The capital of Baja California, Mexicali, is the setting of a fascinating book that narrates the stories, chronicles, and legends that have defined its identity. This city is known for its hot weather, migration history, and unique cultural mix that have all been pictured in this work.
Carlos Torres, a cultural organizer and honorary coordinator of Mexicali and Tijuana’s historic centers, and Daniel Salinas Basave, a journalist and writer, collaborated passionately to document not only the city's historical facts but also the legends embedded in the collective memory of its residents.
The book "Pedro Infante en el Cine Curto" references both the iconic Mexicali movie theater and one of Mexico’s most cherished cinematic figures. Infante's enduring legacy weaves into many of the stories featured in this publication.
Presented officially on Thursday, November 14, the book takes readers on a journey through some of Mexicali's most iconic landmarks, particularly its Historic Downtown. This district, established in 1902, has witnessed countless transformations, culminating in a recent renaissance.
"I want to thank my friend Carlos Torres for inviting me to write with him this exciting book in which many people told us their stories. Mexicali's first neighborhood has experienced an unprecedented transformative process in the last five years, an authentic renaissance that has brought back life to the streets in which the capital of Baja California was born," Salinas Basave stated.
With a narrative style that mixes stories, chronicles, and urban legends, the writers bring to life famous characters such as Rodolfo Valentino, José Alfredo Jiménez, Pedro Infante, and Al Capone as they explore bars, movie theaters, and nightclubs.
"Pedro Infante en el Cine Curto" is not only a tribute to great movie and music personalities, but also a deep look at Mexicali's cultural legacy. Chinese migrants, Cachanilla gastronomy, and stories that make up the history of this city are all mixed in this narrative work.
that tells the story of how this norteño music group made a crucial stop in this city early in their career.
Mexicali's gastronomy, an important part of its history
Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, who wrote the book’s prologue, shares nostalgic reflections on Mexicali's cherished landmarks. She fondly recalls stories of the city's movie theaters and traditional restaurants, including Cine Curto and Restaurant 19. Throughout the text, the authors tell stories of great people and local gastronomy, especially Chinese food. Chapters such as "Fito Yee, el chef innovador" (Fito Yee, the innovative chef) and “La leyenda del 19, el rey de la comida china mexicalense” (Legend of 19, the King of Mexicali's Chinese food) pay tribute to the culinary heritage that has been forged in the city thanks to the arrival of Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century.
Restoration of the Historic Downtown: A Renaissance
Another highlight of the book is the revitalization of Mexicali’s Historic Downtown, which has undergone an extraordinary transformation in recent years. Spearheaded by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and supported by Carlos Torres, this effort has restored the La Chinesca neighborhood and revitalized streets and plazas.
Carlos Torres explained that the Historic Downtown's restoration was a long and complicated process. In his opinion, this book pays tribute to this rebirth process that has restored not only buildings and streets, but the soul of the city itself.
This book's creation process included interviews with descendants of the first Chinese immigrants, merchants, and other important figures that contributed to the growth and evolution of the city.
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