There is a special kind of light in Todos Santos: not just the warm sunshine that bathes all of Baja California Sur in a golden glow some 330 days a year; but the kind of light that seems to hint at something just beyond the known world.

It was this light, among other things, that convinced painter Charles Stewart and his wife Mary Lou to move to the Pacific Coast pueblo magico (a government designation that means, literally, “magical town”) in 1985, the first of a now thriving colony of artists to do so.

A wealthy sugar capital during the 19th century, Todos Santos is now a popular day trip destination for Los Cabos travelers – it’s only about 45 minutes by car from Cabo San Lucas – thanks to its distinctive blend of bohemian chic, stately red-brick buildings and world-class surfing.

This light shines at all times, but is never brighter than during the first few months of each new year, when Todos Santos hosts a series of cultural festivals celebrating art, film, music and literature.

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series: Former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck pioneered the jam culture in Todos Santos with his annual music festival at landmark Hotel California and the main plaza, but for political reasons Buck is on hiatus and his music festival has morphed into a brand new event. This year, bands and performers such as La Santa Cecilia, Langhorne Slim, Las Cafeteras, Joan Osborne, The Autumn Defense, The Jag, Cordovas, Daniel Donato and Matt Haeck will inaugurate the Tropic of Cancer series at Hotel California and other local venues from Jan. 12 – 21.

Todos Santos Writers’ Workshop: Best known for its painters, Todos Santos has also been a congenial community for writers. The 4th annual writers’ workshop returns to the atmospheric Casa Dracula Feb. 5 – 11, and will feature seminars and workshops, speakers, publishing roundtables and other literary pursuits.

Todos Santos Art Festival/Open Studios Tour: All proceeds from this popular event, in which the town’s painters, sculptors, jewelers and other artists throw open the doors of their studios to the public, go to benefit art programs for local children. The 8th annual Open Studios Tour takes place the weekend of Feb. 11 – 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at art spaces throughout the historic downtown area.

Todos Santos Film Festival: This annual showcase for Mexican and Latin American films is based at the historic Teatro-Cine Manuel Marquez de Leon, a landmark WWII era movie theater that fronts the plaza principal. The 14th edition of this cinematic celebration returns March 1 – 5, however the screening schedule has not yet been announced.

Photo courtesy of Michael Kull.