In this special Día de Muertos bonus episode, Natalie invites KPBS web producer Leslie Gonzalez to explore Tijuana’s famous Mercado Hidalgo and discover the stunning altar that’s built each year to honor the market’s founding partners who have passed away.

But there’s a twist: Leslie has never actually visited Tijuana. Her parents always warned her that it was too dangerous. Now, this trip becomes a personal journey of discovery, connection, and celebration that goes far beyond the border itself. It immerses her in the colors, flavors, and traditions of Día de Muertos.

Social media and contact

From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod

Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.

If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.

Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.

Credits

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco

Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos

Editor: Chrissy Nguyen

Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp

Like many cities, Tijuana is rich with folklore and eerie legends. One such tale is the story of Juan Castillo Morales, also known as Juan Soldado, the unofficial patron saint of migrants.

In 1938, Castillo Morales, a military private stationed in Tijuana, was convicted of the rape and murder of 8-year-old Olga Camacho, a girl who lived near the military barracks. However, many believe he was wrongfully accused.

According to local folklore, his spirit still wanders the old cemetery in downtown Tijuana, where some claim to have heard him proclaiming his innocence, among other supernatural occurrences.

We delve deep into this folktale to uncover the truth behind the legend — the historical context, the people involved and the story of how he became known as the patron saint of migrants.

To help distinguish fact from fiction, we spoke with Fernando Escobedo, a historian from Tijuana who has extensively researched the city's past. His work sheds new light on this enigmatic case through the testimony of Fausto Matus, a possible witness to the crime.

Don’t miss this episode, where we unravel the mystery surrounding this iconic legend from Tijuana.

Sources:

“Religiosidad Popular en Tijuana, el culto de Juan Soldado” by Gabriel Rivera and Jose Saldaña

“Juan Soldado: Rapist, Murderer, Martyr, Saint” by Paul J. Vanderwood

Fernando Escobedo books

Social media and contact

From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod

Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.

If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.

Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.

Credits

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco

Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos

Editor: Chrissy Nguyen

Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp