Every year in early February for the past decade Todos Santos hosts its popular art festival drawing visitors from all over the world. Regional artists, musicians and filmmakers exhibit and perform in several venues all located within easy walking distance of the central plaza. The wide range of talent includes local and regional artists, musicians, filmmakers and artisans who display furniture, weavings, pottery, salsas and liquors made from local ingredients often using centuries old recipes. On a beautiful sunny Baja Sur winter day this year, the sweet spicy aroma of complicated chocolate mole sauce mixed with the sounds of mariachi’s, Latin jazz and the frenetic high stepping and stamping of folkloric dancing in the town plaza where scores artists displayed their work.

This block long plaza in front of the cathedral was transformed into Baja’s largest outdoor art gallery. Art lovers were able to purchase artwork directly from artists exhibiting sculpture, paintings, drawings, photography and more. Details from the 2007 Art Festival The nearby artisans fair featured many things of interest including 8 to 10 foot long whales carved from wood, brightly colored Mexican woven blankets and carpets, cotton clothes, Talavera ceramics from Puebla, Mexico, silver jewelry from Taxco, Indian woven baskets, pottery from many regions, Mexican specialty foods, sweets and liquors. On the plaza’s outdoor stage and at the historic indoor Manual Marquez de Leon Theater across the street, performances continued day and night for the week. Festivities included literature, music and lectures. Special performances included the famous Mexican pop star Estrella, pianists, chamber music, and local singers. There were fabulous Aztec and folkloric dance performances from Coahuila Mexico, and Irish dancing by local groups. Videos and conferences on marine turtle conservation and whales, and many workshops ranging from drawing, painting to weaving were held. A film festival ran throughout the week featuring American, Chinese and Latin films. On Saturday, the 10th of February, the festivals closing day, a traditional public dance was held in the public plaza to the sounds of the Carlos y su Grupo band direct from Cuba. Everyone danced under the stars.