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Not-So-Still Life – Looking Forward to A New Season of Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo

October 10, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The still life is a traditional staple of representational painting, a long-lived genre that allows artists to showcase their own inimitable style as they tackle rather commonplace subject matter like fruit or flowers.

Visitors to San Jose del Cabo will discover the colonial style city – whose name, along with that of sister city Cabo San Lucas, contributes to the Los Cabos moniker used for the municipality at large – is awash in talented painters. But despite its surfeit of artists, many of whom have their own still lifes on display in the historic, gallery-rich Art District, the city’s most famous art work isn’t a painting at all, but rather the Art Walk held weekly during the high tourist season.

Think of it as the not-so-still-life.

Each Thursday evening from November to June, art lovers and those seeking a bit of local color pour into the city, not only flooding the officially designated Distrito del Arte – with its voluminous galleries and charming cobblestone streets – but the better part of the historic downtown area between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m.

Galleries stay open late to publicize featured paintings, sculptures and other artworks; downtown monuments like City Hall and Parroquia San Jose are outlined by colorful lights; arts and crafts makers spread out their wares on tables or along the sidewalks; and wandering musicians serenade passersby strolling hand in hand, or those taking a breather at local bars and restaurants.

There are plenty of both, by the way. San Jose del Cabo is home to the original Baja Brewing Company and dozens of superb restaurants, from Mexican traditionalists like Jazmin’s and La Lupita to internationally representative eateries like La Dolce. But the true Thursday night magnets are the galleries which line the well-lit streets of the historic Art District. There’s Galeria de Ida Victoria, which in addition to hosting the region’s finest custom framing studio, also represents some of the finest contemporary Mexican artists. Patricia Mendoza Gallery and Casa Dahlia also spotlight the work of contemporary Mexican artists and artisans; traditional Mexican folk art like glassware and jewelry is on display at La Sacristia; and Mata Ortiz Gallery offers some wonderful examples of its namesake pottery style, whose history dates back over a thousand years but was reinvigorated by modern Chihuahua master Juan Quezada. Those with a more international orientation, meanwhile, can ponder the “sacred abstract art” at Dharmesh Anand, or be awestruck by Muvezi’s visually arresting work from Shona stone sculptors in Zimbabwe.

These and other galleries gladly welcome perambulators to experience the city’s thriving art scene (only Tijuana and Todos Santos rival San José as Baja art meccas), keeping their doors open well after dark, and often inviting artists to interact with guests and answer questions about their work. Cheese and wine, of course, often make their inevitable appearances as well; sip and snack staples in any bohemian milieu.

All in all, it’s a complete feast for the senses, and the 2018-2019 Art Walk season promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a fresh slate of exhibitions and fresh new looks at San Jose’s dramatic downtown makeover.

Now is a good time to clear a spot on your upcoming calendar, as the traditional seasonal kick-off – the first Thursday of November – is only three weeks away. And as always, the start of Art Walk season is celebrated contemporaneously with Day of the Dead remembrances across Mexico, so visitors can look forward to seeing personalized altars and other Day of the Dead specific symbols (from candy skulls to Catrina figures), as well as the latest works from top local artists.

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.

 Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes, USA Today and Cabo Living, as well as other websites and publications. 

Photo credit: ArtCabo.com.

Keywords:  Art Walk, San Jose del Cabo, art in Cabo, events in Cabo, culture in Cabo, things to do in Cabo,

Upcoming Event Calendar

September

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

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

San Jose del Cabo Restaurant Week – Oct. 13 – 20

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Fiestas Patronales (Patron Saint Festival) in Cabo San Lucas – TBD

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

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

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

Cruising for the Critters (Humane Society Fundraiser) – Nov. 3

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 7 – 11

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

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

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

 December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

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

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

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

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

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Life Luxe Jazz & Golf Experience Coming to Los Cabos in November

September 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The Life Luxe Jazz concert series, a unique luxury cultural experience, will be held Nov. 1 – 4 at Quivira Los Cabos, an upscale resort community situated on the Pacific Coast north of Cabo San Lucas. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, an acclaimed adults-only beachfront hotel, will serve as the host site for this one-of-a-kind lifestyle event.

According to concert organizers, “Life Luxe Jazz…brings people together with common interests in music, culture and exceptional cuisine, with the goal of building bridges across borders.” To support cultural exchange, jazz workshops will be hosted to enrich the lives of and introduce jazz culture to Los Cabos youth through education and engagement with jazz artists.

Patrons can register to participate in the Life Luxe Jazz Golf Tournament at Quivira Golf Club, a spectacular Jack Nicklaus-designed course that scales the heights at Land’s End. The venue, named Golf Magazine’s “Best New International Course” when it opened in 2014, was recently voted to Golf Digest’s elite list of the “World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.” Marked by sheer cliffs, massive dunes and desert foothills, the 7,085-yard, par-72 layout offers breathtaking thrills, unforgettable challenges and more oceanfront exposure than any other course in Los Cabos. In a destination revered for its unique mountain-desert-ocean setting, Quivira, an aesthetic tour de force with panoramic views of the Pacific from every hole, stands apart as one of the most daring, eclectic courses Nicklaus has ever built.

Registration for the tournament, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 a.m., is $295 per player. Fee includes green fees, golf cart, unlimited food and drinks (Baja cuisine, top-shelf tequila) at the club’s four comfort stations, swag bags and tournament awards. Completing the experience at Quivira is a thatched-roof clubhouse that offers a large rectangular bar, a casual steakhouse and ample outdoor seating overlooking the sea. Tournament winners will receive their awards and be recognized on stage at the concert event the night of Nov. 3.

