Flashback Friday: Charro Days 80 Years Ago

By Diego Garcia III | Editor of The Brownsville Beacon

 Charro Days looked very different 80 years ago. There was no Sombrero Festival, no Mr. Amigo, the parades followed different routes, and there were some very different events.


The "pre-fiesta" started with a ball, a dance, and a fashion show at the Capitol Theater.

 There was no parade on Thursday. There was a promenade set up where people could walk and see some of the costumes on display. There was a "Grand Kermesse," which seems to be a large street party similar to what a church carnival might be, an art exhibit, and a Grand Ball in the patio of the Hotel El Jardin.

 Friday saw the Grand Kermesse continue, another ball, and the first of three parades; the Grand Fiesta Parade. There was also an International Rodeo. Another art exhibit and a junior ball were also part of the festivities.

 Saturday saw day two of the International Rodeo. Friday also had a double dose of parades; the Children's Parade and the Grand Night Parade.

 The parade routes were different as well. The Children's Parade followed a different route than the other two parades.

The Grand Fiesta and Grand Night Parade routes
The Children's Parade Route

 Sunday was called "Matamoros Day." The big event held in Brownsville was a sailboat regatta at the Port of Brownsville. Among the highlights of the festivities in Matamoros was the bullfight at the Plaza de Toros.

 It is interesting to see the evolution of the festivities that have occurred over the last eight decades. I wonder what changes will happen in the years to come.

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