Fun For All at the Charro Days Gala

Photo Credits: Melissa Castro

The Charro Days Gala last night was a night to remember! As soon as guests arrived at the Amigo Land Events center, they were greeted with the sounds of two separate live music venues, one in the front lobby and one on the main stage. The setup was cocktail style with standing tables, giving everyone the chance to mingle and dance the night away.

The food was a hit with everyone, featuring a Taquiza that offered delicious tacos, including Bistec, shrimp tacos and Nopales. Most invitees were dressed in beautiful costumes, celebrating Charro Days in style. The atmosphere was lively and festive, with everyone soaking up the fun-filled night.

To capture the memories, there was a photo booth and a 360 camera station, which was a huge hit with a long line of eager party-goers. The full-service bar and high-end tequila bar kept everyone's spirits high. The Tequila bar offered all the Tequila you could drink for only $5!

Everyone had a fantastic time catching up with old friends and making new ones. The Charro Days Gala was an excellent way to celebrate the annual festival, and everyone was thrilled to be a part of it. It was a night full of laughter, dancing, and delicious food, and we can't wait for next year's event!

    

All Photos Credit of Melissa Castro Via Facebook. 

Behind the scenes of Charro Days & Sombrero Festival

 

Charro Days and Sombrero Festival are two of the most important events celebrated in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. These festivals are known for their vibrant colors, music, dancing, and traditions. Both festivals take place in Brownsville, Texas and are celebrated in late February or early March. These festivals take all year to plan and require the efforts of thousands of people to execute successfully.

The Charro Days and Sombrero Festival planning committees work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that the festivals run smoothly. They are responsible for organizing everything from the entertainment and decorations to the food and beverage vendors. These committees consist of directors, volunteers, city staff, school administrators, students, police officers, fire department personnel, paramedics, sanitation workers, and many more.

The success of these festivals depends on the involvement of the community. The community comes together to design and build floats for the parades, create and sew the traditional costumes, and provide the food and beverage options for festival-goers. Rental companies are also involved in providing equipment for the various events.

One of the significant benefits of these festivals is that they bring in a large number of tourists from near and far. This generates hotel, dining, and sales revenues for the local businesses. These festivals play a crucial role in boosting the local economy, and they have become a significant source of income for many businesses.

In addition to their economic impact, these festivals also play a crucial role in building the community. They bring people together and provide opportunities for people to connect and celebrate their culture and traditions. These festivals promote a sense of pride and belonging among the people of the Rio Grande Valley.

The Charro Days and Sombrero Festival are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people of Brownsville, Texas. These festivals are a celebration of their culture and traditions, and they have become an essential part of the community's identity. These festivals are a symbol of the community's resilience, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate and support one another.

Charro Days and Sombrero Festival are two of the most important festivals in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. The planning and logistics of these festivals are complex and involve the efforts of thousands of people. These festivals have a significant economic impact on the local community and play an essential role in building community pride and identity. These festivals serve as a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate and support one another.

Sombrero Festival Past & Present

 

The Sombrero Festival is a beloved tradition in Brownsville, Texas, which has been held annually since 1986. The festival began as a modest event, but it has grown tremendously over the years. In the first 20 years of its existence, the festival was grossing approximately $200,000 per year. Today, it grosses approximately $1.1 million, a testament to its continued popularity and success.

The festival's success hasn't just benefited the organization that runs it. The festival's annual operating expenses, which typically run between $900,000 and $1 million per year, are just one part of the economic impact of the event. The organization makes donations to non-profit organizations that volunteer at the festival and to events or organizations in the areas of beautification, tourism recreation, and education. These donations average from $75,000 to $125,000 per year, depending on the success of each festival year.

Calculating the economic impact of the festival is a difficult task, as it involves considering not only the money spent at the festival itself, but also the ripple effect it has on the local economy. However, it's clear that the festival has a significant impact on the region. The festival draws visitors from across the country and beyond, many of whom extend their stays to enjoy other local attractions.

Roy De Los Santos, CEO of Sombrero Festival and Brownsville City Commissioner, is a vocal supporter of the festival. He recently said, "The weather forecast looks fantastic for this coming week, which should make for another amazing Charro Days and Sombrero Festival. I encourage the community to come out and remember every dollar spent goes to support amazing causes and the local economy! Have a good time for a great cause!" De Los Santos understands that the festival is not just a fun event, but also an important driver of economic activity in the region.

Brownsville Commissioner/SF CEO Roy De Los Santos

Photo Courtesy of Rio Grande Guardian 

In addition to its economic impact, the festival is a cherished cultural tradition that celebrates the unique heritage of the region. It brings together people of all backgrounds to enjoy music, food, and fun, and it helps to build community and foster a sense of shared identity.

The Sombrero Festival is an important event that has a significant impact on the Brownsville region. It's a fun and exciting celebration of the area's unique culture, and it's also a powerful economic driver that supports local businesses and non-profit organizations. So, come out and enjoy the festival, and remember that every dollar you spend goes to support a great cause!

Ojo Loco 

Don Breeden & The Art of Charro Days!