The star-studded line-up will be led by Grammy-winning contemporary jazz and R&B singer Norman Brown, who has sold nearly two million albums. Other artists slated to perform, all of whom have reached the top of Billboard’s smooth jazz charts, include Mindi Abair, Bobby Caldwell, Boney James, Michael Manson, Keiko Matsui, Maysa, Meli’sa Morgan, Najee, Gregory Porter, Lin Rountree, Kirk Whalum and Zoe Wood.

The all-day concerts will be held on an expansive stretch of pristine beach in front of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica. Food and drink stations will be plentiful. The resort’s large circular firepits, artfully carved into the sand by the hotel staff, will be lit in the evening. In addition, several free concerts will be scheduled for the residents of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

A variety of ticket packages are currently on sale, ranging from luxury open seating, exclusive cabana loungers and stage-front sectional sofa loungers.  Elite VIP climate-controlled beachfront viewing areas in The Towers at Pacifica, an exclusive “resort within a resort,” are also available.

The four-day festival will feature a live jazz sunset cruise on Nov. 2 spotlighting the music of Ernest Quarles and Lindsey Webster. Guests can enjoy a specially prepared menu, multiple bars, and close-up views of El Arco (The Arch), Cabo’s iconic rock formation at Land’s End.

 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:  Quivira Los Cabos.

Upcoming Event Calendar

 October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

San Jose del Cabo Restaurant Week – Oct. 13 – 20

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Fiestas Patronales (Patron Saint Festival) in Cabo San Lucas – TBD

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

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

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

Cruising for the Critters (Humane Society Fundraiser) – Nov. 3

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 7 – 11

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

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

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

 December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

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

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

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

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Viva Mexico! Celebrating Mexican Independence Day in Los Cabos

September 4, 2018 by 1 Comment

September is the hottest month in Los Cabos, and traditionally the heart of the cape cities’ low tourism

Cozumel, Mexico

season. The idea of “high” and “low” seasons has started to wane over the past few years due to rapid regional growth, increased international flights and a more consistent year-round flow of visitors. But some months are still better than others, and the busiest months tend to be when the largest and most representative local events are held.

Of the many food and wine festivals, arts fairs, fishing tournaments, and other signature fiestas held annually in Los Cabos, it is telling that none are held in September. October, on the other hand–the traditional start of high season–sees Sammy Hagar’s birthday bashes, four major fishing tournaments (including the world’s richest, Bisbee’s Black & Blue), and a weeklong culinary festival in San Jose del Cabo.

What a difference a month makes!

But hot and slow as it is, September does bring one headline event, a national holiday celebrated passionately across Mexico. So if you’re visiting Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo this month, keep an eye out for all the fireworks and festivities surrounding El Dia de la Independencia, or Independence Day. Officially, it’s honored on September 16, but the proclamations and partying begin the night before…and keep right on going.

Many U.S. visitors confuse Cinco de Mayo with Independence Day, but the two are markedly different, not only in terms of where they fall on the calendar, but in what they represent and mean to average citizens.

Cinco de Mayo recalls the heroic victory of the Mexican Army over occupying French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite its Mexican roots, the holiday was largely popularized on the U.S. West Coast. In Mexico, celebrations of Cinco de Mayo are few and far between, although bars in tourist areas like Los Cabos will dutifully offer a few “holiday specials” aimed at gringo revelers.

Independence Day, by contrast, is the major patriotic holiday, the Mexican equivalent of the 4th of July. The date itself honors what is now known as the Grito de Dolores, essentially a call to arms uttered by a priest named Miguel Hidalgo on the evening of September 15, and again the following morning in the year 1810.

By that time, Spain had been in control of Mexico for over 280 years…and since the day Hernan Cortez and his conquistadors toppled the island capital of Tenochtitlan in 1521, Spaniards had ruthlessly exploited the country for its abundant natural resources.

For a little more context…the year of Hidalgo’s immortal call to arms, 1810, coincided with the imperial reign of Napoleon, whose European wars and intrigues often produced far-reaching upheavals. For instance, French troops first occupied Spain in 1808, and soon afterwards Napoleon installed his brother as puppet ruler…a move that destabilized colonial governments throughout Latin America, and led directly to the independence movements spearheaded by Simon Bolivar and others.

Miguel Hidalgo was, in a sense, the Bolivar of Mexico, although his leadership in the rebellion that became the War of Mexican Independence was tragically short lived. Despite some early victories by his insurgent army, six months after his stirring grito–delivered in the small town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo)–he was captured. Soon after that, he was executed. But the fight continued, and by 1821 Mexico had finally earned its freedom.

Thus, like Independence Day in the U.S., Independence Day in Mexico celebrates not the actual achievement of independence, but rather the symbolic birth of a new nation through the assertion of self-rule.

Contemporary celebrations of Independence Day in Mexico begin ceremoniously, with public officials–from the president to small town mayors–reenacting the grito at 11 p.m. on September 15. This reenactment always concludes with the same phrase, repeated three times: ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Mexico! There is then a symbolic bell ringing, followed by live music, traditional food and drink, and festive fireworks celebrations. The party is on!

Cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo each have their grito reenactments, with large parades the next morning, on September 16th. September visitors to Los Cabos in search of activities and entertainment are encouraged to seek out both, as they offer interesting glimpses of authentic Mexican culture.

