By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Del Rioans will have a chance to glimpse the rich, colorful and ancient culture of China on Saturday during the 2026 Chinese New Year Parade on South Main Street.
This year’s parade will be a “reverse parade,” beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at South Main and Canal streets and ending at South Main Street and Garfield Avenue. Performances by local groups will take place immediately after the parade in the Student Performance Center, 315 S. Griner St., at 11 a.m.
Initially envisioned and brought to life by Diana Stern, wife of Del Rio attorney Jack Stern, the Chinese New Year Parade has been an annual fixture of the city’s historic downtown for many years. Stern remains involved in planning, and she and her husband purchased most of the authentic costumes and props used in the parade, including the huge, vibrantly colored dragon puppets that serve as its centerpiece.
This year’s parade is being coordinated by Esme Esparza, with support from Diana Stern, Nancy Khan, Linda Webb and Claudia Lopez.
Esparza told The 830 Times this is the 22nd year Chinese New Year has been celebrated in Del Rio.
“We are happy to have expanded participation from new groups that will be participating in the parade and performances at the Student Performance Center,” Esparza said.
New participants include Heritage Academy, Garfield Middle School Dance Team, Dance Company and STUCCO. Returning participants include Chinese Dynasty Costumes Through History, Cardwell Head Start, Queen City Belles, Umbrella Girls, Ladies Fan Dance and Roberto “Bobby” Barrera Elementary STEM School.
Mayor Al Arreola, who has participated in the parade alongside his wife Myrella for several years, recently issued a proclamation designating Feb. 17 through Feb. 28, 2026, as “Chinese New Year — Year of the Horse Celebration Days” in Del Rio.
In the proclamation, Arreola noted the celebration honors centuries of heritage, customs and values that emphasize family, community and harmony while sharing traditions such as lion dances, lantern festivals and cultural performances rooted in ancient history.
Arreola also said Del Rio “recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion and values the contributions of all communities that enrich the social and cultural fabric of our city.”
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
