The International Good Neighbor Council invites Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña residents to three days of parades, music, food, and cross-border camaraderie — even as the traditional Abrazo Ceremony is postponed by the federal shutdown.
By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
The Del Rio Chapter of the International Good Neighbor Council (IGNC) is inviting residents to celebrate the long-standing friendship between Del Rio and its sister city, Ciudad Acuña, during this year’s Fiesta de Amistad, set for Friday through Sunday, Oct. 17-19.
The celebration, organized annually by IGNC-Del Rio, honors the cultural and civic ties linking the two border cities.
Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the event’s signature Abrazo Ceremony — where delegates from both sides of the border meet at Amistad Dam to exchange handshakes and greetings — has been postponed to a later date, though all other Fiesta de Amistad activities will proceed as scheduled.
Andrew Scarbo, IGNC-Del Rio president, said the annual Abrazo usually includes both mayors, representatives of the International Boundary and Water Commission, police chiefs and other dignitaries.
“(Amistad Dam is) where the original treaty was signed and the original Abrazo was done back when President Dwight Eisenhower and Mexican President Adolfo Lopez Mateos came together,” Scarbo said.
The ceremony traditionally features performances by Del Rio High School ROTC and the Ballet Folklorico de Acuña. While historically open to the public, Scarbo said this year’s event will be invitation-only.
Parade and fair highlight the weekend
On Saturday morning, residents will line Ogden Street for the 65th Annual Fiesta de Amistad International Parade, themed “Boot Scootin’,” a nod to country-western line dancing. Scarbo encouraged spectators to “come out in their boots.”
The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Ogden Street and ends at Nicholson Street, featuring between 90 and 100 entries. Scarbo noted that some federal-agency entries could withdraw depending on the shutdown.
A special highlight will be the return of the Alzafar Shriners from San Antonio for the first time in a decade. Known for their clown costumes and miniature cars, the Shriners are expected to delight spectators.
“I know a lot of citizens are excited to see the floats. The parade just continues to grow more every year,” Scarbo said.
Following the parade, the Fiesta de Amistad Arts and Craft Fair opens at Greenwood Park (541-599 Griner Street), running Saturday 1 p.m.–10 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m. The fair will
feature food and crafts booths, train rides, pet adoptions, and bouncy castles.
Live music will fill the park both days, with Calle 4 performing Saturday, Lucero Del Bravo on Sunday, and DJ Sammy Lopez spinning throughout the weekend. This year marks the first time the fair will remain open until 10 p.m. Saturday.
Charro Extremo adds new flair
A new attraction this year, Charro Extremo, will bring a mix of rodeo competition and a goat cook-off to the Val Verde County Fairgrounds (2006 N. Main St.).
Organizer Rey Robles said the event, presented by ARA Promotions with Toro Loco of Ozona, kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. with free goat roping, continues Saturday at 10 a.m. with the cook-off and team roping, and culminates Saturday at 7 p.m. with a charro exhibition featuring riding, dancing, and roping demonstrations.
Admission to Saturday’s fairgrounds events is $5.