Artist Don Breeden, 

Photo Courtesy "Valley Business Report" 

Charro Days Fiesta is a colorful and lively celebration of Hispanic culture that takes place in Brownsville, Texas. This local celebration is renowned for its vibrant costumes, festive music, and delicious food. However, one of the most iconic aspects of this event is the Charro Days poster, which has been created by the same artist, Don Breeden, since 1992.

First Charro Days Poster from 1992

Breeden is an internationally recognized wildlife artist from Brownsville who has also has an ad agency, a traveling Art Gallery and developed his own line of fishing attire. He was initially commissioned by the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau to create the first Charro Days poster, and after that, the tradition was taken over by the Charro Days committee.

For Breeden, this annual project is both a challenge and an honor. He reflects, “Every year is a challenge to decide what to do. Not so much what, but what should I leave out, there’s so much about Charro Days that it’s hard to encompass it all in one image. I try to create an image that people can relate to, something that stands out.”

Breeden’s dedication to the Charro Days celebration and its significance to the community is evident in his work. He says, “It’s been a real honor to have been able to do this every year. I remember back to my childhood days, those experiences have given me quite an insight to what Charro Days means to us here in Brownsville.”

Despite the challenges, Breeden remains enthusiastic about the annual project, noting, “It’s been a trip, one that I have enjoyed and look forward to every year. A big thanks to First Community Bank for making it happen every year.”

Charro Days Fiesta is an important celebration that honors Hispanic culture and traditions. Breeden’s annual poster captures the spirit of the event and has become an integral part of its history. With its bright colors and captivating imagery, the Charro Days poster is a testament to the beauty and vitality of this cherished local celebration.

What is the Beard Posse?

 

When it comes to local traditions, few can match the beard-obsessed antics of Brownsville's Charro Days Fiesta. And at the heart of this follicle-fueled fiesta is the "Order of the Brush" - or as it's now known, the Beard Posse.

The Grand Order of the Brush was founded way back in 1938 by a man with a name that was almost as impressive as his facial hair - Alex Austin Hargrove, aka "Daddy" Hargrove. As a local businessman, civic leader, and friend of Charro Days founder Kenneth Faxon, Hargrove was the perfect candidate to establish a custom that would go down in Brownsville history.

The Order was simple - any man caught without a beard during Charro Days would face a hefty fine. And to ensure that everyone was on board with the facial hair frenzy, the Order decreed that all residents of Brownsville should refrain from shaving from January 1st until the end of the fiesta.

Today, the Beard Posse continues to patrol the streets, on the lookout for any smooth-faced offenders. So if you're planning a trip to Brownsville during Charro Days, you'd better start growing your beard now, or risk paying a fine that could put a serious dent in your wallet.

Ojo Loco & Dr. Tony Knopp 

But don't worry, it's all in good fun - and for a good cause too. All fines and donations collected by the Beard Posse go towards supporting the Brownsville Historical Association, a non-profit organization that helps preserve the city's rich cultural heritage.

So whether you're a die-hard beard enthusiast or just looking for an excuse to skip shaving for a few weeks, the Beard Posse is a unique and hilarious part of Brownsville's history that's well worth experiencing for yourself. Just remember to keep that razor safely locked away until Charro Days comes to an end!

Interview with BHA Exec. Dir. Tara Putegnat

- Ojo Loco 

"Viva La Barba" 

The Importance of Charro Days & Sombrero Festival

 

The Charro Days Fiesta and Sombrero Festival hold a special place in the hearts of many people in Brownsville, TX. For me, these festivals are more than just a celebration of our community's shared heritage and culture. They are a chance to connect with old friends, make new ones, and experience the warmth and friendliness that our community is known for.

The festive atmosphere of the Charro Days Fiesta and Sombrero Festival is infectious, with lively music, vibrant colors, and a sense of excitement that is hard to resist. These events are an opportunity to let loose and enjoy all that life has to offer. The parade floats, marching bands, and traditional Mexican attire are all sights to behold.

For me, the best part of these festivals is the chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. The friendly people of Brownsville are always eager to welcome visitors, and there's a real sense of community that you just don't find in many places. Whether it's dancing the night away, sampling delicious tamales, or just enjoying a cold drink and chatting with friends, these festivals are a great way to connect with others and celebrate our shared culture and history.

In addition to the personal connections, the Charro Days Fiesta and Sombrero Festival are also essential for our local economy and tourism industry. They bring in thousands of visitors each year, providing a boost to local businesses and creating job opportunities for residents. The festivals also help to put Brownsville on the map as a tourist destination, highlighting our unique cultural offerings and promoting understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture.

The Charro Days Fiesta and Sombrero Festival are more than just festivals. They are a celebration of our heritage, culture, and community, and a chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. The vibrant atmosphere, lively music, and friendly people of Brownsville make these events truly unforgettable, and I encourage everyone to come and experience them for themselves.

Sombrero Festival Kayak Fun Race

 

Get ready for a day of fun and excitement as the Sombrero Festival Kayak Fun Race is happening tomorrow at Cobblehead's Restaurant, a locally owned business in Brownsville, Texas. This event is not only a great opportunity to have fun with your friends and family, but it also supports a good cause as all proceeds benefit Sombrero Festival and the Brownsville Marathoners Running Club. 

