By:  Lucio                                   S.C.R. No. 18

         97S0346/2                           

                            SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-1           WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas takes pride in

 1-2     recognizing the 60th anniversary of the City of Brownsville's

 1-3     celebration of Charro Days; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, For both sides of the Texas-Mexico border, Charro

 1-5     Days is an eagerly awaited annual festival that commemorates the

 1-6     Brownsville community's bicultural, bilingual heritage in a spirit

 1-7     of harmony and fellowship; and

 1-8           WHEREAS, This year's four-day celebration takes place

 1-9     February 27 to March 2 and will entail such citywide festivities as

1-10     grand balls, street dances, parades, carnival acts, and traditional

1-11     Mexican rodeo contests; and

1-12           WHEREAS, Since 1938, the Charro Days fiesta has captured the

1-13     past through song and dance and costumes that perpetuate the

1-14     colorful history and traditions of the border country; and

1-15           WHEREAS, Charro Days is a celebration of the charro horseman

1-16     of Mexico, a man of great riding skills; it also represents the

1-17     fusing of several cultures; the citizens' costumes are

1-18     representative of old Spain and Andalusia and France, and the

1-19     influence of the ancient Toltecas and Aztecs can be seen in the

1-20     brightly colored blankets and beautiful pottery on display; and

1-21           WHEREAS, This festive celebration is made possible by

1-22     numerous organizations and individuals who are committed to

1-23     preserving the traditions of the border communities; sponsors

1-24     include Charro Days, Incorporated, Mr. Amigo Association, Sombrero

 2-1     Festival, Incorporated, the Brownsville Convention and Visitors

 2-2     Bureau, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, the mayor and city

 2-3     commissioners of Brownsville, and local public and private schools;

 2-4     now, therefore, be it

 2-5           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

 2-6     hereby commend all who sponsor and help organize Charro Days and

 2-7     extend best wishes to all who participate in the festival on the

 2-8     grand occasion of its 60th anniversary; and, be it further

 2-9           RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared as an

2-10     expression of esteem from the Texas Legislature.