The best way to understand culture is to experience it first hand through food, music, history, and art. MXLAN is a 5-day festival where traditions rarely seen outside interior Mexico take place alongside modern artists and revelers honoring their cultural roots. MXLAN took place at the McAllen Convention Center from July 24 – 28, 2019. It was an experience to ignite people spirit of adventure, revelry, and kinship. McAllen welcomed visitors from across the country and throughout Mexico for this cultural experience.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States. McAllen Juneteenth celebrations recognized the historical and cultural contributions of African-Americans to the city, capping off with a symbolic “Freedom Walk” and a tribute ceremony for Mrs. Gene Stroud, the oldest living alumnus of the first African-American school in McAllen.

Standing 37-feet tall and dressed the part, the tallest Catrina in the United States was unveiled overlooking Oval Park at the McAllen Convention Center for the inaugural Tecate Catrina Music Fest, embracing Mexican cultures on a larger scale. La Catrina, the female skeleton that has become symbolic with the Day of the Dead, was on display for all to see during the festival as musicians performed all week.

Mayor Darling and Reynosa Mayor Maki Dominguez hosted International Security Officials from around the globe as part of U.S. Department of State Exchange Program, Towards a More Safe and Secure World Initiative. McAllen welcomed the international visitors with a discussion on cross-border cooperation, regarding combatting crime, as well as immigration and economic issues that affect both cities and why working together is key to make the binational McAllen-Reynosa metropolitan area, which boasts a combined population of nearly 1.52 million more a safe and secure.

With the amazing McAllen Holiday Parade and the arrival of FRIO!, McAllen has established itself as a major holiday destination. State Rep. Bobby Guerra presented and important message from Governor Abbot and the Texas legislature, which officially recognized McAllen as “the South Pole of Texas”. The South Pole of Texas allows families to revel in the spirit of Christmas in McAllen, providing families in McAllen, the Rio Grande Valley and beyond lasting memories.

A South Korea delegation visited McAllen for a series of planned meetings and ceremonies in continuation of an extended collaboration between McAllen, Jinju, and IFEA (International Festivals and Events Association) Asia toward exchanges in festivals and events from both communities. This partnership will help expand awareness and publicity of the McAllen Holiday Parade, exchange ideas, and bring a bit of the world home to McAllen.

The City of McAllen delegation geared up for its annual McAllen Day in Mexico City and Monterrey. City government, Chamber of Commerce, and La Plaza Mall delegates were instrumental in promoting the city’s amenities and shopping opportunities. Both events feature from a fashion show to an expo featuring local tourism businesses. The trips give City leaders to set up appointments with key players who are able to influence travel plans of Mexican tourists heading to McAllen.

For the second year in a row, the City of McAllen held the international cultural celebration, Fiesta de Palmas. Held at the McAllen Convention Center September 21st and 22nd at the McAllen Convention Center, attracting over ___ attendees.
The weekend-long cultural and historical event included live music from local and international acts, vibrant dance performances, a variety of international cuisine, and an eclectic array of cultural activities for guests to participate in. Residents from all over the Rio Grande Valley took part in this special event.

The City of McAllen joined with Temple Emanuel, a McAllen synagogue, in hosting the first annual Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at the McAllen Public Library. The event was free and open to all ages and faiths, and featured spiritual and educational elements. City officials proclaimed May 23, 2019 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in McAllen. “It is important for all of us, people of all faiths and races, to remember the Holocaust, because it shook the foundations of modern civilization,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling.  “Its unprecedented character and horror will always hold universal meaning.  We must vow to never forget this sin against humanity. This ceremony will help spread the message that in McAllen, we have not forgotten.”

McAllen International Airport, the busiest airport in the Rio Grande Valley, announced new nonstop flight to Phoenix, Arizona through Allegiant Air beginning October 2019. This route will enhance westward connectivity for our community as well as offer affordable, non-stop service to a key business and tourist destination. McAllen International Airport has a huge impact in our economy. Its commercial and general aviation activity generates over $632 million in total economic output, and creates over 7,200 jobs, generating over $231 million in payroll. This year, $16,680,726 in federal grants were secured to complete the Runway 14-32 & Taxiway A Safety Improvements Project, which is a 5-year project which will convert an existing drainage detention facility and irrigation system from an exposed system to an underground system. The project also includes the replacement of two existing drainage outfalls beneath the airport’s runway and taxiway.