Texas Border Business
Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, Matamoros Mayor Pro Tem Alma Bertha Garcia Betancourt and Consul de Mexico Rodolfo Quilantan Arenas on Thursday, August 27, 2015, formally announced the Ceremonia Civica del Dia De La Independencia the City of Harlingen will host from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2015, at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, 1204 Fair Park Blvd.
The public is welcome to attend and there is no admission fee. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Boswell urged Harlingen residents to join guests from Mexico to enjoy performances by several popular music and dance groups. There will be an official “El Grito de Independencia” presentation to close the ceremony.
The war to drive foreign powers from Mexico began September 16, 1810, and 11 years later the conflict ended with the founding of an independent nation. The anniversary is commonly referred to by its Spanish date, Diez y Seis de Septiembre. The three leaders cited economic progress during the past year for South Texas and northern Mexico, and they commented about the importance of cooperation between Texas and Mexico.
“Together we can do many wonderful things,” Quilantan said. “Together we can change the quality of life for border residents.”
He said the BiNational Economic Development Zone created by Matamoros, Brownsville and Harlingen recently added Cameron County, Hidalgo County, and the cities of Edinburg, McAllen and Reynosa. He predicted more cities will join the organization in improving employment opportunities by expanding manufacturing capabilities.
Other progress during the past year noted by Quilantan included Matamoros opening offices in Harlingen and Brownsville, completion of the new railroad bridge linking Brownsville and Matamoros, and a visit by Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos to Mexico. Cascos is the former judge for Cameron County. Quilantan said the City of Matamoros expanded its sister city agreements with Harlingen and San Benito, and he noted that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will visit Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto during the Labor Day weekend.
Garcia said that the nations and local governments benefit from ongoing communication. She said the region shares many bonds and goals, so it’s natural to work together and celebrate together. The Fourth of July and Diez y Seis de Septiembre allow citizens on both sides of the Rio Grande to improve their understanding and appreciation of each other’s traditions and cultures, she said.
“It’s a privilege for Harlingen to salute its neighbor to the south as we share our history,” Boswell said.
The mayor said the new University of Texas Rio Grande Valley that opens classes Monday, August 31, 2015, will add a School of Medicine and develop more higher education programs for the region. The UTRGV research and academic initiatives will play important roles in the region’s future, he said.
For details about the Ceremonia Civica del Dia De La Independencia, go online to www.myharlingen.us, go to News & Public Info and then click on Current & Upcoming Events. Information also is available from the Harlingen Convention & Visitors Bureau by calling (956) 423-5440.
