The Charro Days’ official Commemorative Poster is an anticipated part of this festive celebration, depicting the shared history and culture of Brownsville and Matamoros in colorful and collectible form.

This year’s poster features young people in traditional dress performing “The Huapango,” a spirited folkloric dance from our neighboring Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Parade-goers can see Brownsville ISD students perform the dance en vivo during the Charro Days Youth Parade.

Local artist and businessman Don Breeden is the creative talent behind this year’s poster. He has illustrated 9 of the 10 Charro Days posters, starting with the 1991 original, his favorite which depicted the “Four Horsemen” of the Mexican Color Guard who traditionally lead the Grand Parade. “I grew up down here and the end of every February is Charro Days,” said Breeden, explaining his involvement in the festival. “You can’t grow up here and live this culture without Charro Days being a part of it.”

In Breeden’s watercolor of “The Huapango,” a young girl in long braid and ribbon tassle of Mexico’s red, green and white is shown wearing the fringed and appliqued buckskin jacket and skirt of the Tamaulipeca, an outfit typical to the open ranges of Tamaulipas state. Her partner is clad in the Chapareda, with boots, fringed buckskin jacket and – in keeping with local custom -- blue jeans. Gallegos Elementary School second-graders Alexis Diaz and Julio Gonzalez Jr. were models for the poster.

Charro Days president John Patriarca commended the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau and Breeden for originating the poster idea, and executing it so artistically each year. “There are so many wonderful, traditional Mexican dresses and costumes. Don has done such a wonderful job of portraying that.” said Patriarca. “It becomes a piece of art and something to remember each year by,”

Over the years, several Charro Days posters have featured Brownsville students performing traditional Mexican dances. “Los Viejitos” (The Little Old Men) and “Danza del Venado” (Dance of the Deer) have been among the poster’s subjects from the 1990s and when the concept was reintroduced in 2004. Other designs featured other aspects of the shared culture of the border lands, such as mariachis and the Matamoros cathedral, and Mexican vaqueros, or cowboys.

Breeden said the public seems to especially enjoy the poster designs featuring children. “Children have always been a big part of Charro Days, so we try to get them involved,” says the artist, who used his own daughter as a model one year. “It’s a good way to keep the spirit of Charro Days alive.” This year’s poster is available, while they last, at the Charro Days Headquarters, 455 E. Elizabeth and at the BCVB offices. Copies of previous years’ posters also are available.