What the Todos Santos fiestas are
The town was historically called Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Todos Santos, and October 12 is the feast day of its patroness. The fiestas patronales cluster around that date: church services at the old mission, a procession, and evenings of music, food stalls and small fair rides around the plaza.
It is a small-town fiesta. Don't expect a big stage production or a printed English program. The appeal is seeing Todos Santos as a working Baja Sur town instead of a gallery stop, with ranch families in town and kids running around the plaza until late.
Who will enjoy it
Travelers who liked the art and food side of Todos Santos and want a second, more local visit. Families do fine in the early evening. If you want nightlife, stay in Cabo; this is a church and plaza celebration first.
The town usually publishes its program only a short time before the dates, so check with your hotel or a local business in town the week before if you are driving up just for it.
The drive from Médano Beach
Todos Santos is roughly 75 km north of Cabo San Lucas on Highway 19, about 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Most of our guests rent a car or hire a driver for the day; there is no easy taxi option back late at night. Park a few blocks from the plaza, since the streets around the mission get closed or packed in the evening.
Combine it with our Todos Santos day trip guide and a stop at Cerritos Beach on the way back. October is still warm and humid, so read the weather by month before you plan an afternoon outdoors.
Practical tips
Bring pesos in small bills; plaza vendors rarely take cards.
- Arrive late afternoon, walk the galleries, then stay for the plaza after dark.
- Dress modestly if you step into the mission during a service.
- Decide on a designated driver before you leave Cabo; the highway is dark at night.
Where to eat and what else to do
Todos Santos has plenty of good places to eat around the plaza, so there is no need to pack food. Walk the gallery streets in the late afternoon, then find a table before the plaza fills up. If you'd rather sleep in your own bed, leave town by around 9 PM so most of the highway drive back is done before the late crowds head home.