The city of Playas de Rosarito marked its 140th anniversary this past weekend with a festive lineup that included a horseback parade, traditional calabaceado dances, a rodeo, and live music at the local Lienzo Charro (rodeo arena).

The celebrations began on Saturday, May 17, with a cultural festival showcasing traditional dance performances by folkloric groups from Rosarito and other municipalities across the state. The evening continued with a concert headlined by regional music group Explosión Norteña, keeping the crowd dancing late into the night.

On Sunday, May 18, a horseback parade departed from City Hall and made its way to the Lienzo Charro, where attendees enjoyed a rodeo, more live music, and dancing.

Rosarito Mayor Rocío Adame Muñoz led a ceremonial event at the arena, emphasizing the importance of honoring the city’s roots and cultural heritage—particularly the dances and traditions that have shaped Rosarito’s identity over the decades.

Descendants of Rosarito’s founding families took part in the festivities.

Rosarito’s origins are traced back to May 14, 1885, with the official registration of El Rosario Ranch, owned by Joaquín Machado. He received legal title to the land from President Porfirio Díaz, with the property formally recorded in the Public Registry of Ensenada de Todos los Santos. This marked the beginning of Rosarito’s foundational families, including the Crosthwaite, Ames, Gilberte, Esquivel, and González families, among others.

The Machado family, led by Joaquín and Manuel Machado, played a pivotal role in Rosarito’s early development, establishing some of the area’s first ranch settlements, such as Rancho Las Delicias.