Held along the sandy shores of Castillos del Mar, the inaugural Expo Destino Rosarito Extraordinario offered attendees an immersive showcase of the gastronomic, cultural, and touristic wealth that defines Rosarito and Baja California.
The event, which took place on the afternoon of Thursday, June 25, drew a host of local and state dignitaries, including Rocío Adame Muñoz, Mayor of Playas de Rosarito; Miguel Ángel Badiola, Baja California’s Secretary of Tourism; and Irán Leonardo Verdugo, Rosarito’s Secretary of Economic Development and Tourism. Also in attendance were Octavio Machado Sánchez, President of Canirac Rosarito, and Paul Corona Rodríguez, President of Rosarito’s Tourism and Conventions Commission (COTUCO), alongside representatives from sister cities such as Chula Vista and San Felipe.
A Successful 1st Expo Destino Rosarito
Among the most memorable moments of the expo was a live bluefin tuna butchering, led by Aldo Patatucci, chef of Rosarito’s acclaimed Occio restaurant. The 45-kilogram specimen was caught just a day prior off the coast of Ensenada and prepared hours before the event, a testament to the freshness and quality that have made Baja California’s seafood a prized export to Asian markets.
Guests also savored choice cuts including the loin, o-toro, and chu-toro, each served with wakame seaweed and a tamarind-chili vinaigrette.
Organizers also took the opportunity to promote the upcoming Fish and Seafood Festival, scheduled for August 22 in Playas de Rosarito. The festival will feature tastings from a variety of local restaurants and a live performance by the band Elefante, promising another unforgettable celebration of Baja California’s coastal bounty.
The gastronomic offerings extended well beyond the sea. Diners enjoyed roasted beef ribs from Mexicali’s Casa de Tutuli, alongside the iconic Carnitas “Los Panchos,” a beloved staple for both locals and visitors alike.
The Kumiai indigenous community brought a rich cultural layer to the expo, presenting handcrafted items made from acorns, jojoba, moronel, and canutillo. Isac Romo, a community representative, emphasized the importance of sharing the heritage of Baja California’s native peoples, whose history is deeply woven into the region’s identity.
The event also celebrated Baja’s renowned beverage scene, with wineries showcasing vintages and a seaside cave pop-up at Sunio Beach Club offering wine tastings in an atmospheric setting. Attendees could also sample artisanal beers, regional mezcals, and tequilas. The cave experience will remain open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through August and September 2026; reservations are available at 661-527-6518 or via @suniobeachclub on Instagram.
Artisanal baking was represented by Eduardo Notario, founder of Casa Nagú, a celebrated bakery known for reviving traditional methods and flavors. Located along the Free Highway to Rosarito, Casa Nagú has become a destination in its own right, drawing loyal customers from across the region.
Notario expressed hope that the expo would shine a brighter light on Rosarito’s coastal offerings, saying,
“I hope it has more impact and that people come to know this area of Baja California, the love and passion we have here on the coast.”
Adventure tourism was also on display, with horseback riding, ATV demonstrations, and paragliding exhibits underscoring Rosarito’s growing reputation as an outdoor destination. Meanwhile, the organization Olas Para Todos highlighted the city’s inclusive spirit, offering surf therapy for children with disabilities and promoting adaptive water sports.
Expo Destino Rosarito was spearheaded by COTUCO Rosarito, whose Director General, Saúl Álvarez, explained the motivation behind the event.
“We’ve long presented our destination through screens in-state, out-of-state, and in the U.S. This time, we decided to bring it to life. We wanted people to come, taste, and experience Rosarito firsthand,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Álvarez confirmed that COTUCO plans to make the expo an annual affair, expanding its network of participants and continuing to strengthen the local tourism value chain.
For more information on future events, follow COTUCO Rosarito on social media or visit their official website:
Website: www.rosarito.org
Facebook: @rosaritobajanorte
Instagram: @rosarito_baja
