The Charro Days Board of Directors made it official Wednesday night: The 84th annual Charro Days Fiesta has been called off due to health concerns arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With the public welfare in mind and with the unncertainty due to the pandemic, we made the tough decision that we will not proceed with the Charro Days Fiesta for this year,” Charro Days President Henry LeVrier said Thursday. “We are not able to do the activities as they have been done in the past. We thank everyone for their support and the spirit of Charro Days lives on. And of course, we look forward to seeing everyone next year for a bigger and better Charro Days.”
LeVrier did say the annual Charro Days Commemorative Poster for 2021 is being produced and will be unveiled to the public virtually in the near future.
“We might have some virtual online events. We’re looking at that, at various options” LeVrier also said.
The last time Charro Days was canceled was back in 1945 following World War II.
Meanwhile, the Brownsville Independent School District expressed regret at having to cancel its Charro Days events — Fiesta Folklorica and the BISD Children’s Charro Days Parade.
“After speaking with Charro Days Fiesta, local community health officials, and with the continuing rise of positive COVID-19 cases, we have also decided to cancel all 2021 Charro Days activities that BISD hosts,” Superintendent René Gutiérrez said. “The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are our number one priority and we cannot compromise their health during these difficult times. We appreciate our community’s understanding and continued support.”
Earlier, Sombrero Festival, which is held during Charro Days, announced that it was cancelling this year’s events due to health concerns.
Officials at Incarnate Word Academy, which puts on “A Little Bit in Mexico” event annually, are discussing whether or not to cancel the event.
Charro Days Fiesta, invented as a way for Brownsville residents to shake off the worries of the Great Depression, has been celebrated since 1938. Sombrero Festival was added in 1987 to enhance the festivities.
