By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Del Rio’s chapter of the International Good Neighbor Council has released the schedule for Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña’s October Fiesta de Amistad events.
Fiesta de Amistad brings border residents together for a cross-border celebration of shared history and culture. The signature Abrazo ceremony is held at Amistad Dam on the international boundary, where civic leaders meet at the midpoint to exchange greetings as flags are presented and anthems are performed. The Abrazo tradition traces to September 1969, when President Richard Nixon met Mexican President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz at the dam to dedicate the binational project—an iconic moment of friendship later celebrated annually. That ceremony echoed the 1960 Eisenhower–López Mateos agreement to build the dam and helped inspire today’s Abrazo.
“We are just trying to keep the tradition and legacy going while building it into the future,” said Andrew Scarbo, Del Rio’s IGNC president.
Across October, mariachi and conjunto music, folklórico dance and food vendors showcase traditions from both Texas and Mexico.
Del Rio’s first event, the ninth annual Fiesta de Amistad art contest, inviting high school students across Del Rio to create original posters celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Amistad Dam agreement.
The winning artwork will be featured on the Fiesta de Amistad medals that will be sold in the community.
Del Rio schedule
• Oct. 2 — Fiesta de Amistad Kickoff, 6 p.m., Ramada Inn
• Oct. 11 — PTSD Run, 7:45 a.m.
• Oct. 16 — Mayor’s Reception, Enchanted Jardin, 6 p.m.
• Oct. 17 — Abrazo Ceremony, Amistad Dam, 10 a.m.
• Oct. 17–18 — Charro Extremo & Cabrito Cook-off, Val Verde County Fairgrounds
• Oct. 18 — Amistad Parade, 10 a.m., South Main Street
• Oct. 18–19 — Arts & Crafts Fair, Greenwood Park
Ciudad Acuña schedule (POC: Municipal Tourism Director Jesús Carbajal)
• Sept. 26–Oct. 5 — Fiesta de Amistad Fair, food booths, carnival and live bands, Macroplaza
• Oct. 11 — Photo of Remembrance, 6 p.m., Friendship Monument
• Oct. 11 — Toast of Honor, 7 p.m., followed by Srta. Amistad Pageant and Coronation, 8 p.m., Esplanade of the Municipal Presidency
• Oct. 11 — Motorcycle Friendship Fiesta, 7 p.m., Hidalgo St.
• Oct. 11 — Fatted Calf, Livestock Expo
• Oct. 17 — Abrazo Ceremony, 10 a.m., Amistad Dam
• Oct. 17–18 — Coahuilense “Carmen de Amor” Festival, 100th Anniversary Forum
• Oct. 17 — Mexican Night: gastronomic presentation, Centenary Forum
More information will be posted on the Del Rio IGNC Facebook page