For those whose interests run more to cervezas and margaritas, rest assured that virtually every local bar and restaurant offers some sort of patriotically themed drink special.

Just remember to raise your glass for a toast. ¡Viva Los Cabos! and ¡Viva Mexico!

by Chris Sands

  • Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes and USA Today, as well as other websites and publications. 

 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 Virginiambe and Wikimedia Commons.

Upcoming Event Calendar

September

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

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

San Jose del Cabo Restaurant Week – Oct. 13 – 20

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

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

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

January 2019

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

February

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

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10 Things You May Not Know About Los Cabos and Baja California Sur

August 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos has many levels. Most visitors see only the surface level: a land of year-round sunshine, with gorgeous golden sand beaches, luxurious tropical accommodations, boisterous nightlife, and destination amenities like big-game sportfishing, pampering spas, and championship-level golf courses.

But beyond this surface Los Cabos are many deeper levels, full of fascinating hidden histories and replete with remarkable lore.

With that in mind, here are 1o things you may not know about Los Cabos – the municipality that’s home to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo – and the state of Baja California Sur.

Fishing was big in Los Cabos long before the age of tourism…

The first inhabitants of Los Cabos were the Pericu, a tribe of hunter gatherers whose territory extended beyond the boundaries of the present day Los Cabos municipality, and included offshore islands like Espiritu Santo, Cerralvo and San Jose.

Much of the culture and language of the Pericues has been lost to history, but thanks to descriptions from European sailors and missionaries, we know something of their way of life; including their prodigious talents as fishermen. Captain Woodes Rogers, an English privateer who later became Governor of the Bahamas, described their methods glowingly in his 1712 book, A Cruising Voyage Round the World.

“They subsisted chiefly on fish while we were here…We saw no nets or hooks, but wooden instruments with which they strike the fish very dexterously, and dive to admiration. Some of our sailors told me they saw one of them dive with his instrument, and while he was underwater put up his striker with a fish on the point of it, which was taken off by another that watched him on a bark log. The reader may believe of this what he pleases, but I give it the more credit because I myself threw some rusty knives overboard on purpose to try those divers, who seldom missed catching a knife before it could sink three or four fathoms; which I took to be an extraordinary proof of their agility.”

The Arch at Land’s End is old…really, really, really old…

Geological estimates for the oldest granitic monuments at Land’s End suggest a mind blowing antiquity. According to The Atlas of Coastal Ecosystems in the Western Gulf of California, the Cretaceous Period granite that forms El Arco is equivalent in age to that found at subsurface volcanic sites at Las Tres Virgenes in the municipality of Mulege:  approximately 84 million years old.

San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are not the original names of the cape cities…

 Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo were not always referred to thusly. The Pericues referred to the former as Yenekamu, the latter as Añuiti. Until Francisco de Bolaños named Cabo San Lucas on October 18, 1541, it was listed on Spanish maps as “Ballenas” (Whales).

In 1602, when Sebastian Vizcaino undertook an exploratory voyage of the California coast on behalf of King Felipe III of Spain, he stopped in San Jose on June 11, dubbing in San Bernabe in accordance with the Catholic calendar. San Bernabe it would remain for over 100 years, until a Jesuit mission was founded there in 1730.

According to historian Pablo L. Martinez, who grew up in nearby Santa Anita: “The name of San Jose was given after Jose de la Puente, benefactor of colonization (the Marques de Villapuente, to give his official title, funded a large percentage of the Jesuit missions in Baja); and that of del Cabo was added to distinguish it from Comondu, which was also San Jose.”

Baja California Sur is the youngest state in Mexico…

Mexico has 31 states and a federal district. Baja California Sur was, along with Quintana Roo, the last to achieve statehood, being elevated from territory status on October 8, 1974. Baja California, by contrast, was officially given statehood in 1952.

Baja California Sur has more coastline than any Mexican state…

Mexico has approximately 9,330 kilometers of coastline, and a rather staggering percentage of it surrounds the Baja California peninsula. Baja California Sur owns 2,131 kilometers, Baja California 1,493 kilometers. Together, they account for 38% of the nation’s coastline. That adds up to a lot of beautiful beaches.

 The Sea of Cortez is the world’s youngest sea…

What we now call Baja California was born amid cooling magma in the distant mists of the Mesozoic Era, between 135 and 225 million years ago. For millions of years afterward, plate tectonics, continental drift, subduction and other forces acted upon the coastline, finally resulting in a peninsular break from the Mexican mainland.

This fracture occurred from the top down–at the terminus of the Colorado River–beginning about 12 million years ago. As recently as five million years ago, present day Los Cabos was still connected to the continental massif, at what is now the state of Jalisco.

The mouth of the Gulf of California, or Sea of Cortez, finally opened three million years ago; and approximately 1.8 million years ago, in the early stages of the Pleistocene Epoch, the peninsula achieved what we consider its present position…although it continues to move away from the mainland at a stately pace of about six centimeters per year.

La Paz is the oldest community on the peninsula…

Each year on May 3, La Paz honors its foundation, remembering the day conquistador Hernan Cortes came ashore in 1535. This year, Baja California Sur’s capital city marked its 483rd birthday, and as always, celebrated with a Foundation Festival featuring food, drink, live entertainment, and of course a traditional reenactment of the landing of the Spaniards.

