[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 31 (Friday, February 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING 2015 ``MR. AMIGO'' ITATI CANTORAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2016

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Charro Days 
Fiesta and commend the 2015 ``Mr. Amigo,'' chosen by the Mr. Amigo 
Association of Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, in 
Mexico.
  A talented Mexican actress, singer, and dancer, Itati Cantoral has 
been selected as the 2015 ``Mr. Amigo.'' Her style and charisma have 
won the admiration of audiences across the world. Through her work as a 
performer, Ms. Cantoral has brought communities together for more than 
20 years. She is an excellent choice to represent the spirit of 
friendship.
  First awarded in 1964, the title of ``Mr. Amigo'' is an annual 
tribute to an outstanding Mexican citizen who has made a lasting 
contribution during the previous year to international solidarity and 
goodwill. ``Mr. Amigo'' acts as an ambassador between the United States 
and Mexico and presides over the annual Charro Days Fiesta.
  Charro Days dates back to 1937, when the citizens of Brownsville 
organized the event in the midst of the Great Depression to celebrate 
the cultural heritage shared between Brownsville and its sister city 
across the Rio Grande, Matamoros. The first Charro Days celebration 
featured a parade with horse-drawn floats and participants dressed in 
traditional Mexican costumes reminiscent of charros, or Mexican 
cowboys.
  From these humble beginnings, Charro Days has evolved into a multi-
day event, which includes dances, fiestas, a children's parade, and the 
Grand International Parade. Thousands of participants from both sides 
of the border celebrate these traditions each year.
  The 78th annual Charro Days celebration commenced on February 22nd, 
with a grito, or celebratory yell. And just yesterday, the Mayor of 
Brownsville and the Mayor of Matamoros met at the Gateway International 
Bridge to extend their hands across the border, symbolizing the 
friendship between the two cities.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to honor the Charro Days 
Fiesta and for joining me in recognizing the importance of this annual 
celebration, which continues to strengthen the relationship between 
Brownsville and Matamoros, and the bonds between the United States and 
Mexico.