September and October are an ideal time to visit Los Cabos and pay tribute to the profound cultural influence that the Hispanic community has had in shaping both Mexico and the United States. Unlike other dedicated heritage months that span a single timeframe, Hispanic Heritage Month stretches across two months to coincide with several important Latin American independence days.
Festivities begin on September 15th, the independence day of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The following day, Mexico's independence is celebrated, followed by Chile on the 18th and Belize on the 21st. The commemoration continues through October 12th, which marks Día de la Raza, or Indigenous Peoples Day, in Mexico, before concluding on October 15th.
In Cabo San Lucas, the celebrations kick off on September 15th with a lively gathering in the main plaza. Locals and visitors alike revel in live music, regional cuisine and drinks, and a reenactment of the "Cry of Dolores" – the historic moment when a Catholic priest in Dolores instructed his congregation to revolt against Spanish rule, igniting the independence movement.
Guests of the Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos are invited to join the resort’s fiesta, held annually on September 15th. Attendees are treated to Mexican cocktails, snacks, and games, as well as a mariachi performance and a fireworks show.
Across the tourist corridor in San José del Cabo, the celebrations take on a more traditional flair, with a reenactment, carnival rides, food and drink stalls, and a nightly fireworks display.
Opportunities for cultural immersion in Los Cabos do not end on October 15th. Year-round, visitors can delve into the area's rich history and heritage through a variety of educational experiences and historic landmarks.
Cabo City Tours, owned and operated by locals, takes visitors and local school children on 90-minute journeys through the pre- and post-colonial history of Cabo San Lucas, which was established in 1730 as a Jesuit mission – the southernmost on the continent. The tour also explores the legacy of the indigenous Pericu people who inhabited the region for centuries before the arrival of European settlers. Locally owned and operated, Cabo City Tours donates a portion of tour proceeds to local education and crime prevention.
Further inland, the former mining town of El Triunfo provides a glimpse into the area's colonial past. The largest outpost on the peninsula in the late 18th century, El Triunfo now stands as a captivating ghost town, with colonial buildings transformed into restaurants and cafes catering to tourists. Visitors can explore the Museo de Plata, learn about the town's musical heritage, and even venture into the old mining grounds to gain a deeper understanding of daily life during the region's prosperous era.
Centuries ago, Spanish explorers scoured our coastline in search of routes around the Americas to reach the riches of Asia. On Baja California Sur, they discovered the freshwater Río San José, providing a crucial supply stop before embarking on transpacific expeditions. Heavy with treasure, these galleons soon attracted the attention of fearsome privateers who lurk behind rock formations like our iconic El Arco to ambush Spanish ships leaving the harbor. Today, contemporary travelers can try out their sea legs and get lost in captivating tales of adventure on board Wild Cabo Tours’ pirate ship sailing.
Cooking classes, tequila tastings, and live musical performances are hosted by Los Cabos’ top-rated resorts throughout the year, giving guests an authentic Mexican experience in the heart of Baja California Sur. See a full list of Los Cabos’ immersive events, activities, and demonstrations.