Loreto was the first capital of the Californias…

From 1697, when the Jesuits founded the first permanent peninsular community at Loreto (the indigenous inhabitants were hunter gatherers), Loreto was the capital of California. Loreto didn’t give up this privilege until 1777, when the capital was moved to Monterey in Alta California. Loreto remained the capital of Baja until 1829, when a particularly damaging hurricane caused the seat of government to briefly be moved to San Antonio. La Paz became the peninsular capital in 1830, and has remained so for Baja California Sur until the present day.

San Antonio is the longest continually occupied secular community in the Californias…

The Jesuits, Franciscans and Dominicans founded many missions in Las Californias, but the oldest continually occupied secular community is at San Antonio, a small town near El Triunfo, about 40 miles south of La Paz. San Antonio was founded in 1756 by Simon Rodriguez, as a community for mine workers at the newly formed Santa Gertrudis mine.

The final skirmish of the Mexican-American War took place near Todos Santos…

Although omitted almost entirely from books on the subject, Baja California was a hotbed of resistance during the Mexican-American War, and several pitched battles and sieges occurred on the peninsula. The war effectively ended when General Winfield Scott and his troops captured Mexico City in September 1847; but Bajacalifornio patriots under Capt. Manuel Pineda and wartime jefe politico Mauricio Castro continued to fight for their country. The final skirmish took place just north of Todos Santos on March 30, 1848, three weeks after the U.S. Congress had ratified the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

 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 Shane Smith.

Upcoming Event Calendar

July

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

28th Annual Feria de la Pitahaya in Miraflores – July 13 – 15

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

12th Annual Mango Festival in Todos Santos – July 15, 22, 27 – 31

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

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

August

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

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

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

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

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

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

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

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

January 2019

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

February

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

 March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

 

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Adidas Golf Invitational Tees It Up in Los Cabos This November

August 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment

If you’re a golfer, or indeed a sports enthusiast of any kind, you know the name Adidas. The Germany based shoe and clothing company is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe̶ –indeed, one of the largest in the world–with an athlete sponsorship roster that includes golf professionals like Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose and Paula Creamer.

Of course, in addition to sponsoring athletes, Adidas also sponsors sporting events. Like the Adidas Golf Invitational, for example, which tees it up in Los Cabos this November.

If you’re a Los Cabos based golfer, or indeed anyone who visits the area regularly, you probably know about this tournament. Just not by this name.

Formerly the TaylorMade Invitational, and more recently the Jim Flick Invitational–when it was named in honor of Jim Flick, a PGA professional and golf instructor who during a half-century long career taught golf in 23 countries and worked with pros like Tom Lehman and Jack Nicklaus–this annual competition is actually one of the longest running and most prestigious golf tournaments in Los Cabos.

And just to be clear: Adidas has been on board from the very beginning. The company acquired TaylorMade in 1997, just before the initial tournament in Los Cabos. This is just the first year Adidas has put their name in the title.

Despite the multiple name changes over the years, the tournament format has remained fairly consistent: a prom-am setup with the pros competing over 72-holes of stroke play ($100,000 is on the line in 2018), and foursomes (featuring one professional and three amateurs) battling in handicap-adjusted best ball play for prizes and glory.

Cabo del Sol’s Ocean and Desert Courses once again provide the backdrop, and a spectacular one at that. The Jack Nicklaus’ designed Ocean Course has been showered with accolades since it opened in 1994. Ranked in the top 100 in the world for 15 years running by GOLF Magazine, the Ocean Course hugs the coastline, offering stunning mountain, desert and Sea of Cortez views before concluding with what Nicklaus himself has called “the three finest finishing holes in golf.”

Although lacking the same accolades as its Ocean neighbor, Tom Weiskopf’s Desert loop also offers an unforgettable golfing experience, and is certainly worthy of sharing the Cabo del Sol imprimatur.  The scenically sculpted layout is currently rated as the 6th best course in Mexico, and was included among Golf Week’s 50 top courses in Mexico and the Caribbean for 2017.

Given the world-class conditions, it’s easy to see why Adidas refers to the tournament week as “the best week of the year.”

The 2018 Adidas Golf Invitational is scheduled for November 6 – 11, and will build on the momentum of recent outings with a new Tuesday Shoot-Out, an alternate shot competition featuring an additional $7,500 purse for the pros.

For those handicapping the event, the 2016 Jim Flick Invitational was won by Michael Block; and in the team category by the foursome of Jason Marciniec, Alan Marthinsen, Chris Raftis and Bill Sarris. Kramer Hickok triumphed in 2o17, with a 20 under par score that included a blazing 66 in the final round. He bested the defending champion, Block, by five strokes, and another former champion, Bob Sowards, by six. Block redeemed himself, however, with a share of the team title, assisted by Adam Hopp, Rich Rutherford and Robert Jackson.

Jack Nicklaus was honored with the first ever Jim Flick Trophy in 2016, an appropriate selection given the relationship between Nicklaus and Flick–they founded the Nicklaus-Flick Golf Schools together–as well as Nicklaus’ unrivaled status as 18-time major champion, and his contributions to Los Cabos golf.

Nicklaus effectively put Los Cabos on the golfing map in the early 1990s with spectacular layouts at Palmilla, Eldorado and Cabo del Sol; and has since built upon this legacy with the magnificent Quivira, challenging Campestre, and a newly completed 18-hole course at Puerto Los Cabos. His son Jackie accepted the trophy on his behalf.

91-year-old Bob Toski, a long-time golf pro and instructor, received the Jim Flick Trophy in 2017. There’s no word as yet on the honoree for 2018, but the tournament will continue its relationship with the Military Warriors Support Foundation, again helping to raise money to provide a combat wounded veteran a mortgage free home.

