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-Editorial
The structure known as El Cocinero Chino, created by artist Óscar Ortega, was formally completed the night of Dec. 31 with the full unveiling of the installation in Mexicali’s Historic Center.
Municipal authorities reported that the final elements surrounding the structure were cleared late Tuesday, allowing the piece to be revealed in its entirety. Standing 23 meters tall, El Cocinero Chino includes a designated area for visitors to take photographs and observe the surrounding downtown area.
The completion of the structure marks the official conclusion of the project, which forms part of a broader rehabilitation and revitalization effort in the Historic Center. That initiative has been underway for more than four years and has focused on restoring public spaces, promoting cultural landmarks, and encouraging tourism and pedestrian activity in the city’s downtown core.
Officials said the installation is intended to become a visual and cultural reference point within the Historic Center, contributing to ongoing efforts to preserve local identity while modernizing the area. With the structure now fully accessible, El Cocinero Chino is expected to serve as a new attraction for residents and visitors alike.
The towering monument, intended to honor the Chinese cooks and immigrants who played a central role in Mexicali’s cultural and culinary history, faced opposition from residents who questioned the municipality’s decision to invest in a large-scale sculpture amid other pressing community needs. Critics also pointed to repeated construction delays, noting the project extended several months beyond its original timeline.
Mexicali Mayor Norma Bustamante intervened late in the process, instructing the artist to complete the monument by Dec. 31, 2025. The final version differs from earlier plans, which envisioned a white finish and additional detailing. The artist defended the delays, arguing that monumental works of this scale often take years to complete, drawing comparisons to long-term historical projects such as the Great Wall of China.
Despite the earlier backlash, public reaction appears to be shifting. Residents and visitors have been seen stopping to take photographs, aided by a designated area across the street created specifically for selfies and sightseeing. The monument’s prominent location at the gateway to La Chinesca has quickly made it a visible landmark.