Growing Up with Charro Days in Brownsville, Texas

A favorite from the archives. As we transition the studio, some things—like the spirit of Charro Days—remain a constant source of inspiration. Enjoy the sounds of the border.

Growing up, Charro Days in Brownsville, Texas wasn’t just a festival — it felt like the whole city came alive. February was my favorite time of year. If you’re from here, you know it feels different. You can sense something lively building around the corner.

It meant Charro Days was coming. The parades were being planned. Sombrero Fest was right behind it. The carnival would roll into town. And if you were a kid? It meant a half day on Thursday and Friday off from school. What kid wouldn’t want that?

If you’re not from Brownsville, you might be wondering what Charro Days even is. It’s a four-day, fiesta held every February in Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas – our sister city just across the border in Mexico. It began in 1938 as a way to boost the local economy and celebrate Mexican heritage, and over the years it’s grown into a vibrant celebration of culture, music, parades, and the friendship between our two border towns. It honors the “charro,” the traditional Mexican gentleman cowboy.

But as a kid, I didn’t think about any of that. It just felt like the city was full of life and celebration.

Three Generations of Eagles

My grandmother wore it. My mom wore it. And eventually, so did I.

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  My grandmother in her Charro Days dress.

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  My mom wearing the same eagle dress years later.

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  And eventually, me.

Parades, Floats & Family

This was more than a local celebration — it was a family thing. My mom, siblings, cousins, and friends were always in the parades. My sister was in her drill team. My brother marched in the band — percussion section, which we all know is the best part.

The second we spotted someone we knew, we’d start yelling their name. You could see them trying to stay focused, but they’d always smile when they heard us.

There were three parades from Thursday through Saturday, but Saturday was the big one. The drums were so loud you could feel them in your body, and you couldn’t help but move in your seat.

And the floats. I always looked forward to seeing them come down the street — the decorations, the ribbons, the flowers, the details. Everyone would lean forward a little, trying to see what was turning the corner next.

But what I remember most is the waiting. My dad going out early to set up our folding chairs so we’d have a good spot. The sun already warm. Everyone slowly lining the street.

You could hear it before you saw it — the drums first. Then the cheering. And suddenly everyone was standing, looking down the street to see who was coming next.

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  My brother in the drumline — the sound of Charro Days. 🥁

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  My mom on a Charro Days float, 1973. 💐

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  My sister marching with the drill team. ✨

I was actually in the parade once — but I was very little. It was during the Children’s Parade, the very first day of the festivities. The daycare I went to had a float, so I got to ride on it. My mom told me I fell asleep on the float, though… so I don’t remember any of it. Which honestly feels very on brand for toddler me. But I love knowing I was part of it, even if I snoozed through my big moment.

As a kid, my family and I attended Our Lady of Guadalupe, and during Charro Days the church would set up a small white tent along the street with the other food vendors. My grandparents helped sell tacos there, and we usually sat right next to it — front-row seats to the parade and the smell of tacos in the air. As a kid, that made it feel even bigger — like we weren’t just watching it, we were part of it. The smell of food on every corner, street vendors selling toys and Mexican candies (that perfect sweet and spicy mix), me begging my parents for just one more thing. It was loud, colorful, joyful, and full of life.

Sequins, Music & Sombrero Fest

And the outfits. Oh my gosh, the outfits.

The sequins catching the sunlight. The designs — eagles, flowers, intricate patterns. The bright folklórico dresses. The charro suits. The Otomí embroidery. And of course, the sombreros — wide-brimmed, detailed, some lined with shimmery lace sewn into the design and edges. You know the shimmer I’m talking about. 

I also loved seeing the ribbons woven into braids. Bright colors intertwined into their hair, matching the dresses. It was such a small detail, but it was the perfect final touch to any outfit.

My mom always found us the cutest outfits. She told me that when we were little, she would have to cross into Mexico to find them because you couldn’t really buy them here in Brownsville like you can now. Now there are so many local shops, but back then it took a little more effort. I still remember an orange dress I wore as a kid with a matching necklace. We took so many pictures — too many to put here — but looking back at them now makes me smile.

As a teenager, I thought I was rebelling and didn’t want to wear dresses or sequins. I didn’t fully appreciate how beautiful they were back then. Now? I’m obsessed. I love walking around town and seeing all the shops filled with color and accessories. It’s still so much fun picking out outfits and seeing everyone dressed up.

Braids, Ribbons & Cotton Candy

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  Me in my yellow Charro Days dress. 💛

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  Daycare friends and me in our Charro Days best. 💛

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  My sister in her Charro Days dress. 🌺

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  Me… clearly thrilled at the parade. 😅

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  My brother in his Charro Days best — powered by cotton candy. 🍭

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  My parents in 2025, still celebrating in style. 🤍

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  My cousin and sister dressed up for Charro Days. 🌸

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  My dad and me before the parade, 2024. 🤍

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  My tío in his charro suit, 1950.

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  My brother in his charro outfit.

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  Me in my orange skirt, ready to twirl. 🧡

When the parades wrapped up and the sun started to set, it was time for the Sombrero Festival. What started in the mid-1980s has grown into the largest event in Cameron County. It was just fun to walk around Washington Park, bumping into friends and family, playing games, getting food, sitting by the water fountain and waiting for the next band to play.

The music was everywhere. Tejano, mariachi, and so much more — it felt like every corner of town had a soundtrack. If you grew up here, you know that kind of music doesn’t just play in the background. It pulls you in.

Did I mention my family loves to dance? I, however, have always been terrible at it. I remember my dad trying to get me to dance during the festivities and me absolutely fighting him on it. I was always so embarrassed. Now as an adult, I let him have a dance here and there — and I’m really glad I do.

There are so many traditions woven into it now — the Jalapeño Eating Contest, the Grito Contest, the 5K, and of course the Frijolympics, a charro bean cook-off among many others. And if you’re local, you know to watch out for the Beard Posse — because if they catch you clean-shaven, you’ll be paying a small fine to support the Historical Museum.

Growing up here meant celebrating both sides without really thinking about it too much. I guess it just felt normal. It wasn’t until I got older and moved away for many years that I realized how unique it is to grow up on the border, surrounded by so much culture and community. I wouldn't change it for a second.

And Then There Were the Hats

I begged my parents for them. Of course they said yes. (No regrets!)

Me and my mom and Charro Days ♥️

The Playlist 

Of course, I had to make a little playlist to go with this and you know Selena is going to be on there (more than once, obviously). These are the songs that feel like late February in Brownsville to me whether it be old or new.

And this year, I felt inspired to create something small in honor of it. My brain definitely went into overdrive with ideas — but I came up with a little piece inspired by this time of year. Something colorful. Something joyful. Something that feels like home.

Maybe you grew up with Charro Days like I did. Maybe your hometown had something completely different. Either way — what song takes you back? Comment down below and let me know! 💃