No month shines brighter than November when it comes to signature Los Cabos events. The region’s 
most glamorous event, the Los Cabos International Film Festival, once again promises red carpet celebrity sightings, as well as some of the best of contemporary North American cinema. The finest of fine dining will also be on display as dozens of the top chefs in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo gather for the area’s biggest food and wine festival, Sabor a Cabo. And of course there are fishing tournaments galore, abundant cultural to-dos, and iconic Mexican holidays like Day of the Dead.
In other words, while there’s never really a bad time to visit Los Cabos, it’s hard to find a better time than November.
Dia de Muertos – November 1 – 2
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. The most famous calavera, an elegantly costumed skeleton named Catrina, was created in the early 20th century by illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada. Catrina figures are commonly seen around Los Cabos during the Day of the Dead observances, as are a few public ofrendas.
Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – November 3 – 16
The funniest book every written about the Baja California peninsula and its idiosyncratic residents was the work of a Western Outdoor News columnist and all-around fine writer named Fred Hoctor. The book, called Baja Haha, was published in 1984 and has been something of a cult classic among gringo expats ever since. Sadly, Señor Hoctor is no longer with us, but his title and off-kilter humor lives on in the form of Baja Ha-Ha, a 750-mile cruisers rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas that began in the early 1990s and celebrates its 26th anniversary this year, from November 3rd to 16th. Cruising the Baja coast isn’t inherently funny in itself. Rather, it’s the safe but lighthearted approach of the participants, led by their “Grand Poobah,” that make the rally special. Since the inaugural event, over 3,000 boats and 10,000 sailors have participated. Seagoing vessels between 27’ and 100’ in length are eligible, and can look forward to two scheduled stops along the way, at Tortuga and Santa Maria Bays, before reaching Cabo San Lucas.
21st Annual WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – November 6 – 9
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 20th edition, saw 163 boats compete for over $841,600 in prize money. Even bigger things are expected this year.
San Jose del Cabo Art Walk – November 7, 14, 21, 28
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.
Los Cabos International Film Festival – November 13 to 17
The Los Cabos International Film Festival returns for its 8th edition on November 13th, with an inaugural red carpet gala and screening at the Pabellon Cultural de la Republica in Cabo San Lucas. The celebrity and paparazzi studded galas receive much of the attention, but the heart of the festival consists of curated screenings at Cinemex Theaters at Puerto Paraiso, and behind the scenes conferences and programs designed to promote mutually beneficial collaborations between the North American film industries. Thus, the LCIFF’s long-running tagline: “Come See What the Neighbors Are Doing.” There will be plenty of star power this year, however. The biggest confirmed attendee so far is legendary actor and two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, who will appear in conjunction with the Latin American premiere of director Martin Scorsese’s new film, The Irishman, in which De Niro stars opposite fellow screen icons Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.
Sabor a Cabo International Food and Wine Festival – November 30
This is the biggest food and wine festival in Los Cabos, annually drawing over 3,000 attendees for a huge outdoor party at one of the area’s most picturesque locales. Food is the undoubted focus, with delicious dishes served up from over 60 of the best local chefs. But beverages also get their due, as top tequilas and mezcals are showcased, as well as regional wines from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe. Entertainment, too, is presented on a grand scale; past performers include Grammy winner Lila Downs, Mexican supergroup Maná, and funk legends Earth, Wind & Fire. This year’s 14th annual “Taste of Cabo” will take place November 30 at Club Campestre Golf Club, site of several earlier fêtes. The musical headliner will be another multiple time Grammy winner, Madrid born singer Alejandro Sanz.
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: Sabor a Cabo
Upcoming Events Calendar
November
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Nov. 1 – 2
Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3
Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 Half-Triathlon – Nov. 3
Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 3 – 16
21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9
Luxe Life Los Cabos Jazz Experience – Nov. 7 – 11
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28
Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 13 – 17
52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24
Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30
December
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26
Sabor a Cabo Rural Tasting – Dec. 8
Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12
Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24
Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25
Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31
January
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 12 – 16
Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 15 – 19
February
Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 1 – 8
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27
Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 7 – 9
San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Dates Not Yet Announced
Rock Fest in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 15
20th Annual Baja Hog Rally – Feb. 20 – 24
Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 20 – 25
March
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26
Baja Shakespeare Festival – Mar. 6 – 8, 11 – 14
East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 15
Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced
El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced
Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Not Yet Announced
April
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Semana Santa – Apr. 5 – 11
NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 17 – 24
Gala de Danza at Viceroy Los Cabos – Dates Not Yet Announced
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