-Editorial
In the City of El Centro, a locally adapted Mardi Gras celebration is continuing a civic tradition that blends a centuries-old cultural observance with community recognition and public festivities in the Imperial Valley.
At the 2026 Mardi Gras Coronation Mixer, hosted in partnership with the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, the ceremonial transfer of crowns marked the transition of royal representatives for the coming year. Outgoing monarchs Edward Singh and Martha Cardenas-Singh formally crowned 2026 King Jaime Honold and Queen Viviana Honold. The Honolds, local business owners of Burgers & Beer, were selected in recognition of their philanthropic involvement and leadership within the regional business community.
Mardi Gras, a term derived from French meaning “Fat Tuesday,” is traditionally observed on the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Christian season of Lent. The celebration historically developed in Europe and later became widely associated with public festivals in places such as New Orleans, where parades, masked participants, music, and ceremonial royalty became defining features.
While El Centro’s observance differs in scale and structure, organizers describe it as an adaptation that retains symbolic elements of the broader tradition, including coronation ceremonies, community parades, and public festivities — while emphasizing civic engagement and regional identity. Rather than focusing on large-scale tourism, the local celebration centers on recognizing community leadership and fostering participation among residents and businesses.
The principal public celebration is scheduled for February 21. A lighted parade will begin at 6:00 p.m., featuring floats organized by community groups, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses. The evening will continue with a headline concert by Jordan & the LVB at 7:00 p.m.
Festival programming includes live entertainment, dancing, food vendors, family-oriented activities, bead distributions, and a beer garden. Participation in the parade was coordinated through the regional chamber of commerce, which invited organizations across the valley to contribute entries highlighting local culture and commerce.
During the coronation event, the chamber presented a certificate of recognition and coordinated prize drawings supported by donations from area businesses. Organizers said such contributions reflect the collaborative structure of the event, which is supported by municipal leadership, private enterprise, and volunteer participation.
The coronation of Mardi Gras royalty in El Centro serves primarily as a form of civic recognition. Honorees are selected based on community service, philanthropy, and contributions to regional development. Local officials and organizers describe the ceremony as both symbolic and practical — highlighting individuals who represent community values while helping promote participation in the festival.
Event planners said the annual observance has become a recurring tradition that reflects the region’s emphasis on collaboration among public institutions, businesses, and residents. By incorporating familiar elements of Mardi Gras into a locally focused framework, El Centro has developed a celebration that aligns with its civic identity while maintaining ties to the broader cultural heritage of the holiday.
City representatives and chamber officials said the continuation of the event demonstrates sustained community investment in public gatherings that celebrate leadership, volunteerism, and regional unity.
