Brownsville is getting ready to celebrate Charro Days. The multi-day event will take place from February 20 through March 9.
The annual fiesta commemorates the Mexican heritage of the area on both sides of the Rio Grande and is named in honor of the “Charro,” that dashing Mexican gentleman cowboy. The first Charro Days was celebrated in 1938 and features parades, dances, races, a bullfight, rodeo, concert, a grand ball, and Noche Mexicana. Residents and visitors dressed in the traditional costumes of Mexico and honored the Mexican “Charros.”
The Mr. Amigo Association became part of Charro Days in 1969 and honors a Mexican citizen who contributes to friendly bi-national relations. During Charro Days, the association holds dances, Mr. Amigo makes appearances at events, and they coordinate the Hands Across the Border Ceremony at the Gateway International Bridge.
The event kicks off with a few light events like the Art Contest Exhibit on Thursday, February 20 and the Baile del Sol on Saturday, February 22. The event begins at noon at Charro Days Headquarters (455 E. Elizabeth St.) and features performances by community schools and musicians.
The Noche Mexicana Dance will be held Thursday, February 27, at 6 p.m. at the TSC Jacob Brown Auditorium (600 International Boulevard). The dance will feature music by Noe Pro and The Band and Mariachi 7 Leguas. The Children’s Parade, hosted by Brownsville ISD, will be held on Thursday, February 27 at 2:30 p.m.
There are not one, but three parades during Charro Days. The Illuminated Parade will be held on Friday, February 28, at 7 p.m. A Color Guard Parade will be held Saturday, March 1 at 12:30 p.m. The big Grand International Parade will be held on Saturday, March 1 at 1 p.m. All parades go down Elizabeth St. through historic downtown Brownsville.
A Charro Days Costume Ball will be held on Saturday, March 1 at TSC Jacob Brown Auditorium. Music will be provided by Jay Perez and The Band and David Lee Garza y Los Musicales.
There will be a carnival running during most of the events from Thursday, February 27, through Sunday, March 9 at TSC ITEC Center (formerly Amigoland Mall).
For more information, visit them on Facebook, or online at www.charrodaysfiesta.com. Tickets are required for many of the events and can be purchased at Charro Days headquarters, located at 455 E. Elizabeth St., Brownsville. Call (956) 542-4245 for more information.
Photos courtesy of Brownsville CVB.
