Yesterday, a press conference was held for two major events that will take place in the city of Tijuana. Both with a familiar character but focused at different cultural ambiance: On the one hand we have an event that reminds of the legacy that is Mexican folklore, and on the other an event that seeks to tear down the border with artists from both Mexico as well as the United States. I'm talking about the Multidisciplinary Binational Festival "Matices y colores sonoros de un Norte al Arte Binacional" (Nuances and Vibrant colors of the north to Bi national Art) and the 'XV Anniversary of the House of Culture in Playas de Tijuana"

Elsa Arnaiz Rosas, Director of the Municipal Institute of Art and Culture (IMAC in Spanish) presented the conference., also present was the coordinator of the House of Culture in Playas; Martina Montenegro, the coordinator for the Art galleries at IMAC; Francisco Godinez, The organizer for Border comics; Walter Padilla and the coordinator of the Charro Association of Baja California; Martin Villaseñor.

During the press conference it was detailed just what the organization of these types of events means for the region, the firm intention and the commitment of promoting art as well as creating spaces where people can appreciate all sorts of activities that promote a healthy educative entertainment.

The Multidisciplinary Bi-national Festival consists in a series of artistic activities, which are planned to begin this month of August and end in November. Among these is the project "Estación-arte" with a pending call for artists who want to collaborate by putting up their designs to transform 4 bus stations.

As part of the same festival we have the mini comic convention "Border Comics 2013", which will be held this Saturday August the 10th, starting at 3 P.M. at the Old Municipal Palace installations, where you will be able to appreciate the work of 20 local artists as well as 20 others from Los Angeles, California. There will be conferences on behalf of the editors of IDW Publishing ("Transformers", "Star Trek". "G.I. Joe", "X-files", Nickelodeon, and independent editorials from the United States as well as from Baja California, Charles Glaubitz and Lalo Saavedra. It should be pointed out that admission is free.

And just the next day Sunday August 11th, the celebrations on behalf of the House of Culture Playas will commence, the special occasion being their XV anniversary, and these celebrations will continue throughout the month of August.

The festival will be having it's grand opening with the "Gran Charreada de lujo", which is a mexican tradition with horseback riding, rope tricks and dancing, which will be held at the Lienzo Charro "Cortijo San Jose" at noon, the cost for admission will be 50 pesos per person however admission will be free for children under 12 years of age, which is why for a moderate fee you can go enjoy a great spectacle and take your entire family without your wallet feeling so much as a pinch. Besides the Charro exhibition, there will be live Mariachi bands, which if you're a fan of this type of music, gives you yet another reason to join the festivities.

Martin Villaseñor, a distinguished charro from the region, thanked the IMAC for supporting the diffusion of Charreria, as part of a cultural heritage that should be preserved.

There is plenty to do this weekend, with low priced and even free events, there is no excuse for staying in and not enjoying what Baja California has to offer.

Elizabeth.Rosales@sandiegored.com

Daniel.Aguilar@sandiegored.com