 to 74 degrees.

The majority of the fishing action centered from off of Santa Maria, to Palmilla and north to San Luis. The yellowfin tuna action slowed down progressively throughout the week, early on there were decent reports of yellowfin being encountered with moving porpoise, at times within a few miles of shore, then they moved further offshore and were hard to even find and often when the porpoise were found there were no tuna associated with them, that type of action can often prove to be sporadic. Most of these yellowfin that were found weighed in the 20 to 30 lb. class.

These fish were striking best on various baitfish. The sardinas became a bit more scattered, but these baitfish were still being netting near the rocky beaches from Palmilla and to the south. Mackerel also proved to be a good option, these had to be jigged up off of the San Jose del Cabo hotel area, several miles offshore, not a guarantee with the sabiki’s, though at times proved to be the more productive bait.

Dorado numbers were down, as can be expected for this time of year, scattered fish in small schools and many of these were very juvenile, under  five pounds, should really be released if at all possible, just an occasional dorado now being landed that are over ten pounds. Did not hear of any wahoo, which is also expected during this out of season period.

Only a handful of striped marlin being found on the local grounds, surprising since their favored food source, the mackerel, are present. Not much action being found offshore now, most charters are having more success closer to shore for species such as sierra, pargo, snapper, cabrilla, island jacks, triggerfish, etc…Not a lot of trophy sized fish now, but there has been a variety of smaller good eating specimens to be had. Soaking bait off the bottom, produced, as well as yo-yo and casting jigs. No yellowtail to report, it is the time of year we should start to see some of these fighting jacks, there have been some smaller sized amberjack found and the highlight off the bottom rock piles have been leopard grouper, ranging in sizes up to 20 lb. Drift fishing with live mackerel proved to account for the best chances for these prized eating cabrilla. Other bottom action included miscellaneous yellow snapper, bonito, triggerfish, island jack, barred pargo and surgeonfish. We did not hear of any red crab activity recently, hard to predict when these crustaceans will drift to the surface.

The better sierra numbers came from Palmilla to Chileno, sardinas and casting small jigs worked for these, average weight was 2 to 4 lb. Lots of whale activity continues, as we are now in peak season for these migrating mammals.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 76 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 5 striped marlin, 18 yellowfin tuna, 85 dorado, 9 amberjack, 24 yellow snapper, 12 island jack, 6 surgeonfish, 12 barred pargo, 16 Eastern Pacific bonito, 135 sierra, 25 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 65 huachinango (red snapper) and 55 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A Taste of Cabo: A Guide to 2018 Food & Wine Festivals in Los Cabos

February 13, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Over the last decade, the dining scenes in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo have grown increasingly more cosmopolitan, as more international cuisines are represented in area restaurants, and local chefs continue to experiment with new and unique fusions.

This newfound sophistication is reflected in the region’s increasingly packed calendar of food and wine related events, which showcase the creativity of Los Cabos’ top chefs, but also celebrate traditional local specialties like freshly sourced seafood, and organically grown fruits and vegetables.

With that in mind, here’s our guide to some of the signature food and wine fêtes on tap for 2018 (including to-dos in Todos Santos, which although technically not part of the Los Cabos municipality, is less than an hour drive from Cabo San Lucas)…

Want to know how locally made cheeses and wines from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe stack up against the fancy competition from France and elsewhere? Then we recommend attending the 6th annual Queso & Vino Festival on March 10th at Sheraton Grand’s scenic and stylishly appointed Hacienda del Mar property. Each year, the resort packs its Salon Hacienda ballroom with wines and cheeses from around the world, adds live music for a more festive atmosphere, and later donates the proceeds to local charities for children.

Todos Santos’ premier food and wine festival, Gastrovino, is organized by the owners of a wine and olive oil shop called La Bodega de Todos Santos, and features a weekend chockablock with tantalizing tasting opportunities. The pairing dinner at legendary Hotel California is one of many recurring highlights, but the “Big Cheese,” so to speak, is the Sunday main event on the town square. There, dozens of wineries from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe share their palate-pleasing wares, as do many of the region’s best restaurants. This year’s extravaganza is scheduled for April 19 – 20.

Cosmopolitan cuisine is all well and good, but sometimes nothing beats a good taco. Even the best local chefs concede that fact, which is why they’re converging at the luxurious beachfront Casa Dorada Resort & Spa on Saturday, April 28, for the 2nd annual Los Cabos Taco Fest. As the chefs compete to produce the most delicious tortilla wrapped treats, the winners are guaranteed to be the guests, who get to sample both traditional and contemporary/creative taco entries from these very talented culinary craftsmen. As with all local food festivals, live music is also featured.

