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-Editorial
The City of El Centro and the Consulate of Mexico in Calexico hosted the official inauguration for the exhibition “Mexican Traditional Attire and Haute Couture” on Sept. 24, at the historic Old Post Office, 230 S. 5th St.
The exhibition, which opened to the public Sept. 17, celebrates Mexico’s cultural richness through a curated display of traditional huipiles and rebozos, as well as haute couture creations by Mexican artist Cristina Terán de Félix. The collection will remain on view from Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until October 15.
Terán de Félix’s garments combine symbolic elements of Mexican identity with a contemporary artistic vision. Several pieces are inspired by specific regions and communities, including a skirt that depicts the Mexicali Cathedral and features designs embroidered with Zapotec patterns. The artist’s work looks to honor the diversity of Mexico’s traditions while presenting them in a modern, creative format.
In addition to haute couture, the exhibition features a wide selection of huipiles and rebozos representing various states and Indigenous communities across Mexico. Each garment reflects ancestral knowledge, with colors, stitches, and motifs that vary by region. The collection underscores the role of traditional attire as both cultural heritage and artistic expression.
Rocío Vázquez Álvarez, head consul of Mexico in Calexico, said the display illustrates Mexico’s diversity, noting that the country officially recognizes 69 languages, including Spanish, and is home to many Indigenous groups with distinct traditions.
“Each state of Mexico has its own styles and cultural references, many of them with pre-Hispanic roots, later influenced by colonial history and regional development,” Vázquez Álvarez said. “This exhibition allows people in El Centro to appreciate works of art that are deeply tied to those traditions, whether through embroidered rebozos, ceremonial huipiles, or haute couture inspired by classic garments.”
Vázquez Álvarez highlighted that some of the pieces on display are tied to festivals and community life, such as attire created for the Carnival of Chimalhuacán in the State of Mexico. She added that each community’s garments are as distinctive as the patterns of Scottish tartans, serving as cultural identifiers passed down through generations.
Organizers said the exhibition is intended to engage Imperial Valley residents of all backgrounds. While it connects Mexican Americans to their cultural roots, it also offers an opportunity for the broader community to learn about the depth and diversity of Mexico’s traditions.
Also at the press conference were Mayor Pro Tem Marty Ellett and El Centro Council member Claudia Camarena.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of our sister city agreement with Mexicali, and it’s a milestone worth celebrating,” Ellett said. “Looking ahead, we plan to continue collaborating with Mexicali through cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and community events. The celebration we had at the mall was one of the biggest events we’ve ever hosted, filled with people. I’m not sure if we can top that, but we will keep building on this partnership to strengthen the cultural life of our city.”
Admission to the exhibition is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.