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 the Jim Flick Invitational.

Upcoming Event Calendar

August

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

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

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

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

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

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

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

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

January 2019

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

February

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

 

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Cabo Rocks! The Best Music Festivals and Fiestas in Los Cabos

July 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

In Mexico there is always music. You hear it everywhere….not just at bars or nightclubs, but in shops and restaurants,
and in the streets from wandering mariachis.

Music is so much a part of the fabric of the Mexican experience that virtually all events can be characterized, to a greater or lesser extent, as “music festivals.”

That’s particularly true in Los Cabos. For instance….

Bisbee’s Black & Blue, the world’s richest fishing tournament, kept anglers reeling long after the final weigh-in last year thanks to a concert from David Pack’s Legends Live, a collection of musicians from some of the biggest rock bands of the 1070s and 80s.

Sabor a Cabo, the Los Cabos region’s biggest food festival, has boasted appearances from top chefs and from Mexican supergroup Mana and soul/funk legends Earth, Wind & Fire, among others.

The Stars & Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament, similarly, pairs its daytime attractions with some nighttime music from headline-grabbing rock stars like Sammy Hagar and Don Felder of The Eagles. Wherever one turns, in other words – whether to food and wine events, sporting competitions or cultural to-dos – music is there, too.

But while it’s true that every big event in Los Cabos comes complete with music, there are only a dozen or so where music is the unquestioned focus, the centerpiece attraction. Most are rooted in classic rock n’ roll, but a select few showcase other musical styles.

With that in mind, here are five of our favorites:

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina

Every year since 1990, loyal “Redheads” from around the world have flocked to Cabo San Lucas for Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina. In 2018, the former Van Halen and Montrose celebrates his 71st year on the planet with an all-star cast of visiting musicians – including The Circle members Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, and Vic Johnson. Shows are scheduled for October 9, 11 and 13. General admission tickets are available to winners of a random drawing, but those who aren’t selected will still have an opportunity to attend, as some dinner show tickets are always made available in early October on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series

Okay, this one isn’t actually in Los Cabos….but the peninsula’s original pueblo magico, Todos Santos, is only a one-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas, and this event has some serious rock star pedigree….so we’re breaking our own rules.

Former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck pioneered jam culture in Todos Santos with this annual music festival, which brought in high-profile musicians for performances at the landmark Hotel California, as well as the town’s picturesque main plaza. Buck’s festival went on hiatus after he made some controversial comments about local politics at the 2016 event, but the music lives on. The freshly minted Tropic of Cancer Concert Series premiered in 2017, and returns for a third outing in 2019, with the now usual all-star lineup appearing January 10th through the 20th.

Jazz Weekend in San Jose del Cabo

This year saw 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 San Jose del Cabo’s scenic, 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 always free for this two-day music fest in February, which features a talented array of jazz musicians. Latin jazz, as might be expected, is particularly well represented.

Fiesta de la Musica

In 1981 a French director of music and culture, inspired by a statistic that claimed half the country’s children played a musical instrument, began dreaming of a way to engage this musical spirit en masse. Soon after, in 1982, the first Fete de la Musique was held in Paris, where it was scheduled to coincide with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Flash forward 36 years, and the Fete de la Musique is no longer solely a French celebration, but a worldwide phenomenon that takes place annually in over 450 cities in 12o countries around the globe. For the past 10 years, that list of cities has included San Jose del Cabo, the oldest and most populous of the two cape cities (Cabo San Lucas is the other) that comprise the modern-day municipality of Los Cabos. In San Jose, however, the celebration is known by its Spanish name, La Fiesta de la Musica.

Over the past decade, the Fiesta de la Musica has become so important and so beloved by the local community that it’s now considered the premier music festival in Los Cabos. Certainly, it’s the most robustly attended, drawing over 25,000 people annually. The 2018 edition featured more than 100 bands and musical acts performing throughout the city’s historic downtown area. Expect the number to rise in June 2019.

International Concert Music Festival in La Paz

Okay, this isn’t technically in Los Cabos either. But if you love classical music, this yearly festival in Baja California Sur’s capital city is definitely worth the two-hour road trip.

Classically trained musicians from countries around the world come together each autumn in beautiful La Paz to provide five nights of memorable music at the elegant Sala de Conciertos, a performance venue in the downtown heart of the city. Featured composers in years past – this year marks the ninth edition – have included Beethoven and Debussy.

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 Cabo Wabo Cantina.

Keywords:  music in Cabo, Cabo Wabo Cantina, Sammy Hagar, events in Cabo, concerts in Cabo, events in Baja, live music in Cabo, Los Cabos events, music in Los Cabos, concerts in Los Cabos, live music in Los Cabos, jazz in Cabo,

 

Upcoming Event Calendar

July

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

28th Annual Feria de la Pitahaya in Miraflores – July 13 – 15

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

12th Annual Mango Festival in Todos Santos – July 15, 22, 27 – 31

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

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

August

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

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

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

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

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

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

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

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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The Cabo Culinary Calendar – A Guide to Food Festivals in Los Cabos

July 3, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos’ ever evolving dining scene is shown off to its best advantage in the region’s increasingly packed calendar of food and wine related events, which spotlight the creativity of Los Cabos’ top chefs, but also celebrate traditional local specialties like freshly sourced seafood and organically grown fruits and vegetables.

