After a few years of absence, Calexico’s signature event returned in full force, not only to unite the Imperial Valley community but also to support students in pursuing their educational aspirations. It was a day for families to come together and for kids to enjoy themselves.
SDSU Imperial Valley, the Calexico Rotary Club, and the Consulate of Mexico in Calexico jointly hosted the Mariachi sin Fronteras festival in celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16.
“San Diego State is your home; we want to see your children and grandchildren here so they can pursue their careers without having to leave,” SDSU Dean Guillermina Gina Nunez conveyed to the audience.
The event was open to the public and featured over 20 local food, beverage, and arts and crafts vendors, along with musical and artistic performances by groups like Folkloric Sunshine, Mariachi Amanecer, Grupo Norteno Corona, and Mariachi Aurora de Calexico. The Consulate of Mexico in Calexico hosted the traditional “Grito de Independencia,” led by Consul Tarcisio Navarrete Montes de Oca.
“We organized this event for you because Rotary is here to serve you,” stated Calexico Rotarian Hortencia Armendariz. “The proceeds we collect will be used for scholarships, and we hope to continue working together to assist our community.”
A special visual exhibition of Mexican popular proverbs titled “¡A Darle que es Mole de Olla!” was featured at the Stapling Art Gallery during the event.
All proceeds will go toward scholarships for local high school students and SDSU Imperial Valley students, helping them embark on or advance their higher education journeys.