Experience the 136th Tijuana anniversary celebration with mañanitas, live tribute, free concert by Banda El Limón and family fun in Teniente Guerrero Park on July 10–11, 2025.
Tijuana — On Friday, July 11, 2025, Tijuana marks its 136th anniversary, and residents are gearing up for two days of music, dancing and neighborhood pride. Festivities launch Thursday, July 10, at Teniente Guerrero Park in downtown, where families will gather for the traditional “mañanitas,” local performances and a tribute to late musician Javier Bátiz.
The “mañanitas” tradition, organized by Unidos por Tijuana, has brought the community together for 35 years, according to Frank Deniz, public relations officer for the city council. Each year on this weekend, neighbors line up at the park kiosk just before dawn. As the sun rises, performers lead the crowd in birthday songs, and local artisans sell crafts, snacks and Tijuana-style coffee.
“When I was in elementary school, only six of 45 classmates were from Tijuana,” says lifelong resident Lidia Mancilla. “We are a border city where opportunities have filled the streets. We welcome everyone, from all over Mexico and beyond.” Mancilla plans to bring her grandchildren to Thursday’s festival and share memories of past celebrations.
Thursday night’s program features local bands, folkloric dance groups and a special set honoring Javier Bátiz, whose pioneering rock guitar work shaped Tijuana’s musical identity. Food stalls will offer tacos de adobada, shrimp tostadas and other regional favorites. Children can join face-painting stations and cultural workshops led by area artists.
Friday, July 11, opens with final mañanitas performances at 7 a.m., followed by market stalls and pop-up art exhibits. At 8 p.m., the massive free concert kicks off at the Miguel Hidalgo roundabout, headlined by Original Banda El Limón under Salvador Lizárraga. Municipal officials expect up to 15,000 fans to line Centenario Avenue for the brass-filled show.
To ensure public safety, the city has announced road closures around the concert site. On Thursday, one lane near the roundabout closed for stage setup. Starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, traffic on the Independencia Bridge and nearby streets—Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, Padre Kino, Márquez de León, Villaurrutia, José Gorostiza and Salvador Novo—will be suspended. Drivers should plan alternate routes and leave extra travel time.
For resident Sara Partida, the anniversary is a moment to honor the city’s unity. “Tijuana grows every day,” she says. “We live side by side, maybe as strangers now, but I believe today someone we don’t know becomes a friend.” Partida hopes the weekend’s events will strengthen ties across neighborhoods and generations.
As Tijuana celebrates 136 years, these two days in Teniente Guerrero Park remind everyone why this border city pulses with creativity, resilience and cultural pride. Whether you come for the “mañanitas,” the Bátiz tribute or the free Banda El Limón concert, the 2025 anniversary promises an authentic Tijuana experience.