For those seeking a true taste of Los Cabos – from food festivals in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo to fairs and fiestas in Todos Santos and beyond – here’s a basic guide to the biggest events on the local culinary calendar:

Summer Harvest Festivals

Each July, when the pitahaya ripens, the residents of the small organic farming community Miraflores (in English, “Behold the Flowers”) celebrate with a 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.

Pitahayas were the favorite food of the region’s indigenous inhabitants, the Pericues, and thus also have a strong cultural and historical component. This year’s “feria” is coming up soon – July 13 to 15 – and will include the crowning of a festival queen, a pitahaya gathering contest, and a vast array of food and drink, much of it featuring the region’s signature fruit.

Pitahayas may be the most emblematic fruit in Baja California Sur, but the  most ubiquitous are mangoes. You can reach up and take them off the trees at many area resorts and restaurants, and during summer months, freshly squeezed mango juice becomes a delicious daily treat for residents and visitors alike.

A trip to the annual Todos Santos Mango Festival will heighten your appreciation for what can be done in the name of this luscious tropical fruit. See if you agree with who dishes out the best Mangate, a dessert typical of the region. The 2018 edition – hosted in the state’s only pueblo magico, one hour north of Cabo San Lucas by car – takes place later this month: July 28 – 31.

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival

The region’s biggest culinary festival, called Sabor a Cabo, is held each year in early 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 rotates to 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.

Cheese & Wine Festival and Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar

Each year – typically in March – Sheraton Grand’s luxurious Hacienda del Mar resort transforms its Salon Hacienda ballroom for a mammoth tasting celebration of cheese and wine. Live music accompanies the enormous selection of internationally representative quesos y vinos, with all ticket proceeds going to benefit the Los Cabos Children’s Foundation.

Sabores de Baja Festival in Miraflores

The small town of Miraflores is notable for several reasons, including the unusual longevity of its residents and its annual summer harvest festival celebrating pitahayas, the favorite fruit of the area’s indigenous inhabitants. Mainly, though, it is known as the foremost organic farming community in the Los Cabos municipality, the place the region’s best restaurants go to source their produce. It’s the perfect place, in other words, to host an organic food festival that focuses on the traditional cuisine and culture of Los Cabos. Sabores de Baja (sabores translates as tastes or flavors) is expected to return for its 3rd annual edition in April 2019.

Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival

Aside from the annual Sabor a Cabo shindig in Los Cabos, Gastrovino is the biggest food and wine festival in Baja California Sur. Held each April or May in the state’s only pueblo magico, Todos Santos, Gastrovino is organized by the owners of a local 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. Live music is also a staple, as is a silent auction to benefit local programs for children.

Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada

Los Cabos’ top chefs converge on the luxurious beachfront Casa Dorada resort each April, where they compete to produce the most delicious variation of Mexico’s signature comfort food: the taco. The winners are traditionally the guests, who get to sample creative taco entries from some of the area’s most talented culinary craftsmen. Live music is also featured

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 Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa.

Upcoming Event Calendar

July

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

28th Annual Feria de la Pitahaya in Miraflores – July 13 – 15

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

12th Annual Mango Festival in Todos Santos – July 28 – 31

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

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

 August

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

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

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

 September

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

 October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

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

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

 November

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

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

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

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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The Summer Sports Season Heats Up: July Events in Los Cabos

June 27, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The 2018 fishing season in Los Cabos started with June’s Cabo Summer Slam, AKA the Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing,
but really heats up in July with three of the region’s signature events.

The Capes’ biggest tennis competition, the ATP sponsored Abierto Los Cabos (or Los Cabos Open), also returns, welcoming in the world’s number four ranked men’s player, Juan Martin del Potro, alongside previous winners.

22nd Annual Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament (June 28 to July 1)

Golf and fishing provide the competitive tournament aspect of the 22nd annual Stars and Stripes, but there are also beach days, spa visits, nightly dinners, and music from some of the world’s most recognizable performers. The 22nd edition of what amounts to the complete Cabo lifestyle experience – which also raises money for children’s charities – is scheduled to return June 28.

Of all its attractions, fishing has proved to be most enduringly popular part of Stars & Stripes. No surprise, really, given that the tourism industries for cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo were built on big-game sportfishing. The tournament launches from beautiful Chileno Bay, with participating anglers vying to bag the biggest tuna, dorado, wahoo, sailfish, and blue, black and striped marlin. This year start times have been pushed back to allow a more vacation-like approach.

Golf, too, is a major draw. Participants this year have the choice of nine or 18-hole tournament outings at Puerto Los Cabos, which currently boasts 27 spectacular holes from champion golfers Jack “The Golden Bear” Nicklaus and Greg “The Great White Shark” Norman. Nine of the holes at Puerto Los Cabos are brand new, so tournament entrants will be among the first to play them.

Nightly musical entertainment is also a distinguishing feature of Stars & Stripes. This year the headliner is Don Felder, former lead guitarist for the Eagles, and a co-writer of the iconic song Hotel California. Plenty of other acts are also on tap, including The Downtown Band, and the festivities will once again be hosted by Shawn Parr, AKA “The Ambassador of Country Music” and “The Voice of the Golden Globes.”

14th Annual East Cape Dorado Shootout (July 21)

Since 2005, the beautiful East Cape community of Los Barriles has been hosting a one-day dorado fishing shootout. Dorado, for the uninitiated, is the Spanish word for what fishermen in the Western U.S. call mahi-mahi, and people in the Eastern U.S. typically refer to as dolphin or dolphinfish.

