Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Mr. Amigo 2026, Mexican singer Alex Fernández, took center stage this week as Brownsville celebrated the 89th anniversary of Charro Days Fiesta, reaffirming a decades-long tradition that honors the friendship between Brownsville and its sister city, Matamoros.
Fernández, recognized for promoting goodwill and cultural understanding between the United States and Mexico, joined dignitaries and community leaders throughout the festivities, including the beloved Hands Across the Bridge ceremony and other Mr. Amigo Association events that highlight the region’s binational spirit.
The vibrant colors of folklórico dresses, the rhythm of mariachi music, and the unmistakable sense of unity filled the streets as residents and visitors gathered for one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most cherished celebrations.
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. joined the festivities, celebrating alongside families and community partners.
“We had a great time early today celebrating the 10th Annual Charreada at UTRGV alongside the 89th Charro Days Fiesta, Mr. Amigo Association events, and the Sombrero Festival,” Mayor Cowen shared on his social media as events unfolded across multiple venues.
The 2026 Charro Days Fiesta will take place from February 21 to 28, 2026, bringing a full week of parades, cultural events, and community gatherings to Brownsville.
Major 2026 Highlights: Baile del Sol Street dance kickoff, Children’s Parade, Illuminated Parade, Color Guard Parade, and the Grande International Parade, Charro Days Carnival and from February 26–March 8, 2026 – Sombrero Festival at Washington Park
The weeklong celebration continues to serve as a major cultural and economic driver for the region.
Since its founding in 1938, Charro Days has symbolized the enduring bond between Brownsville and Matamoros. Originally created to lift community spirits during challenging economic times, the fiesta has evolved into a vibrant showcase of Mexican heritage, border culture, and regional unity.
One of the most touching traditions, Hands Across the Bridge, took place at the Gateway International Bridge, where residents and officials from both cities met at the midpoint to clasped hands in a powerful visual representation of friendship that transcends borders.
“This morning, we gathered for Hands Across the Bridge, a meaningful Charro Days tradition that reflects the friendship between Brownsville and Matamoros,” Mayor Cowen shared.
Festivities also included the 10th Annual Charreada hosted at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The traditional Mexican rodeo featured skilled charros demonstrating precision roping, horsemanship, and time-honored ranching techniques — emblematic of Mexico’s national sport. Families filled the stands, many dressed in traditional attire, celebrating a living heritage passed down through generations.
“For nearly nine decades, Charro Days has honored the friendship between Brownsville and our sister city, Matamoros, while celebrating the culture and traditions that define our community. Thank you to UTRGV, our community partners, and everyone who helped make today’s celebration possible,” Mayor Cowen shared on his social media account.
As anticipation builds for February 2026, the message continues to resonate across the Rio Grande and Mexico:
Viva Charro Days!
