Last May 4, a sign related to Highway 1 in Playas de Rosarito was installed, specifically KM 42 in the federal road, in front of the development known as Las Gaviotas. One can see that the sign states that Rosarito is Land of Artisans, and it is this way because we want everyone to recognize those who use their hands and their skills to create artistic blacksmithing, fountains, pots, cement figures, and plaster to export. These are some, among many products, that are made in this area of Baja California.

Young cities and populations, such as the ones in Baja California and including Playas de Rosarito, need symbols that create a sense of belonging in their inhabitants. This is why this sign was installed here and follows the example of the first sign, which was installed in March 2018 in Tijuana, at the renowned Revolución Avenue, in the corner of 5th street. People quickly adopted it as their own and made it an icon of the city, and has even become a reference point to take pictures and share them on social media. With this, one realizes what has always been true: the Motherland begins in Tijuana. Both signs highlight Federal Highway 1, which begins in Tijuana and travels through all of the Baja Californian peninsula and ends at Cabo San Lucas, in Baja California Sur.

We promote this Federal Highway a lot because it is Number 1 in all of Mexico, and 1 has great meaning. For starters, 1 is synonymous with leadership and beginnings, but it is also a sign of independence, creativity, and originality, just like the people of Baja California. Number 1 is associated with the beginning of something, determination, and with a groundbreaking spirit.

”La 1” is also the name given to this transpeninsular highway which gives us identity. Residents of all communities of Baja California love it and are proud that we have Federal Highway Number 1 since its logo has become a banner that identifies us.

The thousands of visitors that travel through one of the world’s most iconic highways also love this logo.

The second sign was installed in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora in December, 2020, where Federal Highway 2 is. Along with the mayor, we called this road "La Ruta del Dátil" (Route of Dates), simply because these lands are the largest producers of dates in all of Latin America.

It is important to note that these signs and its replicas installed in restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in the city are a citizen-led initiative where visual artists, graphic designers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and friends are all involved. Several organized social groups are also involved, with Tijuana native Álvaro Montaño Rubio as coordinator.