Imperial Valley College and Consulate of Mexico Invite Public to “Noche de Rondallas”

-Editorial

The Consulate of Mexico in Calexico, in collaboration with Imperial Valley College (IVC), is inviting the public to a special cultural evening titled “Noche de Rondallas,” a free concert celebrating music, tradition, and binational cultural exchange.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 7 p.m., and is open to the entire community at no cost, thanks to the support of local sponsors and partner institutions. Organizers emphasize that the evening is designed as a family-friendly gathering that highlights one of Mexico’s most beloved musical traditions while strengthening cultural ties within the Imperial Valley.

The program will feature performances by the Rondalla del Valle and the Rondalla de Ingeniería from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), along with participation from local student and community artists. Together, the ensembles will present a musical journey rooted in romantic string traditions, harmonies, and vocal arrangements that have defined the rondalla genre for generations.

José Esteban Torres Rucobo, artistic director of Rondalla del Valle, shared that the group’s participation came after Mexican Consul Rocío attended a recent anniversary performance in Mexicali and extended an invitation to bring the ensemble’s music to the Imperial Valley.

Rondalla del Valle, founded in 1970 by a group of young musicians at the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Mexicali, has developed into one of the most recognized musical ensembles in northern Mexico. Over more than five decades, the group has earned six national competition titles, recorded nine albums, and performed internationally, including appearances in Prague, Czech Republic, during the bicentennial celebrations of Mexico’s independence. The ensemble has also shared stages with internationally renowned artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Ha-Ash, José José, and Mariachi Vargas, maintaining a legacy that now spans seven generations of musicians.

“We invite the entire Imperial Valley community to experience this musical tradition,” Torres Rucobo said. “It will be a romantic, enjoyable evening and a meaningful celebration for families and especially for mothers, featuring some of Baja California’s finest rondalla performers.”

The Rondalla de Ingeniería of UABC also brings a distinguished history of artistic excellence. The group has earned national recognition with three first-place awards in competitions and has represented the university in cultural festivals throughout Mexico and abroad. Its performances have shared stages with well-known artists including Marco Antonio Muñiz, La Sonora Dinamita, Hernaldo Zúñiga, and Los Tigres del Norte. In 2024, the ensemble celebrated its 38th anniversary with a live production that showcased its continued relevance in Mexico’s musical landscape.

Efraín Silva, dean at Imperial Valley College, highlighted the importance of the institution’s ongoing partnership with the Mexican Consulate in Calexico, which has grown significantly over the past five to six years.

“IVC has become an official educational and cultural partner of the consulate, and this is one of the events we are proud to promote for our community,” Silva said. “It is free of charge and brings a very popular musical tradition in Mexico—the rondalla—to the Imperial Valley. We are also linking it to a celebration of Mother’s Day, making it a meaningful cultural experience for families. We hope the community comes out in large numbers to enjoy a great evening of music, door prizes, and a welcoming atmosphere in a venue that can accommodate many attendees.”

The evening’s program is structured to provide a full cultural experience, beginning with welcoming remarks and recognitions. It will continue with performances by the Rondalla de Ingeniería UABC, the Central Union High School guitar ensemble, and Rondalla del Valle. A brief intermission will allow attendees to socialize before the second half of the program resumes.

The event will conclude with a prize drawing, adding a festive note to an evening designed to bring the community together through music, tradition, and shared cultural appreciation across borders.