-Editorial
The City of El Centro is set to host its annual Mardi Gras festivities, a cherished tradition filled with excitement, community spirit, and vibrant celebrations. The 2025 Mardi Gras events will include the nomination of the Mardi Gras King and Queen, a Coronation Reception, and the much-anticipated Mardi Gras Parade and Street Festival.
Residents and workers in El Centro are invited to participate in the selection of the 2025 Mardi Gras King and Queen. Nominations are being accepted until January 8, 2025, at 5 p.m. Candidates should embody the essence of Mardi Gras, represented by the colors purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power).
Nomination forms are available online at www.cityofelcentro.org and can be submitted in person at the Community Center, located at 375 S. First St., or via email at anava@cityofelcentro.org. The selected King and Queen will serve as the faces of the event, participating in media interviews, hosting the Coronation Reception, issuing an official proclamation, judging parade entries, and leading the Mardi Gras Parade atop the final float.
The King and Queen will be crowned at a Coronation Reception on January 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Courtyard. Co-hosted by the City of El Centro and the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (IVRCC), the reception will celebrate the newly crowned royalty in a lively and colorful atmosphere. Guests will enjoy music, community fellowship, and the regal flair that makes Mardi Gras a unique cultural celebration.
The centerpiece of the Mardi Gras festivities, the Mardi Gras Parade and Street Festival, will take place on February 22, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. The parade, beginning at 6 p.m., will feature a dazzling array of floats, live music, and performers who will bring the streets of El Centro to life.
The event, organized by the City of El Centro in collaboration with the IVRCC and Los Vigilantes, is a celebration of creativity and community. Families and friends are encouraged to come together to enjoy the vibrant energy and shared joy of Mardi Gras. Those interested in registering a float or group for the parade can contact the IVRCC at 760-352-7413.
For more information about the events or to download nomination forms, visit www.cityofelcentro.org
