As it does every year, the Fiesta de La Misión drew large crowds, with residents from across the region and visitors from the United States gathering to celebrate one of Baja California’s most cherished cowboy traditions. The calabaceado dance and rodeo events once again took center stage at the festival, which has been officially recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Baja California.

The celebration began at noon with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque recognizing the Fiesta de La Misión, along with rodeo, ranching traditions, and vaquero culture in Baja California, as part of the state’s cultural heritage. The recognition honors the traditions, history, and cowboy identity that have helped shape the region.

The ceremony was led by Baja California Secretary of Culture Alma Delia Ábrego, who unveiled the plaque and presented awards to organizers Jorge Manuel Valdiviezo Olivas, Ramón Lara Cardozo, and Roberto Cardozo Crosthwaite in recognition of their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to preserving and promoting Baja California’s vaquero traditions.

Ábrego also thanked members of the cowboy community, local residents, families, historians, cultural heritage specialists, advocates, and participating institutions whose collaboration helped secure the highest cultural recognition granted to a traditional practice in the state.

The event also featured the opening of the exhibition La Misión: From the vaquero spirit to calabaceado by photographer Roberto Córdova-Leyva. The exhibit showcases a collection of images documenting community life, equestrian activities, calabaceado performances, and the customs that have shaped this celebration, now recognized as part of Baja California’s cultural heritage.

As night fell, attendees gathered for the festival’s most iconic tradition: the lighting of the monumental bonfire.

Surrounding the fire, community members and visitors came together to keep alive a tradition that honors the spirit and historical legacy of California’s earliest vaqueros. Before the bonfire was lit, members of the Kumiai community performed traditional songs around a stack of oak wood prepared for the ceremony.

The celebration also featured folkloric performances, calabaceado dancing, and live music by regional group Polka Cero.

Held annually since 1979, the Fiesta de La Misión continues to bring together families from across Baja California to celebrate and preserve the culture, traditions, and identity of the region.