Join
the Fiesta at La Misión!
text
by connie ellig; photos by david hopps & connie ellig
 On
May 28 & 29, the peaceful rural valley of La Misión will explode
into one of the largest outdoor festivals of its type in Baja. The 26th
La Misión Fiesta is a celebration honoring the valley's
discovery by Spanish explorers in 1769, its rich mission history and its
native inhabitants. The family-oriented event offers arts and crafts, cultural
exhibits, lots of home-style Mexican food, live music, colorful folkloric
dancers and an action-packed Mexican country rodeo, known as a vaquería.
Although the premises open on Saturday at 8am, things actually start
hopping at 3pm down in the corral with real-life cowboys riding bulls and
broncos, and tying, roping and branding cattle. On the open-air stage next
to the primary school, this year’s special guests, the Mexican Folkloric
Dance Company of the State of San Luis Potosí, will perform at 4pm,
followed by the 8th Annual State Calabaceado Dance Festival featuring ten
energetic professional dance companies.
At 9pm, there will be a huge ceremonial bonfire in the traditional Cowboy
Camp with singing, dancing, music and a local calabaceado dance
contest with medals for the winners. Overnight dry camping is allowed;
security and restrooms are provided.
 Sunday's
festivities begin at 9am with the opening of the “Micro History of La Misión”
exhibition and a thanksgiving mass at the site of the preserved ruins of
Misión San Miguel Arcángel de la Frontera, established by
Dominican Friar Luis Sales in 1787. The civic parade at 10am is followed
by the official inauguration of the event at noon. Don't miss the exotic
“Danza del Borrego Cimarrón (Dance of the Bighorn Sheep)” by the
Ballet Kicukpaico on stage at 1pm, or the historic cabalgata procession
at 2pm with costumed riders on horseback.
 Throughout
the afternoon, there will be more rodeo contests down in the corral and
folkloric presentations on stage featuring the traditional dances of the
state of Baja California. Although the artistic entertainment ends at 6pm,
the celebration picks up again at 8pm in the Cowboy Camp with more live
music and dancing until midnight.
Fiesta La Misión is held on the patios and grounds adjoining
the primary school and mission ruins at Km. 65.5 on the Tijuana-Ensenada
Free Road (use southbound exit from the toll road at La Fonda). There is
a small parking fee in lieu of admission charge. Be sure to wear sun protection,
comfortable clothes and walking shoes. For more information, contact Professor
Mario Reyes/UABC School of Tourism in Tijuana, tel/fax (664)682-1697.
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