Tijuana’s Municipal Inspection and Verification Office launched a compliance operation on Friday targeting street vendors at swap meets, city parks, and the Playas de Tijuana boardwalk ahead of Holy Week.
Inspectors fanned out across high-traffic areas to verify that vendors hold valid permits, meet hygiene standards, and are not blocking sidewalks. The operation is part of the city’s annual effort to keep public spaces orderly during Semana Santa, one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.
Where Inspectors Focused
Teams visited swap meets, known locally as mercados sobre ruedas, in four neighborhoods: Salvatierra, Francisco Villa, Mariano Matamoros, and Reforma. All four are densely populated residential areas on Tijuana’s east side where open-air markets draw large weekend crowds.
Inspectors also checked vendor activity at Parque Morelos, a large family park in the Otay section of the city, along with Parque Esperanto, Parque de la Amistad, and Parque Teniente Guerrero in the downtown Zona Centro. Parque Teniente Guerrero is a frequent stop for visitors crossing from San Ysidro on foot, sitting just blocks south of the pedestrian border crossing.
Boardwalk Patrols at Playas de Tijuana
At the malecón in Playas de Tijuana, inspectors maintained a steady presence to keep pedestrian walkways clear. The coastal boardwalk, which runs along the beach near the U.S. border fence, is a popular gathering spot for both residents and day-trippers during holiday weekends. Officers checked that food vendors displayed proper documentation and that stalls did not encroach on walkways.
One of the primary goals of the operation was ensuring that ambulant vendors, those selling from carts or temporary stalls, did not obstruct sidewalks. City officials said the seasonal crackdown focuses on public safety, cleanliness, and compliance with municipal regulations during a period of heavy foot traffic.
Tijuana is estimated to have roughly 25,000 street vendors citywide, a figure that swells during holiday seasons when demand for food, drinks, and souvenirs spikes. The city routinely ramps up enforcement during Semana Santa and other peak periods.
The operation was first reported by Punto Norte and confirmed by En Línea BC and Tijuana en Línea.