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-Editorial
Provino Baja California announced the return of the Velada Cultural Día de Muertos for its fourth edition, a cultural celebration that combines Mexican traditions, regional gastronomy, and the wine culture that defines Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Bodegas de Santo Tomás in downtown Ensenada, offering an evening of music, art, and wine to honor one of Mexico’s most iconic festivities.
The Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions, recognized by UNESCO in 2003 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Seeking to bring this heritage to northern Mexico, the Velada Cultural Día de Muertos was first incorporated into the region’s cultural calendar during the 43rd World Congress of Vine and Wine held in Ensenada in 2022. Since then, it has become an annual tradition uniting the world of winemaking with Mexican folklore.
Provino Treasurer Héctor Corona Pérez said the event symbolizes the end of the grape harvest and aims to strengthen cultural roots while celebrating the artistry of Baja California’s wine industry. “We seek to create a grand celebration that marks the end of the harvest and connects viticulture with our traditions,” Corona said. “We want to build a bridge between wine and Mexican gastronomy, returning to our origins in a festive atmosphere filled with folklore, offerings, and Catrinas.”
This year’s edition will feature two distinct experiences: Tarde de Ofrendas and Noche de Catrinas.
The Tarde de Ofrendas will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at Plaza Santo Tomás and will be open to the entire community free of charge. The family-friendly event will feature a traditional kermés offering authentic Mexican snacks, regional wines with tasting promotions of three samples for 120 pesos, and artistic activities for children and teens provided by Academia Prisma. Families will also enjoy a large communal altar, face-painting booths, live performances, and folk art workshops, all designed to preserve and share the cultural significance of the Day of the Dead.
The Noche de Catrinas will be held inside Bodegas de Santo Tomás, in the Sala de Fudres and Sala de Tintos, from 7 p.m. to midnight. This portion of the event is reserved for guests 18 and older, with tickets priced at 1,200 pesos. Forty-eight wineries from across Baja California will offer tastings of more than 100 wine labels, including whites, rosés, reds, and sparkling varieties. Attendees will also enjoy culinary pairings from 12 renowned restaurants representing Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe, each highlighting the richness of traditional Mexican cuisine.
For the first time, the event will feature Nayarit as the official guest state. Through a collaboration with the Nayarit Tourism Secretariat, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the state’s cultural heritage and artistic expression. The partnership originated during the Tianguis Turístico, where both regions agreed to promote cultural exchange and tourism collaboration.
The artistic program for the evening includes performances by the Ballet Folklórico de Ensenada, Mariachi Tlaquepaque, and theatrical presentations by Malabaria and the La Loca theater company. Musical acts include the Trio de Melissa Carrasco, who will perform a repertoire of traditional Mexican songs, and Son del Puerto, who will close the evening with lively Latin rhythms.
A highlight of the evening will be a special performance by the Danzares de Nayarit Company, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Representing the Nayarit Tourism Secretariat, the company will present dances from its acclaimed show “Nayarit… El México por descubrir,” a performance that showcases the region’s vibrant mariachi heritage, the artistry of its craftspeople, and the festive spirit of its people from the state’s “golden coast.”
The event will also feature a monumental altar dedicated to Baja California’s wine industry, created in collaboration with Nayarit as guest state and featuring elements inspired by the Huichol culture. Additionally, the Ensenada Cartonería Workshop will exhibit handcrafted Catrinas, paying homage to the artistry that has long been part of Día de Muertos celebrations.
Tickets include a commemorative wine glass and access to wine and food tastings from 7 to 10 p.m., or while supplies last. Organizers recommend arriving early to make the most of the experience. Tickets are available at Provino’s offices, Cava Miramar in Plaza Santo Tomás, Hotel Coral & Marina, and online at iv-velada-cultural-dia-de-muertos.boletia.com.
Provino Baja California invites residents and visitors to participate in this cultural experience that blends art, flavor, and tradition in the heart of Ensenada. Guests are encouraged to attend in festive makeup or Catrina and Catrín costumes to continue fostering Mexican heritage and celebrate the Day of the Dead through the lens of Baja California’s thriving wine culture.