As the coronavirus pandemic continues to remain at the forefront of everyone’s mind, it could affect Charro Days 2021 celebration.
Charro Days Fiesta Inc. Board of Directors met Wednesday evening to decide whether or not to hold Charro Days events next year because of the pandemic. The commission voted to table the item and will review it at a later date.
Charro Days Fiesta President Henry LeVrier’s said in a statement. “The Charro Days Board of Directors voted on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 to table an agenda item regarding the status of the 2021 Charro Days Fiesta. Further information will be provided in the near future.”
In a telephone interview, LeVrier said the board is still accessing the situation right now. “As soon as we have more information and it is safe for everyone, then a decision will be made.”
LeVrier added that everything is being evaluated right now that could include having a virtual Charro Days celebration.
The last time Charro Days was canceled was back in 1945 following World War II. “That seems to be the only year the Grand Parade was canceled,” LeVrier said.
Last month, Charro Days Inc. voted to cancel this year’s Christmas parade because of the pandemic.
On its Facebook Page, the board stated “The decision was made due to the uncertainty of the pandemic and the health and safety of all parade participants as well as the citizens of our community.”
Charro Days was established in 1938 following the Great Depression that cast a long shadow over Brownsville and the rest of the country. It celebrates Brownsville’s unique proximity to the border with Mexico.
In September, the board of directors of Sombrero Festival voted to cancel the 2021 Sombrero Festival because of the pandemic.
Sombrero Festival posted on its Facebook Page “We have monitored trends over the last several months, have considered where we are today, and what the outlook is going into the 4th quarter of 2020, and for the 1st quarter of 2021. All indications are that the festival could not be held in the same way it was in 2020 and still be a safe event from a virus spread perspective.”
Officials with Sombrero Festivals added that they would continue to consider options that include “small scale opportunities” or holding virtual events.
