Brownsville is getting ready to celebrate Charro Days. The multi-day event will take place from February 26 through February 28.

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.

During Charro Days, the association holds dances, Mr. Amigo (a Mexican citizen who contributes to friendly bi-national relations) makes appearances at events, and they coordinate the Hands Across the Border Ceremony at the Gateway International Bridge.

The Noche Mexicana Dance will be held Thursday, February 26, at 6 p.m. at the TSC Jacob Brown Auditorium (600 International Boulevard). The dance will feature The Latin Breed and Mariachi 7 Leguas and Folklorico dancers. The Children’s Parade, hosted by Brownsville ISD, will be held on Thursday, February 26 at 2:30 p.m.

There are not one, but three parades during Charro Days. The Illuminated Parade will be held on Friday, February 27, at 7 p.m. A Color Guard Parade will be held Saturday, February 28 at 12:30 p.m. The big Grand International Parade will be held on Saturday, February 28 at 1 p.m. All parades go down Elizabeth St. through historic downtown Brownsville.

A Charro Days Costume Ball will be held on Saturday, February 28 at TSC Jacob Brown Auditorium. Music will be provided by Marcos Orozco & Ram Herrera and the Outlaw Band.

There will be a carnival running during most of the events from Thursday, February 26, through Sunday, March 8 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.