Just a few days ago, the Baja California Travel team had the honor of welcoming a select group of travel and gastronomy media representatives to this charming town. Most of them came from Mexico City to experience something authentic and unforgettable: the fusion of northern culture with the timeless traditions of Día de Muertos.

The goal was a familiarization trip centered around two unmissable events — the 7th edition of the already-renowned “El Pan de la Catrina” and the Day of the Dead Festival hosted by the generous Rancho La Puerta. Beyond the work agenda, this five-day, four-night journey was filled with laughter, emotion, nostalgia, and heartfelt conversations that, as our guests expressed, stayed with them long after they returned home. It was a reminder of what makes our land so special — the warmth of its people and their open-hearted hospitality.Reviving a Tradition: The Magic of El Pan de la Catrina

Reviving a Tradition: The Magic of El Pan de la Catrina

Our journey began on the evening of October 30th with the opening of El Pan de la Catrina. For seven years, this event has carried the beautiful and ambitious mission of bringing the spirit of Día de Muertos to northern Mexico — a tradition more deeply rooted in the country’s central and southern regions.

We met with Luis Vera and Alfredo Ochoa, the founders and organizers, who shared the joy of seeing how the Tecate community has not only embraced the celebration but made it their own. A few years ago, it was rare to see local families observing this holiday, given the strong influence of the neighboring U.S. and its Halloween festivities.

That’s the beauty of Baja California’s multicultural identity — witnessing this vibrant blend of traditions. During the El Pan de la Catrina weekend, Tecate’s streets filled with colorful altars and the sweet scent of freshly baked Pan de Muerto, while children and parents alike went trick-or-treating in creative costumes. This coexistence of customs shows that, while the north proudly carries its borderland spirit, it also embraces Mexican heritage with grace and openness.

Gastronomic Tour: Four Days Through Flavors and Stories

Night 1: A Flavorful Start: The trip kicked off with an unforgettable dinner at El Lugar de Nos, where the chef masterfully fused elements of the festivity with local creativity. Afterward, a well-deserved rest at Kumiai Inn to recharge.

Day 2: Between Coffee and Decoration: Early morning, a delicious breakfast at the hotel, seasoned with a pleasant chat with Emma Loam, the manager, about her own Day of the Dead experiences. Then, we headed to Baraja Bakery Coffee. Michelle Barajas, the owner, warmly welcomed us to tell her story, while we got hands-on: decorating a fluffy and warm cinnamon roll with seasonal touches. The coffee route continued at Bocachi Coffee, a distinctive place that combines the best of a coffee shop with a bar, reflecting Baja Californian creativity. We closed with a flourish at Asao, where we enjoyed a dinner with laughter, excellent wine, and gastronomy.

Day 3: Hands-on Dough and Park Festival: The sun found us at El Cafecito Tres Estrellas, a naturally beautiful spot with the imposing Cerro Cuchumá as a witness and genuinely Farm To Table cuisine. The day continued with an immersive experience at Cielo de Ti, a much-loved bakery. Chef Alma Sepúlveda gave us a master class on Pan de Muerto; there was no shortage of laughter or camaraderie in that kitchen. With our artwork in hand, we moved to Parque del Profesor to immerse ourselves in the Day of the Dead Festival: literary calaveritas (rhyming epitaphs), traditional dances, Catrina costume contests, altars, and a vibrant local bazaar. The night culminated downtown with the grand evening of El Pan de la Catrina and an exquisite tasting at Ensamble 43. An unforgettable day!

Day 4: Wine, Sweets, and Surprise Fusion: We had an energetic breakfast at El Ciclo, before moving on to Dulceato, a lovely pastry shop that offered us an interesting workshop on the conservation and tips for Pan de Muerto. The journey then took us to Encino de Piedra, the winery that grants Tecate the title of "North Gateway" to Valle de Guadalupe, the start of the famous Wine Route. We toured their cellar, learned about the artisanal process of their wines, and enjoyed the landscape. The grand finale was the closing dinner at Amores restaurant, a true spectacle where culinary creativity fuses the best of Mexican and Asian food.

Day 5: Farewell with a Taste of Home: The last day began with a hearty breakfast, but the obligatory stop, the sweet farewell, was at El Mejor Pan de Tecate, where each traveler stocked up on freshly baked goods, the city's tastiest souvenir, before heading back to the Tijuana International Airport.

We have confirmed, once again, that Baja California's cuisine is revolutionary, creative, and free, exploring a thousand alternatives that are always delicious. And most importantly: our traditions have not only taken root in the north but have flourished. It is our duty, and Tecate's, to keep them alive.