-Editorial
The City of El Centro has opened the nomination process for the 2026 Mardi Gras King and Queen, part of the city’s annual Mardi Gras Light Parade and Street Festival.
City officials are inviting community members to nominate individuals who live or work in El Centro and who have demonstrated leadership, active community involvement and a commitment to public service. Those selected will serve as ambassadors for the Mardi Gras celebration, representing the city at promotional events, participating in community outreach efforts and attending official Mardi Gras activities leading up to and during the festival.
Nominations must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Jan. 13, 2026. Completed nomination forms and any required supporting materials must be received by the deadline to be considered. Nomination forms may be downloaded from the City of El Centro’s website at cityofelcentro.org and submitted electronically by email to anava@cityofelcentro.org. Forms may also be submitted in person at the El Centro Community Center, where printed copies of the application are available for individuals who prefer to complete the process on site.
The individuals selected as Mardi Gras King and Queen will be formally recognized during the Mardi Gras King and Queen Coronation Reception, scheduled for Jan. 22, 2026. City officials said the coronation marks the official start of Mardi Gras celebrations in El Centro.
Details regarding the date, route and programming for the Mardi Gras Light Parade and Street Festival, as well as other related festivities, will be released as event planning continues.
