MCALLEN, TX – The City of McAllen and Puerto Vallarta signed a Twinning Agreement with the intention of strengthening bilateral ties and formalizing their association.
The agreement signing event took place at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, where the mayor of the Texan city, Javier Villalobos, and his counterpart of Puerto Vallarta, Luis Alberto Michel Rodríguez, formalized the agreement during the MXLAN festivities.
This collaboration, which began in 2022, aims to increase cultural awareness, create educational alliances, promote business investment and contribute to the prosperity of both cities. It also marks the 22nd Sister City Agreement for McAllen.
City officials, McAllen International Airport and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce joined together to host the delegation during their four-day visit, which included a tour of the McAllen Fire Station, Emergency Operations and 311 Center, followed by a private welcome lunch hosted by Simon Property Group at La Plaza Mall.
At the start of the MXLAN festivities, the Puerto Vallarta delegation joined Mayor Villalobos in cutting the ribbon to kick off the celebrations. Together, they proudly led the first Calenda Parade at the Oval Park, a symbol of unity and harmony between the cities. A press conference was held at the Convention Center’s Exhibition Hall, where authorities made statements and Puerto Vallarta’s Director of Tourism Christhian Salvador Preciado Cazares presented the city’s tourist attractions, encouraging the public to experience them first hand.
City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, praised Mayor Michel Rodriguez for his hospitality when the partnership was initiated last year. He highlighted McAllen’s long history of international agreements and the decision to become Sister Cities with Puerto Vallarta, “We saw our cultural familiarities and business opportunities, but most importantly, we saw the opportunity to exchange best practices as a priority,” he said.
To conclude their visit, the Puerto Vallarta delegation was invited to attend the Spirits Mezcal & Tequila Tasting event during the festival. This unique occasion allowed both mayors to explore the festival grounds and enjoy the entertainment.