By any name, it’s a delicious food fish; and by any standards, the East Cape Shootout is one of the most popular annual fishing tournaments in Los Cabos, with an average turnout of about 130 teams per year.

Team entry for this year’s tournament, to be held July 21, is $500. That’s the ante for a shot at a new Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck and other prizes. Optional side jackpots can also be lucrative. Last year, jackpot purses alone totaled over $126,000.

3rd Annual ATP Los Cabos Open of Tennis  (July 30 to August 4)

Los Cabos is justifiably famed for its booming golf scene, but the cape cities have also proved fertile for golf’s traditional country club partner, tennis.

The most high-profile example of this is the Los Cabos Open, an ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) sponsored tournament hosted each summer near Cabo San Lucas. Two of the world’s top 10 ranked men, American Jack Sock and Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, have already committed for the 2018 event.

The Los Cabos Open (or Abierto Los Cabos as it is known is Spanish) is one of two ATP events held annually in Mexico, the other being the Mexican Open in Acapulco. The first Los Cabos Open tournament in 2016 featured 13 of the world’s 50 best players, and was won by hard serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic, who defeated Spanish star Feliciano Lopez in the final. The match had historic dimensions, as it featured the oldest finalists in an ATP event since 1977. Last year, American Sam Querrey accomplished the first Mexican Double, winning both the country’s professional tournaments in the same year. Juan Martin del Potro won in Acapulco a few weeks ago, so another Mexican Double is potentially in play this year.

In addition to Sock and del Potro, world number 20 Fabio Fognini, and 38th ranked Lopez have also confirmed. The defending Queen’s Club champion and a former French Open doubles champion, Lopez has appeared at all of the Los Cabos Opens to date, and has helped to promote the tournament to a broader audience with numerous media appearances on its behalf. Others who have committed for this year’s 3rd annual event include current no. 54 Ryan Harrison and a singles finalist from last year, Thanasi Kokkinakis. Last year’s champion, Sam Querrey, will also return.

The tournament takes place at the Delmar International School, a bilingual and bicultural education facility serving children K-12. Special facilities were built there for the first tournament in 2016, highlighted by a 3,500 seat stadium, grandstand and auxiliary courts, plus a hospitality center featuring fine food and drink, sponsor tents, and of course gorgeous views of Land’s End.

19th Annual Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore  (July 31 to August 4)

As summer temperatures heat up, the fishing tournament scene migrates to the Los Cabos municipality’s gorgeous East Cape. No less than two separate single-day tournaments (including the East Cape Dorado Shootout) give away new fully-loaded automobiles to winners, but the region’s summer headliner remains the Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore.

The ECO is the first of three Bisbee’s sponsored fishing tournaments that take place in Los Cabos each year. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three qualifiers in marlin, tuna and dorado categories during the 2018 edition – scheduled for July 31 to August 4 – 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.

Last year, 64 teams vied for over $590,000 in prize money at the East Cape Offshore. A record 11 of the 64 teams shared in those payouts, following an exciting tournament that saw 136 billfish – including 71 blue marlin and 55 striped marlin – caught in only three days.

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 of Puerto Los Cabos courtesy of Questro Golf.

Upcoming Event Calendar

July

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

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Festival del Mango in Todos Santos – Jul. 28 – 31

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

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

August

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

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

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

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

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

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

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

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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“Red” Alert! Dates Set for Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina

June 13, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Some things get better with age. Some people do, too.

That’s certainly the case with Sammy Hagar. “The Red Rocker” has been going strong for over 70 years now, and will celebrate year 71 on the planet with a series of birthday bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina on Oct. 9, 11 and 13.

The “birthday bashes” are a perennial highlight of the autumn event calendar. Hagar has been hosting them at Cabo Wabo since the year benchmark Cabo San Lucas nightspot opened, and over the past few decades there have been guest appearances and cameos from a virtual who’s who of rock n’ roll.

But getting tickets has never been easy. Random drawings for ticket eligibility are par for the course, with luckless “Redheads” camping out in front of Cabo Wabo when select first come, first serve dinner show tickets are released in early October.

Little wonder that the competition is fierce. Hagar is rock n’ roll royalty, after all, and has been a star since he first joined Montrose in 1973. He eventually went solo, charting hits like There’s Only One Way to Rock and I Can’t Drive 55 before cycling through a series of supergroups, from Van Halen to Chickenfoot.

Hagar is also Los Cabos royalty, the celebrity figure most associated with life at Land’s End.

That wasn’t always true, however. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was the first rock star to put Cabo San Lucas on the map, garnering publicity for the area when he married supermodel Patti Hansen at Hotel Finisterra in 1983. Bandmate Mick Jagger, even more famous than Richards, was best man.

That property, since rebranded as Sandos Finisterra, has memorialized the legendary nuptials by preserving the palapa beneath which the couple were married, and opening an onsite nightclub and Brit themed lounge called The Stones Club.

Hagar first heard of Los Cabos when he was reading about Richards’ marriage in a music magazine, and he began making plans for his own club soon after his initial visit. He opened Cabo Wabo Cantina with his then Van Halen bandmates in 1990, famously premiering the new Land’s End bar and restaurant with a massive promotional assist from MTV. The Van Halen partnership eventually dissolved – both musically and in Cabo Wabo – even as Hagar steered the venture toward enormous success.

In 1996, Cabo Wabo spun off its own house brand of tequila, likewise known as Cabo Wabo. A scant 11 years later, Hagar was able to sell 80% of his stake in the spirit to the Campari Group, cashing out with a cool $80 million.

