The Ranchero Market, located in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, has established itself as a benchmark in the promotion of rural production and the culture of southern California.
Founded in February 2016 by Ángela Rosario Cota Rodríguez, this market currently has the participation of 41 ranches in the state, from the Sierra de San Francisco to Los Cabos, and attracts more than 300 customers every Saturday.
Unlike temporary organic markets, this space operates as a permanent establishment, offering a craft store, a food area and a weekly market.
“We are not a market that is set up and taken down every week. We are a formal business, with facilities of more than 3,000 square meters and parking for our visitors,” explains the creator.
What does the market offer?
The market sells traditional products such as meat, chicken, cheese, crafts and typical dishes, for example, South California-style beef empanadas, which are made by local hands and have an average price of $45; while crafts range from $150 to $12,000, depending on the complexity of the piece.
“The economic impact for the ranches is important […] we respect the prices of the producers and connect their products with markets that they could not reach before. Today, local crafts reach countries such as Italy, Germany and Japan.”
Special Christmas Festival on Sunday: An event for the whole family
During this festival, activities will be held to promote coexistence, therefore, Cota Rodríguez explained that among the main attractions are:
Traditional contests and games: Attendees will be able to participate in fun competitions for all ages, such as skill games and recreational activities inspired by ranch life.
Christmas workshops: There will be spaces dedicated to the creation of Christmas decorations and crafts that reflect local traditions. Participants will have the opportunity to learn artisan techniques while personalizing their decorations.
Exhibition of regional products: A sample of the products made by ranchers in the region, such as cheeses, honey, jams and crafts, will be available for the delight of visitors. This space also serves to boost the local economy.
Musical show and artistic presentations: Music and typical dances will be the protagonists, creating a festive atmosphere full of joy. The presentations will include both local talents and numbers inspired by the December season.
Lighting of the Christmas tree: The highlight of the festival will be the lighting of a tree decorated with elements that combine the traditional and the contemporary, symbolizing the union of the ranch with the Christmas spirit.
More than a party, a celebration of identity
The Christmas Festival, he said, is an opportunity to pay tribute to ranch culture and, at the same time, foster the spirit that characterizes the South Californian communities.
This event promises to become a space where adults and children can experience memorable moments, remembering the true richness of work, family and community.
Types of ranchers and their activities
The diversity of activities carried out by ranchers in South California depends on the region in which they are located, the available resources and family traditions.
Ranchers: They are dedicated to raising cattle, goats and pigs, supplying both markets and dairy and meat industries. In the Sierra de la Laguna, the production of artisanal cheeses is common, a regional symbol.
Farmers: In oases such as Mulegé and Comondú, they grow fruits and vegetables such as dates, mangoes, oranges and jalapeño peppers. They use traditional techniques that preserve the ecological balance.
Beekeepers: They produce high-quality honey by taking advantage of endemic flora, such as palo verde and torote, generating unique honeys with the flavors of the desert.
Artisans and gatherers: They make crafts and collect wild products such as wild plums, pitahayas and medicinal herbs, preserving ancestral knowledge.
Ecotourism ranchers: They offer ecotourism activities such as guided tours, demonstrations of traditional crafts and authentic gastronomic experiences.
The rancher spirit: Beyond work
Being a rancher in South California is a lifestyle marked by hard work, self-sufficiency and hospitality.
On each ranch, whether a small plot in the mountains or a vast expanse in the desert, a deep respect for the land and its cycles is cultivated.
Music, dance and festivities are also an integral part of ranch life, reflecting pride in Baja California Sur’s traditions and cultural legacy.
Source: oem
