You've probably already heard a lot of the city of Tijuana, but not as an art destination. The art scene of the city has changed dramatically since the dark years of organized crime violence.
Nowadays, Tijuana has many attractions that go beyond Revolution Street and the soccer games at Caliente stadium. With an existing art scene, cool bars of the beaten path and slew new lauded restaurants Tijuana has emerged as one of the most enticing Mexican cities, a multi-cultural, always creative and never boring border town. Even the world's famous traveler, Antony Bourdain, visited Tijuana last January, giving the town rave reviews.
One recent marker of Tijuana's burgeoning role in the international art scene was Bizet´s "Carmen" inside a rodeo arena with a local an international cast, the Baja California orchestra, horses and a 70-menber choir, thanks to the Tijuana Municipal Institute for Arts & Culture (IMAC), and the Mexican Federal government.
This type of co-operation has recorded remarkable achievements, helped overcome prejudices and enhances the image of Tijuana.
The sold out event was a great effort to promote the arts and tourism in the city during the Latin-American Artist Encounter hosted by the city late August.
"This is incredible; I hope in the near future they will be able to do more activities like this and exchanges with San Diego," said Josefina Gomez, San Diego Opera teacher. "That's the reason I am here tonight, because I'm most interested on seeing the type of talent you have here in Tijuana, and I very happy that I was able to make it here."
So is Baja California destined to become a hot cultural events destination? It's not quite there yet. But Tijuana´s great efforts, friendly people and unique multi-cultural environment will not go undiscovered for long.
eduardo.flores@sandiegored.com