The cantina has also proved popular, so much so that additional locations have been opened in Las Vegas, Hollywood and Lake Tahoe. The upshot of this continued success is that Hagar is now as much a business magnate as famous musician, recently adding rum and branded beach bars to his ever growing portfolio.

But Cabo Wabo Cantina is the place that started it all, and it’s where Hagar has celebrated his birthday for 27 of the past 28 years (Hurricane Odile in 2014 resulted in the shows being moved to Las Vegas).

Luckily for seasonal visitors, it’s not too late to sign up for the ticket drawing. Registration for the random drawing is currently underway, with the deadline coming this Friday, June 15, at 1 p.m. EST. To enter, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1hAKjGfat7OJCjff2RzzetGLPCCuhZMxTDE3FCrACMjv1Ag/viewform.

Winners will be selected randomly and informed via email on Monday, June 18th. Those chosen will be emailed ticket links to complete the purchase. Don’t abandon hope, however, if you’re not among the lucky few. As is customary, a limited number of first come, first serve dinner show tickets will be made available in October.

This year’s ticket price? $71 dollars, of course.

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 Cabo Wabo Cantina.

Upcoming Event Calendar

June

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

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

Pelagic Triple Crown: 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam – June 7 – 9

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 23

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

King of the Beach Volleyball Tournament at SUR Beach House – June 30

July

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

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

August

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

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

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

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

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

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

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

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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Three Reasons to Choose Villa Rentals in Los Cabos Over Resorts

May 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Gorgeous beaches, world-class golf courses, superb food and drink, spectacular big-game fishing… What’s not to love about Los Cabos?

Cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo showcase an embarrassment of riches when it comes to attractions and built-in appeal, from million-dollar fishing tournaments and celebrity chefs to stunning natural beauty and year-round sunshine. But perhaps the Los Cabos region’s most underrated asset is its unmatched collection of luxurious accommodations.

All the big name brands have or are currently building showplace properties in Los Cabos – Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Nobu, Hilton, Hard Rock, Sheraton – luxurious beachfront resorts that line the southern rim of the Baja California peninsula, each with its own spacious suites, pampering spas, upscale restaurants, and ocean view infinity pools.

Amazingly, though, those aren’t the elite choices when it comes to vacations in paradise. Luxury villas remain king, the gold standard of Los Cabos accommodation options, with the most breathtaking settings and the most enticing amenities.

Simply put, luxury villas are the best way to experience life in paradise.

Not convinced? Here are three great reasons to choose villa rentals in Los Cabos over traditional luxury or all-inclusive resorts.

Villas are the Ultimate Luxury Accommodation

Luxury villas occupy the most sought after real estate in Los Cabos, from the exclusive hillside community of Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Los Cabos and secluded beachfront settings on the municipality’s pristine and picturesque East Cape.

But it’s not just the incredible settings that make luxury villas special. Every room, every furnishing, every detail is first-class, of absolutely superior quality. Nothing was bought in bulk or conforms to resort wide design patterns. These are custom designed properties that feature the best of everything.

Think unique architectural features, marble floors and granite countertops, king-sized beds with 400 thread count sheets and goose down pillows, private pools and  jacuzzis, fireplaces and outdoor firepits, gourmet kitchens and outdoor BBQ grills, satellite TV and stereo, executive office suites and conference rooms….

Think sprawling ocean view homes that will accommodate substantial groups of people, not only families but wedding parties or executive retreats. Luxury villas range in size and square footage, but the largest boast up to 10 bedrooms and 10,000 square feet of exquisitely appointed residential space.

Villas Offer More Privacy Plus Personalized Amenities

Even the most exclusive ultra-luxury resorts can’t promise privacy or right-of-first-access when it comes to restaurants or spas or a host of other amenities. They’re shared, and everyone is equal when it comes to making reservations. That’s not the way it works at luxury villas. Nothing is shared, everything is private. All amenities are reserved for you and you alone, to use when and how you see fit.

Want to enjoy a glass of Champagne from your jacuzzi that overlooks the majestic natural rock formations at Land’s End? Want to have your private chef grill up freshly caught  seafood for friends and family by the pool? Want to prepare your own gourmet feast in a fully-outfitted professional kitchen? Want to enjoy a workout in the fitness center at any hour of the day or night? Want to relax by the fireplace with your spouse while watching a movie from the onsite collection?

If so, you’re ready for villa life. Resorts just don’t offer this level of service and privacy, even to their most valued guests.

Villas are More Affordable Than You Think

Cliffside or beachfront luxury villas may seem the sole province of the rich and famous – and honestly, some of them are – but the truth of the matter is that villa rentals are an accessible accommodation option for a great many vacation visitors. In certain cases they’re actually a more affordable option than the alternative.

This is especially true with larger groups: families traveling together, couples sharing a weekend getaway, those arriving for conventions and special events, and so on. In these circumstances, the cost per suite or bedroom often compares favorably with luxurious beachfront resorts.

There is no comparison, however, when it comes to bang for your buck. Los Cabos’ villas are among the most spectacular properties on the planet, with awe-inspiring ocean views and the sort of five-star services normally reserved for Hollywood superstars.

If you want to live like an A-lister in Los Cabos, villa rentals are the way to go, the ultimate way to experience life in paradise.

For more information about 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 .

Upcoming Event Calendar

May

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

June

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

Pelagic Triple Crown: 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam – June 7 – 9

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 23

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

July

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

August

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

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

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

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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