San José del Cabo was transformed for two unforgettable nights on 23 and 24 May with the 11th edition of the San José Jazz Weekend International Festival. The hotel zone became a meeting point for music, community and shared emotion. Under a starry sky, with the sea breeze as a backdrop, the festival presented a high-level artistic display that left a lasting impression on all attendees.
From six in the evening until after midnight, the space was filled with exquisite harmonies, brilliant improvisations and silences that spoke as much as the notes. Each group that took to the stage demonstrated impeccable professional quality, capturing the audience from the first chord. The sound was crisp, balanced, with production that enhanced every musical nuance and detail.
The atmosphere was, without exaggeration, magical. Families, groups of friends, tourists and jazz lovers gathered around a common language: music. There was joy, respect and admiration. One of those events that not only entertains but also strengthens community ties, celebrates the best of art and renews the collective spirit.
Directed by Raquel Rocha and curated by the renowned drummer Hernán Hecht, the festival presented an international and diverse programme: from local proposals to famous figures such as the Japanese pianist Miki Yamanaka. Projects such as T’orus and A Love Electric offered memorable performances, confirming that jazz remains a creative force in constant evolution.
In addition to the musical offerings, the San José Jazz Weekend included a lively food and art fair. Food trucks, local cuisine and artisan exhibitors offered unique flavours and pieces that enriched the cultural experience of the festival.
Friday’s closing was glorious: a jam session at the Penca restaurant, the official venue of the event, brought local musicians together with Yamanaka and Hecht. More than an improvisation, it was an intimate and spontaneous dialogue between artists who understood each other without words. The audience, in attentive silence, witnessed a moment that would never be repeated.
The second day, Saturday, May 24th,2025, maintained (and exceeded) expectations. A larger crowd filled the venue, reaffirming the public’s enthusiasm. The spirit of the festival was sustained by high-quality music, warm conviviality, and an environment where different generations, accents, and sensibilities found a shared heartbeat.
With this edition, the San José Jazz Weekend reaffirms its place as one of the most important cultural festivals in Baja California Sur. What happened in these two nights was more than just a show: it was a celebration of art created with vision, rigour, and love for the community. Because when culture is taken seriously, the result is evident: excellence.
