Environmental organizations, artists, and musicians are inviting the public to the first-ever Festival por la Sierra de la Laguna this Sunday, July 26, in Cabo San Lucas. The event brings together community activists, conservationists, and local performers for a day focused on protecting one of Baja California Sur’s most important natural areas.
The festival runs from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Green House in Cabo San Lucas. Organizers say the gathering is both a celebration of the Sierra de la Laguna and a response to concerns about development projects near the protected reserve.
Why the Sierra de la Laguna Matters
The Sierra de la Laguna is a federally protected biosphere reserve and the primary source of groundwater recharge for much of Baja California Sur. According to Colectivo Pericú, the reserve is home to endemic species and provides essential water resources for the entire state.
The event coincides with the World Day Against Open-Pit Mining and aims to raise awareness about environmental threats facing the region. Organizers include the Frente Ciudadano en Defensa del Agua y la Vida (Freciudav), BCS Contra la Corrupción, SOMOS, Quaayaip, and several other citizen groups.
Talks, Workshops, and Community Action
The afternoon begins with “Charla por la Sierra,” a series of presentations by environmental activists and specialists. Aradia Pérez will explain the ecological importance of the Sierra de la Laguna, while Alejandro Rivera will discuss the history of citizen resistance to large-scale mining in Baja California Sur.
Cristian Mendoza will cover current threats to the protected area and what residents are doing to defend it. Mabel Ricárdez will talk about responsible hiking and conservation practices inside the reserve, emphasizing how recreational activities can be enjoyed without harming ecosystems.
According to local reports, the festival will also feature information booths, activities for children, and a photo exhibition showcasing images of the Sierra de la Laguna. A signature-gathering table will be set up to support a citizen mandate calling for the expropriation of strategic lands within the protected area.
Art, Music, and Cultural Expression
After the educational sessions, the event shifts to “Arte por la Sierra,” where local artists will present music, poetry, dance, and other performances inspired by land and water protection. The night concludes with “Toquín por la Sierra,” a concert featuring Edwin Corona, Los Rancholos, and Herede, among other musicians.
Organizers say the festival is designed to strengthen community ties and encourage public participation in conservation efforts. The gathering comes amid ongoing concerns about a development project promoted by Hermandad en Armonía near the reserve’s foothills, which environmental groups say has caused damage to protected flora and fauna.
What to Expect Sunday
The festival is free and open to the public. Organizers are encouraging families, expats, tourists, and longtime residents to attend and learn more about the environmental and cultural importance of the Sierra de la Laguna.
For those interested in Baja’s environmental issues, water security, or community organizing, the event offers a rare opportunity to connect with local activists and hear directly from people working to protect the region’s most vital natural resources.
