You are here: Home / Archives for Los Cabos Film Festival

Food Festivals, Fishing Tournaments & Other Fiestas: November Events in Los Cabos

November 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment

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

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

30 Days of Land’s End Happenings – November Events in Los Cabos

October 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Few months in Los Cabos are more exciting than November, thanks to a huge variety of highly anticipated events, from holidays and cultural celebrations to destination lifestyle experiences and lucrative sporting competitions.

The eleventh month of 2018 boasts no less than three major holidays, including Day of the Dead (one of the most visually striking and spiritually profound of all Mexican remembrances), Revolution Day (which honors the victories won by rebel leaders like Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata), and of course Thanksgiving, which has been imported from the U.S. for the benefit of turkey and cranberry sauce starved visitors.

The red carpet glamour of the Los Cabos International Film Festival makes it one of the cape cities’ signature cultural celebrations, although the return of the seasonal Thursday night Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo promises more lasting interest, since it runs through the end of June 2019.

Sporting aficionados, meanwhile, can choose between cash-rich fishing tournaments like the WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot, high-stakes golf at the Adidas Golf Invitational, endurance contests like the Ironman 70.3 half-triathlon, and off-road racing in the iconic Baja 1000.

There is something, in other words, to appeal to every traveler’s taste.

Dia de Muertos  (Oct. 31 – Nov. 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 Nov. 1, and the souls of adults on Nov. 2. 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.

San Jose del Cabo Art Walk  (Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29)

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.

20th Annual WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament  (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.

Los Cabos International Film Festival  (Nov. 7 – 11)

The Los Cabos International Film Festival returns for its 7th edition on Nov. 7, 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 Paraíso, 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.” Winners of prizes for significant achievements in cinema receive the coveted Ballena de Los Cabos, the whale-shaped award created by jeweler Daniel Espinosa that was first unveiled in 2016.

Dia de la Revolucion  (Nov. 20)

Revolution Day is a national holiday in Mexico that remembers the revolution from 1910 t0 1920, a civil war that began as a revolt against over three decades of dictatorial rule from President and caudillo supremo Porfirio Diaz, and continued as rebel factions fought to control the country’s future direction. It began when Francisco Madero published his Plan de San Luis, urging the people to rise up in arms on November 20, 1910, and continued under revolutionary leaders like Emiliano Zapata and Francisco “Pancho” Villa. Revolution Day is one of five Fiestas Patrias (Patriotic Holidays) celebrated annually, and is commemorated with a three-day weekend and parades across Mexico, including cavalcades in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Dia de Accion de Gracias  (Nov. 22)

 No, Mexico does not honor a time in the distant past when pilgrims sat down to share a feast with the indigenous peoples. But in Los Cabos – home to many American and Canadian residents, both of whom celebrate their own versions of Thanksgiving – the holiday is observed, if mainly at special dinners or functions for residents or travelers from Mexico’s two North American neighbors. Canada’s version takes place Oct. 8, 2018; and is a time for parties and special menus at Canadian owned bars like Hooliganz in Cabo San Lucas. The U.S. version, called Dia de Accion de Gracias in Spanish, is much more acknowledged locally, and dinners featuring turkey and traditional fixings will be offered at restaurants around Los Cabos on Thursday, Nov. 22.

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:  WON Tuna Jackpot

Upcoming Event Calendar

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

 

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

Shooting Stars – The Red Carpet Return of the Los Cabos International Film Festival

October 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The Los Cabos area has always been a favored getaway destination for Hollywood stars and other A-list celebrities. In the 1950s, icons John Wayne and Bing Crosby famously flew down for the white-winged dove hunting in Santiago, and visited the gorgeous East Cape for its renowned big-game sport fishing. When Hotel Hacienda opened in Cabo San Lucas in 1963, Wayne and sex symbol Raquel Welch were among its early visitors. More recently, paparazzi have taken to camping out on looking beaches looking for the latest celebrity bikini sightings (Kourtney Kardashian and Nicole Kidman are among the most recent “photo captures”), and entertainment industry moguls have bonded over their shared love of Los Cabos to start lucrative businesses. George Clooney and Randy Gerber, for example, started a tequila brand (Casamigos) while enjoying their neighboring Los Cabos properties, and rock stars Sammy Hagar and Adam Levine have since paired up on an unlikely fusion of tequila and mezcal called Santo Mezquila.

Liquor launches aside, though, the real business that brings celebrities to Los Cabos is show business, most notably appearances at the Los Cabos International Film Festival, which since its premiere in 2012 has posited itself as a North American version of Cannes…bringing together prominent players from the U.S., Mexican and Canadian film industries. The festival’s motto, after all, is “Come see what the neighbors are doing!”

The 7th edition of the LCIFF is slated for November 7 – 11, 2018, and as in previous years will provide a glitzy showcase for the area, featuring everything from red carpet premieres and VIP soirees to screenings of dozens of high-quality films competing for prizes and awards.

Films to look forward at the 2018 festival include At Eternity’s Gate, with William Dafoe giving an intense performance as painter Vincent Van Gogh; and 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen’s Widows, a new heist film with a spectacular ensemble cast headlined by Viola Davis, Liam Neeson, Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell, and Michelle Rodriguez.

In addition to gala screenings at the El Pabellon Cultural de la Republica (the Cabo San Lucas cultural pavilion that host red carpet premieres), select films will be shown at Cinemex Theaters at marina based mall Puerto Paraiso, as well as at select outdoor sites.

