ROSARITO.- For the sixth year in a row, the Rosarito Art Fest will again consume the streets of Rosarito over Memorial Day Weekend with a festive display of art, food, drinks and live entertainment. The art fest is one of the largest annual events in Rosarito, and it's also one of the most beloved.

Festival organizer (and godfather of the local Rosarito art scene), Benito Del Aguila, got the idea to start the festival six years ago when the local economy was struggling. Del Aguila, along with a group of artists and art enthusiasts, decided to create the festival to help bolster the economy and the positive image of Baja. "The idea was to give good news to everyone and to remind people that there were more good things than bad happening down here," said Del Aguila, "including great art, great music, food and tons of creativity."

Today, the art fest has grown into the biggest art fair in northern Baja. Over one hundred booths will be filled with painters, sculptors and photographers exhibiting and selling their work. Live performances will represent a diverse range of disciplines including jazz, flamenco, tango, opera and classical music. More than 12,000 visitors are expected over the course of the two-day festival.

"This year in particular we are focusing our creativity on the 'experience' of Rosarito Art Fest," said Del Aguila alluding to some new surprises for everyone. "We're focused on the details that make everyone smile."

In addition to artists from northern Baja, San Diego and LA, the art fest has attracted artists from places as far as Singapore and Argentina over the years. This year, artists from Long Beach, Rosarito's soon-to-be Sister City, will also be exhibiting.

My favorite part of the festival is to see thousands of happy people. There is joy in the air, that is very difficult to explain," said Del Aguila. But his main goal for the festival and the art scene in Rosarito? "We want artists to be able to make a living by doing what they love the most."

The Rosarito Art Fest will take place Saturday May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th from 10am to 8pm each day, in the tourist district of Rosarito, Baja California. Free admission. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Jennifer Kramer is a writer for Discover Baja. For over two decades, Discover Baja Travel Club has been the ultimate resource for people traveling the Baja California peninsula. Discover Baja provides discounted premium Mexican auto insurance and other Baja travel benefits to its 15,000 members. Members receive discounts on hotels, restaurants, camping sites and RV parks throughout Baja. For more information, please see www.discoverbaja.comFollow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.