Cuautla Sister City
Renton-Cuautla Sister City Meetings
The Renton-Cuautla Sister City Committee currently meets as needed. For general information about the Renton-Cuautla Sister City Committee, email Sonja Mejlaender, or call 425.430.6514.
History of Renton-Cuautla Sister City Activity
Renton-Cuautla Committee Supports Jalisco Week in Washington 2009
The Federation of Jalisco Clubs in Washington and the government of the state of Jalisco, Mexico, presented a celebration of Mexican culture during Jalisco Week in Washington 2009. Festivities recognized Washington state’s sister partnership with the Mexican state of Jalisco. On Saturday, August 8, a gala dinner was attended by community leaders and representatives from the governments of Washington State and the state of Jalisco. On August 9, a free all-day event for the community was held at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center with support from the Renton School District, Mayor Law and the City of Renton, and the Renton-Cuautla Sister City Committee. The community event featured arts and crafts exhibitions, informational booths by the Mexican Consulate in Seattle and the government of Jalisco, a parenting seminar, addresses by dignitaries representing Washington and Jalisco, and a live performance which included music, a full Mariachi band, and colorful Mexican folkloric dancing.
3-Member Cuautla Delegation Visited Renton, September 17 - 20, 2007
The City of Renton welcomed an official Sister City delegation from Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico, Monday, September 17 through Thursday, September 20, 2007. Delegation members included Presidente Municipal (City Mayor) - Gregorio Iturralde Torres, Presidenta del Dif (Director of Social Services and Mayor's wife) - Maria Margarita Robles Guitron and Secretario General Y Sindico (City/County Attorney) - Oralia Ramos Montes.
The delegation and members of the Renton-Cuautla Sister City Committee enjoyed daily excursions which highlighted City services, public amenities, schools, and regional tourist attractions. Activities in Renton included visiting and touring City Hall, Police Department, Fire Department, downtown Library, Renton History Museum, Cedar River Trail, Senior Activity Center, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Talbot Elementary and Renton High School, the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, Renton Technical College, The Boeing Company, Uptown Glassworks, Farmers Market and meals at Torero's Mexican Restaurant, Armondo's Cafe Italiano, and the Culinary Dining Room at RTC. Seattle excursions included a special reception for the Consul of Mexico, Space Needle, KOMO Channel 4, Pike Place Market, Seattle waterfront, and Tillicum Village. The delegation enjoyed their final evening with dinner and professional horse-racing at Emerald Downs.
12-Member Renton Delegation Visited Cuautla, August 27 - September 5, 2005
As part of the educational, economic, and professional exchange that accompanies a Sister City relationship, a 12-member delegation from Renton visited Cuautla, Mexico, from August 27 through September 5, 2005. Members of the delegation included public officials, members of the Renton-Cuautla Sister Committee, business representatives, community volunteers, and educators. All delegates were responsible for their own travel expenses and stayed in homestays during their visit.
The first five days of the trip were centered in Cuautla, with excursions to the surrounding towns of Tenamaxtlan, Talpa, Ayutla, and Chilacayote. Highlights included visiting schools, churches, city halls, an equestrian event, a brick factory, playing volleyball, and experiencing the arts, culture, food, music, mariachi and developing friendships with local residents and city employees. The delegation concluded their journey with a five-day stay in Guadalajara for the 12th Annual International Mariachi Festival, which included the Gala Concert at the Teatro de Gollado, mariachi parade with entries from seven countries, a tour of government buildings and the Instituto Cultural Cabanas, shopping in the Mercado Libertad and taking The Tequila Express excursion train to the Herradura Hacienda in Amatitan for a wonderful tour, afternoon barbeque, and mariachi.
When the Cuautla delegation visited Renton in 2003, they presented the City with a painting depicting Cuautla landmarks drawn by the children of Cuautla; this gift is currently displayed at the Highlands Library. The Renton delegation returned with a similar gift this year, presenting artwork drawn by Renton Park elementary students, in conjunction with art-lovers and Cuautla Sister City Committee volunteers, Doug Kyes and Nancy Hoben. The city to city gift exchange was a memorable experience as Cuautla cherished their new school art, and Renton received a stunning piece of framed metalwork of an Aztec warrior, which is currently on display on the 7th floor of Renton City Hall.
23-Member Cuautla Delegation Visited Renton, September 22-26, 2003
14-Member Renton Delegation Visited Cuautla, July 15-22, 2002
Cuautla delegation visited Renton in August 2001 for the official signing and first delegation visit. Photos below.
In August 2001, Renton Mayor Jesse Tanner and Cuautla Mayor Bañuelos Delgadillo sign an agreement to establish a Sister City relationship.
Cuautla Mayor Bañuelos Delgadillo presents an Aztec calendar to Mayor Tanner.