High quality films are well and good, of course, but the first question most people ask is who are the movie stars attending this year? In past years, cinematic luminaries like Kidman, Edward Norton, Reese Witherspoon, Matt Dillon, Monica Bellucci, Virginia Madsen, Oliver Stone, Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor have attended, and the latter two actually engaged in a playful red carpet “light saber” battle in 2015, reprising their roles from the legendary Star Wars saga.

And those are only the stars most familiar to English speaking audience. Stars of stage, screen and small screen in Mexico have also showed out in droves, and are in fact the biggest hit with the locals who line the red carpet railing with paparazzi and national and international media.

No big announcements have been made as yet for 2018, but traditionally stars from chosen gala screenings appear at festival events, as do winners of the prestigious Ballena de Los Cabos, a whale-shaped, gold or silver gilded award that was unveiled in 2016, and is presented annually to several honorees for significant achievements in cinema

Stay tuned for additional details and movie star appearance confirmations via Twitter @LosCabosRental.

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: Los Cabos International Film Festival.

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

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

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

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

Los Cabos Looks Forward to Red Carpet Glamor at 6th Annual International Film Festival

September 5, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Last week’s tropical storm Lidia hit Los Cabos hard, but cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are quickly getting back to their beautiful selves, and readying for what is expected to be a banner autumn season for high-profile events.

Sammy Hagar will welcome a host of rock star friends for his annual birthday bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina in early October, and the guest list will be even more star-studded than usual, since believe it or not, this is the 70th birthday celebration for the former Van Halen frontman. And of course Bisbee’s Black & Blue and Los Cabos Offshore tournaments, the former affectionately referred to as “the Super Bowl of Sport Fishing, return later in October to continue their tradition of turning fishermen into millionaires.

But when it comes to big names, star appeal and glamor, nothing tops the annual Los Cabos International Film Festival. The 6th edition is slated for November 8 – 12, and as always will provide a glitzy showcase for the area, featuring everything from red carpet premieres and VIP soirees to screenings of dozens of high-quality films competing for prizes and awards.

High quality films are well and good, but the first question most people ask is who are the movie stars attending this year? In past years, cinematic luminaries like Edward Norton, Reese Witherspoon, Matt Dillon, Monica Bellucci, Virginia Madsen, Oliver Stone, Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor have attended, and the latter two actually engaged in a playful “light saber” battle at El Pabellon Cultural de la Republica (the Cabo San Lucas cultural center that hosts red carpet premieres), reprising their roles from the legendary Star Wars saga.

And those are only the stars most familiar to English speaking audience. Stars of stage, screen and small screen in Mexico have also showed out in droves, and are in fact the biggest hit with the locals who line the red carpet railing with paparazzi and national and international media. Eiza Gonzalez is the biggest name to confirm so far. The Mexican born actress won raves for her work on From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, and is now working with legendary filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, the director of classics like Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump and Polar Express.

But bigger names are sure to confirm in coming weeks.

This edition is also expected to have a slightly different feel, since former festival director Alonso Aguilar Castillo has handed over the reins to Hugo Villa Smythe. Smythe is the current General Director of Mexico City’s Film Commission – an important national position – and thus his commitment to the LCIFF confirms its status as the premiere festival in Mexico, and one of the most important and influential in the hemisphere.

Under Smythe’s guidance, three new prizes will be awarded this year, adding to a list that already includes more honors than any festival in Latin America. Winners for contemporary films and those honored for career achievements will receive La Ballena de Los Cabos, a whale-shaped, gold or silver gilded award that was unveiled last year.

For more information on tickets, screenings, events and attendees, visit www.cabosfilmfestival.com.
For information about vacation rentals, including luxury villas, in Los Cabos during the film festival,
Call Us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo courtesy of Los Cabos International Film Festival.

 

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

Los Cabos Film Festival – November 11-15, 2015

February 4, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Fall is among the busiest, and most beautiful, times of year in the Los Cabos area. Fishing tournaments Newsletter-Galainauguración1-665x347abound, the weather is cooling off just enough to be beautiful, and, in recent years, people have been preparing for the hugely successful Los Cabos International Film Festival. This festival, now in its fourth year, will be held on November 11-15, 2015. While this might seem like a long way off, there is no time like the present to start getting ready for a vacation later this year.

The Los Cabos International Film Festival is meant to be a forum for professionals in the Mexican cinema industry to interact with commercial and artistic partners from both the United States and Canada. It has proven to be an incredibly enjoyable event and has even served to skyrocket the popularity of multiple Mexican-made films. If you are a fan of cinematic endeavors of any kind, you should attend some of the forums and screenings that the Los Cabos International Film Festival has to offer.

The best place to learn about the 2015 event is www.CabosFilmFestival.com . This website features details about all three past festivals, a list of last year’s winners, and regular updates regarding this November’s happenings. You will also find helpful information about traveling to the Los Cabos region from almost anywhere in North America; this is sure to be incredibly useful to vacationers who have never been to San Jose del Cabo or to Cabo San Lucas before.

The Los Cabos Villas team will be happy to help you plan any aspect of your trip, starting now. If you have plans to attend the star-studded Las Cabos International Film Festival, contact us soon for assistance. We will work with you to find a Cabo vacation property that is ideal for your needs. Whether you want to be close to the action or in a remote spot, we are sure to have something that suits you. We look forward to making sure your Cabo villa or Cabo condominium is everything you want and more.

banners-cartel2014

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Los Cabos Events Tagged With: ,