This issue of Tendencia, titled “Conquerors of the Desert,” pays tribute to the people of the Santo Domingo Valley. In this edition, the team highlights individuals who have played a crucial role in making this region of Baja California Sur known for its tireless efforts in agriculture.
Ciudad Insurgentes and Ciudad Constitución in Comondú were not created by chance or decree. They emerged from a daring vision to transform the desert into a thriving agricultural valley.
In the early 1950s, this area was known as Valle de Santo Domingo. People arrived here filled with faith and ready to sow the seeds of the future. They didn’t bring wealth, but they brought determination and perseverance. Although they encountered no roads, they found new horizons. With government management and support, along with trade from La Paz, the community was able to secure trucks, food, medicine, and tools, growing stronger with each new dawn.
General Agustín Olachea, a visionary of colonization, paved the way for the institutional development that facilitated the settlement of these lands. He firmly stated, “Baja California needs men of goodwill to exploit its riches.” Those men, along with their families, ultimately responded to his call. Brave women arrived with children in their arms, carrying hope in their hearts.
The farmers of the Santo Domingo Valley—the true conquerors of the desert in the last century—transformed arid land into a fertile valley. They planted wheat, alfalfa, oranges, vineyards, and asparagus where there was once only dust, choyas, and silence.
In Ciudad Insurgentes, a wall was erected featuring the names of pioneers who dared to defy the harshness of the desert and turned it into a place of abundance. Each name etched on the wall represents a story of struggle and a seed of hope that took root in the heart of the arid landscape. This wall stands as a testament to their courage, sacrifice, and deep love for the land.
Today, asparagus production is a key factor that distinguishes the valley and sets a global benchmark, establishing it as a leader in quality and exports. This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of Chiapas workers, whose dedication and effort enhance the region’s productive spirit. Their presence not only boosts the economy but also fosters new cultural and human connections that contribute to a revitalized sense of identity.
A descendant of early pioneers, actor Enoc Leaño, alongside his mother, has launched a cultural guerrilla movement through the La Toba International Film Festival. They have garnered tireless support from allies such as Damián Cosío, the Director of CBTA 27, as well as teaching staff and student volunteers from the educational institution. Last year, at this school, the artist Kijano created a mural that captures the soul and memory of this valley.
Rodimiro Amaya embodies the spirit of those early pioneers. With a firm political resolve and a commitment to social responsibility, he has adopted technology to transform his ranch’s agriculture. Under his leadership, the countryside has undergone modernization, production has diversified, and the entrepreneurial spirit has been revitalized and flourished.
In the heart of Comondú, the Mission of San Luis Gonzaga stands as a testament to centuries of history, spirituality, and culture. The essence of this land is captured in its patron saint festivals, horseback rides, and traditional celebrations, where local identity is deeply intertwined with history. Every year, the people honour their roots through music, dance, devotion, and pride. In every saddled horse, decorated altar, and popular song, the spirit of those who persevered lives on.
Ciudad Insurgentes and Ciudad Constitución are not just fertile lands; they are a legacy and an identity, resonating with the fulfillment of promises. Here, history is cultivated through struggle, nurtured with love, and celebrated with pride. It reflects the courage and hope of those who chose to make this land their greatest treasure.
