CULTURE
Giving Back
Off the Beaten Track: A Historic Site brings promise of tourism and cultural revival to El Triunfo by International Community Foundation
The Baja California peninsula has a unique cultural make-up and important history that is increasingly attracting tourism into the inner ‘ranchos’ and Sierra de la Laguna mountains. One of the new ‘happening’ towns is El Triunfo, located less than an hour from either La Paz or Todos Santos, it’s known for its iconic smokestack “La Ramona”, a bright yellow mission style church, and a handful of delicious cafés and restaurants. “La Ramona” was completed in 1890 as part of the large gold and silver mining operations that operated in the Baja California Sur region until the early part of the 20th century. At that time, El Triunfo had a population of over 4,000 inhabitants and was one of the largest and most diverse settlements on the peninsula! Once the mining operations ceased, the town’s population was reduced to as low as 300 and the economy declined. After over 100 years of abandonment, “La Ramona” was gravely damaged including large cracks and loose or missing brick. The possibility of partial or total collapse after an earthquake or hurricane was a major concern, as well as a constant risk for residents and visitors of El Triunfo. Acknowledging the urgency of these threats and historical significance of the smokestack, in 2015 the International Community Foundation (ICF) negotiated a loan to restore the monument before the 2018 hurricane season. The project was managed by Corredor Histórico, CAREM, a Mexican nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, and raising public awareness about the cultural heritage and history of the Baja California Peninsula. As a documented historical monument in Mexico, “La Ramona” is under the protection of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), who approved the historical restoration and the ongoing plans to manage the property. Now, after years of planning and months of construction, “La Ramona” has been restored, providing safety and assurance to the community that this important landmark will remain intact. The hope is that in coming years the site around “La Ramona” functions as a space to understand and enjoy the history, culture, and natural beauty that abounds in El Triunfo. This historic site, along with the complement of good food, art and artisan attractions in the region, will continue to attract visitors for years to come! The “La Ramona” community inauguration will take place on October 27th, 2018 and a new mining museum, scheduled to open in November, will round out an excellent way to spend a day in El Trifunfo!
LOS CABOS
Giving Guide Cabo San Lucas / San José del Cabo
Amigos de Los Niños www.adlncabo.org - 624 144 3195 Baja SAFE, Salud de los Animales y Familias con Educación A.C. www.bajasafe.com The Bomberos Voluntarios (Volunteer Fire Department) Cabo San Lucas: 624 143 3577 San José del Cabo: 624 142 2466. Building Baja's Future www.buildingbajasfuture.org - 624 355 4314 Casa Hogar de Cabo San Lucas, A.C. www.casahogarcabo.com - 624 123 1285 Gala de Danza A.C. www.galadedanza.com Gente Joven Por Un Cambio, A.C. www.gentejovenac.org H+ Foundation Fund www.donatricfdn.org Liga M.A.C., A.C. (Mexican American Canadian League) www.ligamac.org - 624 120 1060 Los Cabos Children's Foundation, A.C. www.loscaboschildren.org - 624 157 3851 Los Cabos Humane Society www.loscaboshumanesociety.com - 624 129 8346 Los Niños del Capitán, A.C. www.losninosdelcapitan.com - 624 173 3807 Mobilize Mankind www.mobilizemankind.org - 624 129 8223 Red Autismo www.redautismo.org - 624 166 8186 Sarahuaro www.sarahuaro.org - 624 122 4955 Solmar Foundation Fund www.solmarfoundation.com Vifac BCS www.vifac.org - 624 688 5062, 01 800 362 2207
East Cape
Amigos para la Conservacion de Cabo Pulmo, A.C. (ACCP) www.cabopulmoamigos.com East Cape Community Urgent Care Clinic, A.C. www.eastcapemedical.com East Cape Guild www.eastcapeguild.com
Todos Santos
The Palapa Society Todos Santos, A.C. www.palapasociety.org Todos Santos Community Fund www.donate.icfdn.org
La Paz
Centro Mujeres, A.C. www.centromujeres.org Como Vamos La Paz, A.C. www.comovamoslapaz.com Fundación Ayuda Niños La Paz, A.C. (FANLAP) www.lapazninos.org Fundación Cántaro Azul, A.C. www.cantaroazul.com Water and environmental solutions La Paz Community fund www.donateicfdn.org Pelagios Kakunjá www.Pelagioskakunja.org Raíz de Fondo Jardines y Educación, A.C. www.raizdefondo.org
Magdalena Bay
Vigilantes de Bahía Magdalena, A.C. Facebook: @vigilantes.bahiamagdalena
Loreto
To support this historical restoration work, donors can support CAREM and the International Community Foundation by making a meaningful donation or joining the “Adopt-a-Brick” campaign for $100 per brick. For more information contact eliza@icfdn.org.
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DestinoLosCabos.com - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOUTHERN BAJA
Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C. www.ecoalianzaloreto.org