Each July, when the pitahaya ripens, the residents of the small organic farming community Miraflores (in English, “Behold the Flowers”) invite visitors to share in their lively weekend harvest festival. Pitahayas are a fruit derived from the organ pipe cactus, and are extraordinarily rich in antioxidants, which may account for the legendary longevity of Miraflores residents. The festival isn’t announced until shortly before the fruit is completely ripe, but traditionally this occurs during the second week of July. Highlights of the Feria de la Pitahaya include the crowning of a festival queen, a pitahaya gathering contest, and a vast array of food and drink, much of which features the region’s signature fruit.

Since its inception in 2007, the Todos Santos Mango Festival has been a local favorite. Families flock to celebrate the most representative and ubiquitous of regional fruits:  mangoes! If you think you know a thing or two about this delicious foodstuff, think again. A visit to the festival will heighten your appreciation for what can be done in the name of the golden Baja Sur staple. See if you agree with who dishes out the best Mangate, a dessert typical of the region. Dates have yet to be announced for the 2018 festival, but it typically takes place in late July or early August.

The region’s biggest culinary festival, called Sabor a Cabo, is held each year in December, and draws over 3,000 guests to an outdoor site in Los Cabos to sample food and wine, and enjoy live musical performances (past performers include Grammy winner Lila Downs, legendary Mexican rock band Mana, and elemental R&B superstars Earth, Wind & Fire). The main event – which takes place at various local venues – is always preceded by smaller auxiliary events, including a country food and wine tasting that shows off the area’s incredible organically grown produce and fresh local seafood.  Dates for the 13th edition will be announced later this year. In the meantime, you can sample the wares from the festival’s 50 to 60 participating chefs by having dinner at virtually any fine restaurant in Los Cabos.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo courtesy of Sabor a Cabo.

Upcoming Event Calendar

February

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22

Art Festival in Todos Santos – Feb. 1 – 5

Traditional Fiestas in San Blas – Feb. 2 – 4

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour –  Feb. 10 – 11

Los Cabos Half Marathon – Feb. 11

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 8 – 13

Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Feb. 16 – 17

Baja Hog Motorcycle Rally – Feb. 21 – 25

Vidanta Los Cabos Grand Opening Featuring Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki and Zedd – Feb. 23 – 25

March

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

Wine & Cheese Festival at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar – March 10

El Triunfo Festival Artesanal – March 11

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

El Ganzo Music Presents: Jenny & The Mexicats – March 24

Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March 25 – 31

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 5, 12, 19, 26

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Los Cabos Culinary Awards – April 25

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28

May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 21

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July – August

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

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Los Cabos Fishing Report – February 11, 2018

February 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February 11, 2018

Moderate crowds of tourists now, though not many of them are actually anglers looking to go sportfishing. The weather continued to be a bit unpredictable from day to day, as is normal for this month of February. Recently we have seen warmer conditions, earlier in the week we had much morning cloud cover, finally burning off later in the day, by Friday we saw more sunshine, highs up into the 80s. Wind was lighter as well and anglers had great ocean conditions most days. Ocean water temperatures are still ranging from 70 to 75 degree. Clarity was a bit off colored on the Gordo Banks and towards the north. Most fishing action centered from Iman Bank, Punta Gorda, straight off of San Jose and towards Santa Maria.

Sardinas were being netted near Cabo Real and towards Chileno. Strips of squid and some rigged ballyhoo were also being used. Mackerel and sardineta schools were still on local grounds and have been another bait option.

The action for the larger grade of tuna to over 100 lb. faded out on the Gordo Banks, mainly due to the conditions turning over, greener water. There were some yellowfin tuna coming up on the Iman Bank earlier in the week, but these fish proved very elusive and not many were hooked up.  Mid-week there were sizable pods of porpoise encountered, from 2 to 4 miles outside of San Jose del Cabo and towards La Laguna, the yellowfin tuna were traveling with them. Charters were able to land from one or two, up to 10 tuna, in the 20 to 35 lb. class, all depending on where you were at a given time, these schools were moving quickly and had to be chased around. Dropping various baitfish into the action was the best bet, very few were striking on lures.

Dorado action continued, the majority of these fish found within a couple of miles of shore, most of these were under 10 lb., with an occasional exception up to 15 lb. Striking on bait best, a smaller percentage on lures. Along the shoreline, particularly near to Cabo San Lucas, off of Chileno, there were some nice sized sierra hitting on slow trolled sardinas, a few up over 8 lb. Also a handful of juvenile sized roosterfish.

Some more activity with the pelagic red crab, some days they were found drifting to the surface and were netted and used for bait, with some decent catches of red snapper coming in. Though this was not a for sure consistent deal from day to day. Commercial fleets were eager to get a supply of the red crabs, at times saving some in make shift live tanks to be used for the next day, in case they were not found on the surface. So we will follow this action closely, this was the same scenario last year during approximately this same time frame.

Other bottom action was slow, besides the red crab bite with the huachinango, red snapper. A few bonito, cabrilla (leopard grouper), barred pargo, medium sized amberjack, yellow snapper and triggerfish.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 61 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 2 striped marlin, a wahoo, 76 yellowfin tuna, 105 dorado, 3 amberjack, 9 yellow snapper, 8 barred pargo, 14 Eastern Pacific bonito, 68 sierra, 6 roosterfish, 11 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 110 huachinango (red snapper) and 40 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , ,

Art, Music, Dance & Romance: A Guide to February Events in Los Cabos

February 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February is the month for romance, as countries around the world celebrate courtship and love on St. Valentine’s Day (known in Mexico as El Dia de San Valentin, or, more commonly, El Dia del Amor y la Amistad). In Los Cabos, the competition to offer the most romantic Valentine’s Day activities and amenities often translates to special accommodations packages (for both resorts and villa rentals), as well as special multi-course meals and live entertainment at the area’s best restaurants.

Visitors to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo this month will also discover abundant opportunities to immerse themselves in local art and culture, from Art Walk and Jazz Weekend in San Jose del Cabo to the annual Art Festival and Open Studios Tour in Todos Santos.

Carnaval, too, takes place in February. The yearly festival, which ends with “Fat Tuesday,” precedes the 4o days of Lent before Easter on the Catholic calendar. La Paz, capital city of Baja California Sur, is famed for the parades and live musical performances on its seaside malecón during this six-day bacchanal.

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo (Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22)

The historic Distrito del Arte in San Jose del Cabo takes center stage each Thursday evening during high tourist season – November through June – when residents and visitors alike are invited to stroll its cobblestone streets and peruse the many eclectic fine arts galleries. Art Walk hours are 5 to 9 p.m, when the neighborhood comes alive with wine, cheese and guided tours, as well as colorful street artists and strolling mariachis. A chance to check out San Jose’s recent downtown makeover is another reason to make the Thursday night pilgrimage.

Carnaval La Paz (Feb. 8 – 13)

There are two cities that host notable Carnaval celebrations on the Baja California peninsula:  Ensenada and La Paz. Carnaval, for the uninitiated, is the Catholic pre-Lenten celebration that captivates Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans each year, although in the latter city it is better known as Mardi Gras. In La Paz, the uninhibited six-day farewell to debauchery is centered on the capital city’s malecón, and includes voluminous food and drink, colorful parades and costumes, plenty of live music from high-profile performers, and the coronation of a festival king and queen. This year’s theme is Tierra de Encanto y Fantasía (Land of Charm and Fantasy).

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour (Feb. 10 – 11)

Ever since painter Charles Stewart and his wife Mary Lou moved to Todos Santos in 1985, the town has been famed for its thriving artists’ colony. The best introduction to the region’s abundance of talented artists is the yearly Open Studios Tour, the 9th edition of which is scheduled for Feb. 10 – 11, 2018. Approximately 40 local artists will participate this year, including painters, sculptors, photographers, muralists, plein air painters, encaustic artists, jewelers, printmakers, collage artists, potters, and wood turners. The Palapa Learning Center will offer a special stop on the tour, and will showcase a sampling of 20 selected tour artists’ work for sale. Additionally, the Palapa Society’s child artists will also be working in their “studio” with work on display.

Valentine’s Day at Sunset da Mona Lisa (Feb. 14)

The jaw-dropping views of the 30-million-year-old granitic monuments at Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas, plus the Taittinger Champagne Terrace and superb seafood and Italian fare, are among the many reasons this place is a mecca for visiting couples, and wedding proposals are an almost daily occurrence. There are two seatings for the special amor focused Valentine’s Day dinner this year, which includes a welcoming cocktail, a six-course meal, live music, and of course the unforgettable sight of the sun exploding in a burst of color over the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula.

