[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CHARRO DAYS, INC., CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 1997

  Mr. ORTIZ, I rise today to commend all those associated with Charro 
Days, Inc.--the organization which sponsors a 4-day February festival 
in south Texas--for their 60th anniversary.
  Each year, the communities of Brownsville, TX, in the United States 
and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, in Mexico, join forces to commemorate the 
exceptional international relationship found on the United States-
Mexico border. Charro Days, Inc. is composed of members from both 
communities and oversees the three parades and festivities of the 
celebration. This festival, which features many bands and theme floats 
during Charro Days, represents the legends, cultures, international 
spirit, and sometimes difficult history that leads us to where we are 
today.
  Charro Days was originally a pre-Lenten holiday, along the lines of 
Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It has grown from a very small festival to 
an extraordinary international holiday that offers a variety of music, 
from mariachis and conjunto to modern Tejano. It has drawn the 
attention of visitors and has become 1 of the top 100 events in North 
America as highlighted by several organizations which guide tourists to 
North American attractions.
  In this southernmost U.S. city, our hands are joined during Charro 
Days with the hands of our international neighbors as we celebrate all 
that makes us unique. We participate in events that contribute to the 
preservation of our border history, heritage, and traditions of our two 
nations. There is song, dance, costumes, food, craftsmanship, and a 
celebration of our past as well as our future.
  Celebrations like these ensure both nations will remain friends and 
companeros for a very long time to come. I ask my colleagues to join me 
in commending Charro Days, Inc., for their 60th anniversary.

                          ____________________