El Centro celebrates American history and Mexican culture
Who makes the best taco in El Centro?
El Centro, California is the largest city in the Imperial Valley, located in the southern part of the state and bordered by the Colorado River and Salton Sea. It is America’s largest city to lie completely below sea level and relies heavily on agriculture, with more than 35 growers and shippers still operating out of the city of just under 45,000.
Spanish explorers first visited the Imperial Valley region in 1540 and again in 1776, and years later, after the Mexican-American War, Imperial Valley to the north was annexed by the U.S., while the land to the south remained under Mexican rule.
In 1906, W.F. Holt and C.A. Barker bought the land upon which El Centro sits today for $40 an acre and invested $100,000 in improvements, causing the city to appear to spring up out of nowhere in about five months.
Today, the city enjoys rich cultural celebrations focused on America’s history and the region’s Mexican population.
Grito de Independencia and Taco Cook-off
The historical El Grito or Call of Independence rings out over El Centro at the Grito de Independencia and Taco Cook-off in September. Marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, which led to the country’s sovereignty in 1810, the ceremony is a tribute to the region’s Latino culture and Mexican heritage.
Immerse in lively Mexican music, authentic cuisine and artisan craft displays at the event, which welcomes thousands of locals and visitors annually. Local restaurants, organizations and residents compete for the Best Taco in El Centro title, with mouth-watering taco recipes for every palate.
Mardi Gras Light Parade and Street Festival
With one of the most eye-catching parades in America as its center, the city of El Centro recreates the world-famous Mardi Gras celebration every February. Get caught up in the revelry of music and dance as the entire downtown decorates in the traditionally themed colours of purple, green and gold, and hosts live jazz music, shining costumes, mysterious masks and sparkling lights. Top it off with a street festival offering performers, vendors and New Orleans-style cuisine and it’s an exciting event that’s fun for the whole family.
Ice Cream Social and Rain on Main
For a taste of El Centro’s community spirit, the city welcomes visitors to its annual Ice Cream Social, held this year on July 18. Businesses and residents take part in the full-day event, which features—you guessed it—ice cream for everyone, a parade, live music and the fire department’s Rain on Main event, where kids get a friendly blast from the hose.
The City of El Centro’s parks and recreation director Kristie Riester said the Ice Cream Social was created to bring the community together and is something that everyone participates in.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “The kids especially like being sprayed with the hose and all of the businesses try to get involved. It’s really for everyone.”