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend (Feb. 16 – 17)

2018 marks the 6th edition of San José del Cabo Jazz Weekend, a festival dedicated to the freewheeling American musical style held yearly at the popular Plaza del Pescador, an outdoor mall across from the city’s resort-lined Playa Hotelera. Plaza del Pescador has only been around for a few years, but has quickly established a reputation for itself as a music venue, thanks to tenants such as Jazz Tapas Café and Rock&Brews, the restaurant chain started by KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Admission is free to the two-day music fest, which takes place from 5 to 11 p.m. on Feb. 16 – 17.

 For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, or visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com .

Photo courtesy of Sunset da Mona Lisa.

Upcoming Event Calendar

 February

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22

Art Festival in Todos Santos – Feb. 1 – 5

Traditional Fiestas in San Blas – Feb. 2 – 4

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour –  Feb. 10 – 11

Los Cabos Half Marathon – Feb. 11

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 8 – 13

Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Feb. 16 – 17

Baja Hog Motorcycle Rally – Feb. 21 – 25

Vidanta Los Cabos Grand Opening Featuring Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki and Zedd – Feb. 23 – 25

 March

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

El Triunfo Festival Artesanal – March 11

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March 25 – 31

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 5, 12, 19, 26

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

 May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

El Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 21

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July – August

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

September

El Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

 October

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

 November

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

 

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Los Cabos Fishing Report – February 4, 2018

February 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February 4, 2018

We have started the new month of February, which locally is always known to be full of unpredictable weather patterns and sure enough we had a crazy start to this week. We felt strong north winds out of the north for most of the week, cooler green water pushing in from Los Frailes towards the Gordo Banks, ocean currents were down in the 70 to 71 degree range, then winds resided and we felt calmer conditions. Low morning temperatures were up to 68 degrees and the water temperature warmed back up into the 74 degree range, as well as clearing back up to a nice blue color within a couple mile of shore. On the Pacific the water was up to 75 degrees. So conditions were changing daily, daytime high temperatures reach up to 85 degrees on some days. On Thursday we actually had a surprising amount of rainfall on Thursday, as moisture sweeping in the from the southwest brought much needed relief to the dry landscape.

Light crowds of visiting anglers were finding decent supplies of sardinas, which are now being netted off the beach stretches from Cabo Real to Chileno. There were other bait options including mackerel, sardineta, caballito and strips of squid. Fleets were fishing areas from the Pacific Banks, Santa Maria, Gordo Banks and north towards Iman. Most common catches were for dorado, which were found close to shore, as well on the offshore grounds, striking more often on baitfish, but also on trolled artificials. Average size fish was under 10 pounds, though on the Pacific there were reports of a larger grade of dorado up to 20 lb. Getting late in the season now, though the warmer water has kept these gamefish hanging around in local waters.

Wahoo were scarce, only a few fish reported off the East Cape areas, a few more reports of these fish being found on the Banks off of the Pacific, where the warmest currents are now holding, very late in the season for these fish as well.

More billfish activity straight out of Cabo San Lucas and towards the Pacific, though a bit slower during this full moon period, only a scattering of the striped marlin are now being encountered off of San Jose del Cabo, should start to swift this direction in the coming months.

Yellowfin tuna were being found through the region, from on the Pacific Banks to the Gordo Banks, no big numbers at all, though the yellowfin were a nice grade, most of them ranging from 40 lb. to 130 lb. The largest tuna seem to be coming off of the Inner or Outer Gordo Banks. Drift fishing with various baits was the main technique, finicky fish, often they could be seen in numbers breezing on the surface, but would be difficult to entice into striking the hooked baits, also continued heavier boat pressure on the Gordo Banks, since within that range this was one of the more productive areas now providing opportunities at quality fish.

Inshore had not produced much more that a scattering of small roosterfish, a few sierra, with more numbers reportedly on the Pacific. The bottom action was spotty, strong current much of the week, most common catches were smaller sized pargo, a few cabrilla and amberjack, as well as the ever present triggerfish.

Plenty of whale action now, peak season for both humpback and gray’s

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 59 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 8 striped marlin, 2 wahoo, 74 yellowfin tuna, 115 dorado, 5 amberjack, 13 yellow snapper, 5 barred pargo, 16 Eastern Pacific bonito, 12 roosterfish, 15 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 22 huachinango (red snapper) and 40 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , , ,