The City of Cathedral City is proud to announce record attendance at this past weekend's 7th Annual Taste of Jalisco Festival in Downtown with estimated crowds of 15,000-20,000 attendees during the three-day event.
The Taste of Jalisco Festival began as a celebration of our Sister City relationship with Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico formed back in November 1996. This year marked the 26th Anniversary of our agreement that places similar values on the vibrancy of our cities, cultural understanding, and educational advancement.
In addition to a giant Ferris wheel offering views of the entire city and surrounding area, the three-day carnival also featured rides, amusements, and games for all ages on the festival lawn in front of City Hall. Admission to the Fiesta Zone was $10 each day and included access to food trucks, beer garden, tequila bar, car show, lawn games, and live entertainment. The first 500 Cathedral City residents received free admission to the Fiesta Zone each day.
A highlight of the weekend was entertainment from the Jalisco Community Stage in the Amphitheater featuring local and regional musical groups and live acts celebrating Mexican art and culture. The lineup included multiple folklorico dance troupes (including Cathedral City High School's Folklorico students); Las Tias, Dreaming of You (Selena tribute), Outlaw Mariachi, Corazon de Mana (Mana tribute) and a Saturday night headline performance by Grupo Control.
Cathedral City High School student Priscila Marquez and her family were the invited guests of the Mayor and City Council. Priscila is one of five exceptional students from across the Coachella Valley who have won full-ride scholarships to attend prestigious universities across the United States. Priscilla will be attending California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena.
This high school standout tutors other students, has built a website, and is involved in pre-professional organizations. She does it all while balancing a job as a cashier at an El Pollo Loco in Palm Desert on Fridays and Saturdays to help support the family. Both her parents, Ana, and Hector, immigrated to the United States from the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Priscilla was presented with a special Certificate of Recognition from Mayor and City Council on Saturday during Mayor Rita Lamb's welcoming remarks.
The weekend also included a car show for auto enthusiasts with an amazing line up of high end and unique, custom created vehicles.
