04/03/2025
More great info!
Good morning all!
On the eve of our Circus Mexicus - RCPM announcement, we'd like to take a second and address the elephant in the room for some - the border - and shed some light from our perspective. Change can be tough for some especially when not knowing who or what to believe causes confusion. We suggest you limit your source for news to the Rocky Point Times Newspaper and social media page but read comments at your own risk. The team at RP Times has demonstrated they are the first to receive info from the government and are in constant communication with the border. Going beyond a news source for your information will increase your exposure to disinformation, fear and nonsense.
Looking back over the years, all of us at Circus Mexicus - the band, fans, venues, resorts, bars, etc. - have dealt with Swine Flu, passport requirements and Covid among other disruptions. The solution each time was to do just that, deal with it. The reality each time was FAR LESS than the online buzz floating around the cybersphere. In fact, fun was had by all!
In addition to pointing you to Rocky Point Times for the information they report, we'd like to offer a couple other suggestions based on the proposed changes we've read about.
> Alcohol - Yes, there's now a 115% tax on alcohol that you bring with you into Mexico. Inconvenient? Yes. Solution - visit any independent liquor store, Sam's Club, Super Ley or the new Walmart. It's that easy. They have ice too.
> Auto Registration - This appears to include rental cars, but as with just about everything related to the border, things can change quickly. For those coming in from out of state, consider using band social media and connect with other fans who may want to co-op gas expenses or provide a fun travel partner to and from the airport. Have an extra car? Provide proof you're letting the person driving to use your vehicle for the weekend. Again, keep an eye on Rocky Point Times to provide accurate information on not only the rules, but which rules are being enforced.
> Meat - Uncooked meat has never been "allowed" via car or plane in Mexico. Carnivores relax! Top Meat, Sonoran Meats, Sam's and Walmart all have you covered with quality you'll be pleasantly surprised to find...especially at Top Meat.
> If you're bringing well in excess of $400 to import "stuff" in your car, simply take the only left once you pass through the large white border gates and declare what you have. The tax is nominal - many of us with the band have already done so and each time, the tax was significantly less than the published tax rate.
> Lines - Agreed, it's inconvenient but just like every year, these suggestions will minimize your wait. Peak times at Circus Mexicus will be Thursday and Friday afternoons. Leave Phoenix or Tucson early in the morning or in the case of Friday, later in the day. The border in both directions is now open until 10pm every Friday through October which will spread non-concert demand over two more hours. You might also consider coming in a day earlier or staying a day later. When going back to the U.S., the "stop" before the border by the Mexican National Guard takes less than 60 seconds. They are polite. They smile. They are just doing what they are told to do and nothing more. Sunday afternoon will be the peak time at the border going North. The solution is to go back early Sunday morning and get there before 8am or better yet, stay and go back Monday. Border wait times will be minimal.
We encourage everybody to give all of this a shot April 4-6 at Roger's inaugural Singer-Songwriter Summit at Banditos and JJ's Cantina . These will be very special shows and we're willing to bet getting to and from Peñasco will be easier than the impression given on social media the last two weeks.
Here's what we know - RCPM and about 30 other acts are going to Mexico in June and have the time of their lives. THEY ARE GOING TO WAIT UNTIL A COUPLE WEEKS BEFORE THE SHOW AND GET THE FACTS ON WHAT'S NEEDED TO CROSS THE BORDER. They'll make any minor adjustments needed and be on their way. Once there, every server, resort employee, bartender, window washer, taco guy, vendor, store worker and rock band will welcome you with the same open arms they've been extending to us since the first Circus Mexicus 26 years ago.
Happy Circus and feliz viaje,
-RCPM
