Changes in borderfest celebrations

March 5, 2010  Print    Email this Article   1 Comment

This article was published 6 months 7 days ago which may make its actuality or accuracy no longer valid. Foxrio2.com is not responsible for any misunderstanding.

The recent episodes of violence in different Mexican border cities have forced changes in the way the Rio Grande valley celebrates..

Organizers of “Borderfest” are not taking any chances….for the first time ever high school students were forbidden from participating in the Abrazo ceremony.

The ceremonial hug between Hidalgo and Reynosas mayors, better known as Borderfest’s “Abrazo”, shuts down vehicle traffic temporarily on the international bridge.

Despite all the rumors of violence in Reynosa, mayor Oscar Luebbert tells fox 2 news they welcome visitors to their city, but Hidalgo police takes all security measures for this event by using ar-15 assault rifles

Borderfests “Abrazo” takes place… But this time around goes without its high school mariachis this year… Because of the risk of violence in Reynosa.

Talented square dancers perform on the bridge instead of the main square plaza in Reynosa

The “Abrazo” ceremony is the official kick-off of the 34th annual Borderfest, dedicated this year to Australia

The Hidalgo contingent break a tradition of walking to the plaza in Reynosa, this year instead participated in a reception in a local restaurant just across the border.