CLUB'S BLOG
As highlighted in one of our recent newsletter articles, the missions scattered throughout Baja California Sur stand as crucial landmarks in the region's development, both historically and in terms of tourism. Among these, the San José del Cabo Mission holds particular significance, with a special day dedicated to honoring the holy figure of St. Joseph (San José).
Founded on April 8, 1730, the mission bears the name of Don José de la Puente Peña y Castejón, Marquis of Villa Puente, who generously supported its establishment. The addition of "del Cabo" distinguished it from the mission of San José de Comondú, a different municipality. A century later, the mission era concluded, and San José del Cabo attained the status of a town. The Traditional Festivities of San José del Cabo trace their roots back to the ancient religious custom of designating a day to commemorate and celebrate a saint.
The 2024 edition of the San José del Cabo Traditional Festivities holds an additional highlight: the 51st edition of the Margarito Sández Villarino Floral Games. Esteemed as one of the longest-standing contests in Baja California Sur and recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, the "Margarito Sández Villarino Floral Games" have been a cornerstone activity since 1973, held in conjunction with the celebration of St. Joseph, the patron saint, on March 19th.
Ever since, the Organizing Committee of the San José del Cabo Traditional Festivities invites participation in an open call for unpublished poems, embracing themes and styles freely, from any Mexican resident of Baja California Sur over 18 years old. The inspiring work from "The Poetic Seas: An Anthology of the Margarito Sández Villarino Floral Games (1973-2012)" serves as a living literary history of Baja California Sur, not merely a distant past but a continuum toward the future.
In this Finisterra, poetry knows no end. In a world questioning the poet's role, Baja California Sur responds with a tradition spanning forty years, with poetry that envisions a world full of possibilities. The Margarito Sández is among the state and national literary awards with enduring significance in Mexico, offering readers a rendezvous with Southern California's literary tradition.
Each year on March 19th, the municipal government organizes these festivities, among the most prominent in Baja California Sur. They constitute a vital intangible cultural heritage of the locals, contributing significantly to the regional sense of identity. As the entire town gears up to celebrate, anticipation fills the air for what promises to be one of the most vibrant festivals in Baja California Sur.
During these traditional festivities of San José, an array of events unfolds, including Dancing Horses and "The Grand Horseback Ride," the Traditional Regional Sweet Contest, basketball, and baseball championships, Duathlon, family races spanning from 1K to 9K, beauty contests, and even "The Burrito Choyero Fest 2024," the most delicious contest of the San José del Cabo Traditional Festivities 2024, where locals showcase their culinary skills. And since all of this coincides with Holy Week, to add to the vibrant atmosphere, there are also floats with decorations that parade through town, accompanied by music and dancers. Each float represents an aspect of life in San José del Cabo and Baja California Sur, with themes including farming, ocean wildlife, and the area’s religious and political history.