Our yearly Charro Day festivities are right around the corner this February. Students will learn about the rich cultural history that our city celebrates.All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to come dressed in their Charro Day attire.
Born to lift community spirits during difficult times, the Charro Days Fiesta arrives in 2011 with the same dedication to bi-national friendship and respect for traditions that first captivated Brownsville 74 years ago.It was in 1937, during the Great Depression, that local business leaders decided to create an antidote to the gloom that engulfed Brownsville and the rest of the country. They wanted to celebrate what made their community unique: It’s location on the border with Mexico, and the rich cultural heritage that comes with that interesting address.
From the very first celebration, Brownsville residents and visitors dressed in the traditional costumes of Mexico and honored the Mexican cowboys -- the Charros -- who were heroes of the borderlands.
Horse-drawn, hand-made floats processed through downtown Brownsville in those early years, with marching bands from Mexico, soldiers from old Fort Brown and children from area schools dressed as charros and chinas.
Elegant costume balls, popular street parties and fireworks – all launched with a joyful yell, the traditional “Grito’’ – were popular back then and contribute to lively Charro Days celebrations today.
Carlos Bañales, executive director of the festival, says Charro Days survives because it preserves the past while never forgetting to involve a new generation. As always, Brownsville school kids have a starring role each year, with their own special Children’s Parade.
“The importance of Charro Days goes back to 1937 when it was organized,” says Banales. “It was to unite two countries, to bring them together. We like to remember our roots and we like for people who come to Charro Days as visitors to know about our rich cultural heritage.”
Over the years, Brownsville’s sister city of Matamoros has always been a key participant. In years gone by, international bridges were thrown open during Charro Days, allowing family and friends to share the festivities. Even today, ties between the sister cities are celebrated each year with events and parties.
The Mr. Amigo Association became a part of Charro Days in 1967, honoring a Mexican citizen who contributes to friendly bi-national relations. Sombrero Fest, a three-day Washington Park street party with popular rock, country and Tejano performers, was added in 1986.
Organizers already are looking ahead to a milestone year to come. For the 75th anniversary of Charro Days next year, they want people to sift through their family photo albums and pull out those pictures of grandfather riding in the Charro Days parade, or grandmother in her colorful lace and embroidery. They want to hear the stories of how the community came together in the past, and continues to celebrate together today.“We’re already starting to gather ideas for the 75th anniversary,” said Ken Lieck Charro Days president.“We’re definitely going to turn it up a notch. We’re looking at having some big entertainments, maybe some other changes……We’d love to hear suggestions from the community! “We want to make the 75th anniversary one that people will always remember.”
taken from the official Charro Days Blog: http://www.charrodaysfiesta.com/history.htm
