A picture of the event at the Brownsville's Student Union
Charro Days came alive thanks to UTRGV departments and student organizations’ efforts to honor local and sister city traditions.
Center for Student Involvement Assistant Director Berta Maldonado said the event was a collaborative effort to bring the essence of Brownsville’s famous “Charro Days” to the students.
“Today’s event is Charreada, we have helped the Student Activities department with our Vaqueros clubs, our student organizations, and they’re out here fundraising,” Maldonado said. “We have 14 clubs fundraising from tacos to tamales to aguas preparadas.”
Maldonado said beyond the food, the event serves as a visual and cultural standard for students living so close to the border because of the traditional Mexican attire worn by attendees.
She said Student Activities estimates that about 1,000 students attend these kinds of events on average. She emphasized its students who make the Charreada successful year after year.
Grupo Folklorico Tizatlan de UTRGV Dancer Daniel Mazariegos said dancing is something he discovered last year. He looked into groups at the university and fell in love with it after practice.
Mazariegos said stepping onto the stage to dance for Charreada 2026 brought some nerves at first but preparation quickly took over.
He said he looks forward to attending this event each year both as a performer and student.
“This event, I’ve gone to it multiple times. It’s really fun, and watching the performances always brings a sort of joy to me every time I watch them,” Mazariegos said.
Fellow folklorico dancer Adolfo Holguin said the atmosphere was good, the people were nice, and representing the university at Charreada is something he values.
Holguin said the event stands out for more than just performances.
“Just overall the message that it transmits,” Holguin said. “Our culture, you know, we’re proud to be Mexican-Americans, and then, of course, it’s around the theme of Charro Days, and it’s just beautiful to see.”
For more information about future events, visit V Link.
