BAJA BEACH FEST 2024 DAY 1

Entering Rosarito, you could feel the warm Mexican beach weather, see the large crowds of people walking toward the beach, and, of course, hear reggaeton beats blasting from blocks away. It’s the best time of the year for Latin music lovers, as Baja Beach Fest once again hosts its world-famous reggaeton music festival. It’s not every day you get to see the biggest Latin artists come together to perform one after another for hours on the same stage. That is exactly what fans from all over the world come to experience at Baja Beach Fest, and Day 1 did not disappoint.

Some of the best young and up-and-coming Latin artists opened the festival, including Omar Courtez, Dani Flow, and Alvaro Díaz. These artists set the tone for the rest of the event and had fans dancing in the sun as they performed live renditions of their hit songs, “LUZES DE COLORES” and “Otro Show.” But out of all the daytime performances, there was one special moment that had fans screaming and jumping in the crowd. As he said into the mic, “Let’s get a little sad because I am a sad boy,” Alvaro Díaz, the Puerto Rican rising superstar, took the stage. Fresh off the release of his latest album SAYONARA and gearing up for his upcoming tour, Alvaro Díaz brought his energy to Baja Beach Fest, giving fans an early preview of what’s to come. He not only played hits from his new album but also took the crowd on a journey back to his earlier days of fame with songs like “Llori Pari” and “A Mi Tambien”—both collaborations with Feid. Though Feid wasn’t present, the fans filled in, singing his part along with Alvaro.

As the sun began to set, the party was just getting started. The festival carried on into the night, and the excitement only grew. Legendary artists like Yandel and De La Ghetto took the stage, playing their iconic throwback songs that helped shape reggaeton. Artists like De La Ghetto and Yandel are true pioneers of the Latin music industry, and their music continues to influence new and up-and-coming reggaeton artists today. Playing old-school hits such as “Tu Te Imaginas” and “Sensación de Bloque” brought nostalgia and memories to the entire festival, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience created by Baja Beach Fest. As the night neared its end, it felt like the best was saved for last. Superstar Latin DJ Deorro took the stage, spinning his signature EDM-Latin fusion tracks, while the legendary Chencho Corleone performed his old-school hits. It was clear that the headliner, Rauw Alejandro, was about to have the entire festival remember why Baja Beach Fest is so special.

Another notable performance came from Mexico’s very own young superstar, Xavi. Xavi represents a type of artist the Latin music industry hasn’t seen in a long time, akin to the rise of Peso Pluma. His rapid rise to fame, fueled by trending songs on social media and his unmistakably strong voice, made his performance at Baja Beach Fest a truly incredible experience. Being in Mexico and witnessing Xavi perform in front of a crowd of thousands was nothing short of amazing. At such a young age, Xavi’s talent is undeniable, and he truly represented Mexico in the best possible way. Performing his hits like “La Diabla” and “La Victima”—both of which have over 1 billion streams—Xavi owned the stage, proving that he’s here to stay.

Around midnight, the chants began, with fans screaming, “Rauw, Rauw, Rauw!” His music echoed through the speakers as everyone eagerly awaited his arrival. Then, the lights went out, and the crowd erupted as smoke began rising from the floor, and dancers took their positions on stage. As the smoke thickened, the anticipation built, and the crowd went wild. Finally, there he was—Rauw Alejandro, stepping onto the stage in leather loafers, sparkling shorts, and a tank top with a white collared shirt over it, soaking in the moment as the smoke faded. Rauw truly brought the party to Baja Beach Fest, giving his fans exactly what they deserved. He even brought out special guest Alvaro Díaz to perform their famous collaborations together, creating an unforgettable moment for the audience.

It’s not every day you get to see Rauw Alejandro perform by the beach in Mexico, and he knew that. He expressed his love for the country, making the experience even more special.

A particularly memorable moment occurred when Rauw grabbed a Mexican flag from the crowd and draped it around his neck for the rest of the night.

There was truly no better way to end Night 1 of Baja Beach Fest than with Rauw Alejandro closing the night with his powerful vocals and impressive choreography. From romantic ballads to club bangers, his transitions and song selection were everything any reggaeton fan could have asked for. Night 1 was a massive success, and Baja Beach Fest was just getting started, with two more nights of unforgettable performances ahead.

Written By Joseph Hernandez Torrejon Photos Shot by Joseph Hernandez Torrejon