City of Montebello

The City of Montebello established a Sister City relationship with the City of Iguala, Mexico on November 29, 1971. Known officially as Iguala de la Independencia, it is a historic city located in the Mexican state of Guerrero with a population of over 154,000 people. The San Francisco Church is a landmark in the city, built in the 19th century in the Neoclassical style, and it is surrounded by tamarind trees. For this reason, Iguala is known as "la Ciudad Tamarindera" (the Tamarindo city).

Iguala is also the birthplace of the Mexican flag: José Magdaleno Ocampo crafted the Flag of the Three Guarantees in Iguala after Mexican gained independence from Spain in 1821. The Iguala Flag Fair is held annually in late February, and it is one of the most important festivities for the people of Iguala. It is celebrated with parade floats, handcrafts, and folk-art exhibitions.

The City of Montebello wishes to establish and promote friendship, goodwill, charity, and promote educational and cultural exchanges between the citizens of Montebello and Iguala. Given that relationships are forged between citizen-volunteers of both cities, it is hoped that such an affiliation will encourage and promote common understanding and goodwill among the citizens of both cities.