The Sombrero Festival Kayak Fun Race was founded in 2010 by Tiny Barrientes, Albert Moreno and Joe Kenney, with the aim of bringing the community together and promoting healthy outdoor activities. Since then, the event has become a beloved tradition in Brownsville, attracting locals and visitors alike.

The event will start promptly at 11 AM, so make sure to arrive on time to catch all the action. Last-minute registrations are welcome, so if you haven't signed up yet, don't worry – you can still join in on the fun. And if you're not interested in racing, you can always come out and cheer on your friends and family as they compete for the gold.

The race will feature three heats – one for men, one for women, and one mixed. Each team will consist of two people, and all participants must wear a sombrero during the race. Kayaks will be provided, so all you need to bring is your competitive spirit and a willingness to have a good time.

After the race, you can relax and unwind on the deck of Cobbleheads Restaurant, with a cold beer in hand. It's the perfect way to end a day of fun and excitement.

So, if you're looking for something to do tomorrow, come on out to the Sombrero Festival Kayak Fun Race at Cobbleheads Restaurant in Brownsville, Texas. It's a great way to support a good cause, have some fun with friends and family, and maybe even win a prize. We hope to see you there!

Baile Del Sol Kicks Off Charro Days

Baile Del Sol is a vibrant celebration that brings together our community in a joyous and colorful fiesta. This event is an important cultural tradition that not only celebrates Hispanic heritage but also kicks off the much-loved Charro Days Fiesta.

As we come together to dance, eat, and enjoy music, we are also passing on our cultural legacy to the younger generation. Baile Del Sol offers an opportunity for families to share stories and customs that have been passed down for generations. It's a chance to teach our children about our cultural traditions, language, and history.

This event is also a time to gather with friends and make new ones. Baile Del Sol creates a sense of unity and belonging within our community, reminding us that we are all part of something greater. From the vibrant music to the delicious food and the colorful costumes, every aspect of this event encourages us to embrace our culture and celebrate together.

So, I encourage everyone to come out and be a part of this exciting event. Baile Del Sol is an opportunity to experience the joy and richness of our cultural heritage while connecting with others in our community. Whether you're young or old, Hispanic or not, this event is for everyone who wants to celebrate diversity and have a good time.

So, let's put on our dancing shoes, grab our friends and family, and head to Baile Del Sol today. You won't want to miss this lively celebration of Hispanic heritage, community, and fun. See you there! 

Photo Credit Yvette Vela Source AP

Ojo Loco Covers Charro Days & Sombrero Festival

 

Charro Days and Sombrero Festival are two of the most anticipated events in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. These festivals, celebrating the cross-border culture and heritage of the area, have been held annually since the 1930s, and continue to draw crowds from all over the world.

As a journalist and blogger who is passionate about local events and culture, I am excited to announce that I will be covering these festivals in-depth this year, through my alter ego Ojo Loco. From blog posts to live interviews and chats, I will be sharing all the highlights and interesting stories related to these events.

For those who are unfamiliar with Charro Days and Sombrero Festival, these two events take place in the cities of Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, on either side of the border. The festivals are held in late February, and feature a range of events including parades, music, dance performances, and food and drink vendors.

Through my coverage, I will be exploring the history and significance of these festivals, as well as the cultural traditions they celebrate. I will also be introducing the leaders and organizers who make these events possible, and highlighting their contributions to the local community.

I am particularly excited to share the stories of those who have participated in these festivals over the years, and the impact that these events have had on their lives. I believe that Charro Days and Sombrero Festival offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the cross-cultural connections that exist in our world, and I look forward to highlighting these connections through my reporting.

As Ojo Loco, I will be providing a fun and informative perspective on these events, and I hope that my coverage will inspire others to attend and participate in these festivals in the future. Be sure to stay tuned for all the latest updates and insights from Charro Days and Sombrero Festival, and join me in celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our region.

Letter to Readers & Brownsville Living Followers

Dear readers,

I wanted to take a moment to address the lack of activity on my podcast and blog for the past year. As some of you may know, I am the owner and broker of GRT Realty, a real estate business here in Brownsville. Over the past year, the business has grown tremendously and we now have over 55 agents on our team. With this growth has come increased responsibility and time commitment, which has unfortunately resulted in me having less time to focus on my passion for creating content.

In addition to my professional responsibilities, I also have two teenage boys who are growing up before my eyes. As any parent knows, raising children requires a significant amount of time and attention, and I have been prioritizing my family above all else.

However, I want to assure you that my love for Brownsville and my desire to showcase the best aspects of our community has not waned. I am still dedicated to shining a light on the amazing people, businesses, and events that make Brownsville such a special place. As time permits, I will continue to create content in the form of mini interviews, live streams, and blog posts.

I appreciate your patience and understanding during this time, and I hope to continue providing valuable and engaging content for years to come. Thank you for your continued support of my work and our community.

Sincerely,

M. Craig Grove

Brownsville Living Founder