-Editorial
Red lanterns, rhythmic drums, and the sweeping movements of a traditional lion dance welcomed families and visitors to a Lunar New Year celebration that transformed Gran Plaza Outlets into a vibrant showcase of culture, community, and cross-border connection.
The free public event, held Feb. 28 at 888 W. Second St., was organized by Gran Plaza Outlets in partnership with the Binational Association of Entrepreneurs of Both Californias, A.C., and Calexico Martial Arts Academy. Residents from across the Imperial Valley gathered to mark the Lunar New Year with live performances, cultural demonstrations, and family activities centered on Chinese traditions.
A highlight of the afternoon was a traditional lion dance performed by students from Alex Lee’s martial arts school. Accompanied by drums and cymbals, the lion moved through the crowd in a display symbolizing renewal, protection, and good fortune for the year ahead. Martial arts demonstrations followed, showcasing discipline, precision, and the cultural heritage behind the practice.
Community leaders were also in attendance, including Victor Legaspi, mayor of Calexico, and Rocio Vazquez, head consul of the Mexican Consulate in Calexico. Their presence underscored the region’s binational character and the event’s emphasis on cultural appreciation across borders.
“It is important that we continue recognizing and celebrating our Asian community, whose hard work, dedication, and contributions have made a lasting and positive impact on the City of Calexico,” Legaspi wrote on his social media.
Organizers said the celebration was designed to offer residents an opportunity to experience Chinese traditions firsthand while fostering unity within the community. Families watched cultural dance performances, enjoyed music, and gathered for the traditional dragon dance, which filled the plaza with color and movement.
The Lunar New Year follows the Chinese lunar calendar, in which each year is associated with one of 12 zodiac animals. The Year of the Horse, the seventh sign in the cycle, is traditionally linked to energy, independence, and perseverance. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes strength, progress, and the pursuit of success. Recent Horse years include 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014, with the next occurring in 2026.
Event organizers expressed appreciation to sponsors, performers, and attendees whose participation made the celebration possible. They said additional cultural and family-oriented events are planned in the months ahead as part of ongoing efforts to bring diverse traditions to the community.
