Tijuana and San Diego are known for being very close to each other and their cultural diversity, which is reflected in traditions, customs, and gastronomy. All of this is shared and experienced on both sides of the border including October festivities such as Halloween and Day of the Dead.

Day of the Dead: These are the items that cannot be brought to the United States

Preparations for Day of the Dead altars begin on November 1st and in the southern United States these traditions are also celebrated because of the huge Mexican community that lives there. However, there are specific policies from the US regarding bringing in products, and some of them are related to the items usually used on these altars.

US Customs and Border Protection reminded travelers that there are certain prohibited items that cannot be taken across the border. These products are:

• Murraya or orange jasmine (frequently used as decoration)
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Tangerines
• Sour oranges
• Sweet limes
• Guavas
• Mangos
• Peaches
• Pomegranates

The reason why these products cannot cross the border is a very specific one: some citrus and ornamental plants transmit citrus greening disease, also known as "huanglongbing". This disease was first detected in the United States in 2005 transmitted by the insect "Diaphorina citri". Currently, it is seriously affecting citrus harvesting in Asia, India, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Not declaring these prohibited items when entering the United States could result in their seizure as well as fines ranging from $500 up to $250,000 dollars.

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