Crazy Cinco de Mayo Celebrations: A Wild Weekend in Baja

The Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Baja, particularly for the youngsters from Chula Vista, have always been a highlight of the year. It’s a weekend of wild parties, unexpected adventures, and a bit of mischief in the beautiful Mexican borderlands.

Every year, as Easter Vacation wanes, discussions start heating up about the upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration. For the youth of Chula Vista, it was a must-attend event, a two-day extravaganza that often culminated in unforgettable memories.

Known more for the revelry and fun rather than historical significance, Cinco de Mayo was a magnet for party-loving young people. The Battle of Puebla in 1862 was far from our minds as we delved into the festivities.

The journey typically kicked off with a midday drive from Chula Vista towards the Mexican border. A mandatory pit stop at a Tijuana liquor store for stocked up on essentials like cerveza, tequila, and rum.

Heading over to Rosarito Beach, a popular haunt, signaled the beginning of the party spirit. With familiar faces, introductory drinks at roadside cantinas, and maybe a round of horse racing, the group was well on its way to a rollicking adventure.

San Miguel, with its reputation as a surf spot, soon turned into a hub for Cinco de Mayo shenanigans. The camaraderie of surfers and party enthusiasts coming together made it a lively scene.

Hopping from San Miguel to Hussong’s Cantina in Ensenada, the group dove headfirst into the loud, crowded essence of Cinco de Mayo revelry. With tequila flowing and wild stories circulating, the night took on a life of its own.

After incidents like a bathroom explosion and a near-fire, the group’s spirit remained unbroken. Following a night of chaos, the early morning calls for huevos rancheros offered the perfect hangover cure amidst laughter and recaps of the wild night.

Day two saw the gang embarking on a trip to Estero Beach before engaging in more mischief and possibly horse races. Concluding the adventure at La Bufadora, a natural wonder, the mayhem heightened.

Returning to Ensenada for the final leg of the Cinco de Mayo extravaganza, the group found itself in the midst of rocket-fueled chaos caused by the infamous Chula Vista brothers. The night erupted into a frenzy of madcap fun and craziness, leaving a trail of excitement in its wake.

The next day marked the return journey to Chula Vista, with quick stops in familiar haunts and fond farewells to another unforgettable Cinco de Mayo escapade.