Mexicali is preparing to host its 2026 Chinese New Year Festival on February 21 in the historic La Chinesca district, expecting 20,000 to 25,000 attendees. This year’s celebration marks the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing energy and change, and is supported by local officials and the Chinese consulate in Tijuana. The event highlights Mexicali’s deep-rooted Chinese heritage, reflected in its architecture and cuisine, and aims to be a major cultural landmark for the region.

In a separate development, a man was sentenced to over 53 years in prison for the 2023 feminicide of law graduate Daryela Valdez Rocha, a case that spurred legislative reform in Baja California. The “Daryela Law,” enacted in January 2025 and effective February 2026, mandates gender equality and violence prevention training for all public servants. The sentencing brings closure to Daryela’s family after a prolonged legal battle and underscores ongoing efforts to address systemic negligence in protecting women.