There’s not a lot of seasonal variation when it comes to weather in Los Cabos. The sun shines year-
round and just about every day is a great day to go to the beach. But the gorgeous beaches are far from the only attractions, and when it comes to some of the other best things to do in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, timing and seasonal variation do come into play.
If you’ve long dreamed of going whale watching in Los Cabos, for example, there is a very specific time of year (mid-December through mid-March) when your chance of seeing, and even getting quite close, to these leviathans is at its peak. There’s also a peak surfing season, a peak diving season, a peak fishing season (ever wonder why all the big marlin fishing tournaments are held August through October?), and so on. Heck, there’s even a peak season for culture in Los Cabos, although luckily for art lovers, it spans nearly half of every year.
Yes, we’re talking about Art Walk Season in San Jose del Cabo, the region’s most enduring and anticipated cultural celebration, held every Thursday night, 5 pm to 9pm, during high tourist season, November through June, in the heart of the city’s historic Gallery District. A sidelong glance at the calendar cues us that this beloved event is close to returning, and in fact will return for a new season in a little more than a month.
But truthfully, one doesn’t need to circle any dates on the calendar to remember the return of Art Walk, as its return is always linked with that of another great Mexican event, Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Mexico observes many holidays, but none quite so visually distinctive and emotionally resonant as El Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This holiday to honor deceased family and friends dates back to the time of the Aztecs–who dedicated a festival to Mictecacihuatl, queen of the underworld, each August–but now takes place contemporaneously with the Catholic observance of Allhallowtide.
Traditionally, it is thought that the souls of children return on November 1st, and the souls of adults on November 2nd. Families will often build ofrendas (altars) in their homes, welcoming back the spirits of the departed with some of their favorite food and drinks, as well as special holiday themed items like cempasuchil flowers (Aztec marigolds), calaveras de azucar (candy skulls), and a sweet bread called pan de muerto.
Because the return of Art Walk is also contemporaneous with Day of the Dead, and because the striking visual component of the holiday dovetails with the aesthetic sensibilities of the artists and gallery owners in San Jose del Cabo’s Gallery District, these two events have always been linked in the minds of Cabeños (Los Cabos residents). In fact, many of the city’s gallery owners traditionally exhibit their own public ofrendas as artworks in conjunction with the holiday and the return of Art Walk.
Ironically, given the timing, downtown San Jose del Cabo is never livelier nor more beautiful than during Art Walk. Perhaps this is because Art Walk is, at heart, a celebration of San Jose del Cabo itself. The city comes alive in a new way on Thursdays during Art Walk season, with wandering musicians and mariachi bands among those walking the cobblestone streets of the historic Gallery District, while the entire downtown area is decorated in a festive whirl of lights.
The Gallery District, home to dozens of art galleries and studios, is the center of Art Walk, and remains the primary focus, as gallery owners and artists stay open late to interact with visitors. But the entire downtown area of the city is aglow. Plaza Mijares becomes an outdoor gallery for street artists and crafts people, with their wares laid out for all to see. The magnificent old Catholic church, Parroquia San Jose, is open for those who want to visit a more traditional altar than the Day of the Dead ofrendas at local galleries. City Hall, with its colorful courtyard murals depicting great moments in local and national history, also beckons those on an informal walking tour of the heart of the city.
For this reason and others, Art Walk is among the most popular romantic activities for visiting couples, blending art and music, fine food and wine. This is an evening for walking and holding hands, for sharing new sights and sounds, each unique and each singularly emblematic of the magic of San Jose del Cabo.
Naturally, the Art District and city center are also home to some of the finest drinking and dining establishments in Los Cabos. One must stop for first-time visitors to Art Walk is at Los Tres Gallos, a long-time favorite in Cabo San Lucas that just recently opened a second location in the heart of the Gallery District. The San Jose restaurant is built around three entwined huanacaxtle trees, a design element so astounding and delightful that it fits perfectly with the artistic sensibilities of Thursday night Art Walks.
Nearby Baja Brewing Company, meanwhile, has grown so much over the past decade that its beers are now available in nearly a dozen U.S. states. But the original Gallery District location remains the best place to try the sudsy treasures from Baja California Sur’s first brewery…and still its best.
These are only two of the most popular stops, of course. There are many more, just as there are a wide array of galleries, arts and crafts boutiques and jewelry stores; from those showcasing traditional Mata Ortiz pottery and Huichol animal figures to paintings and sculptures from some of the best contemporary artists.
There is a lot of great art here, as well as arts and crafts, and custom jewelry. But mostly, there’s just a lot of life; which is why it’s always exciting to see this cultural celebration return, even though the return happens contemporaneously with a signature celebration of all those loved ones who have passed, Day of the Dead.
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 credit: Gallery District San Jose del Cabo
Upcoming Events Calendar
September
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Sep. 3, 10, 17, 24
Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16
Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Sep. 17 – 18
October
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17
Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Oct. 15 – 16
Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23
November
Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 1 – 13
Day of the Dead – Nov. 1, 2
WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 3 – 6
Life Luxe Los Cabos Jazz Festival – Nov. 4 – 8
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26
Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 10 – 17
SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20
Revolution Day – Nov. 20
Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Nov. 26 – 27
December
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Dec. 9 – 10
El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Dec. 12
Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24
Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25
Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31
Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada – Dec. 31
January 2022
Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Twin Dolphin and Cabo del Sol – Jan. 9 – 13
May 2022
Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18
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