Baile del Sol to Kickoff 72nd Charro Days Fiesta

News Media Advisory:


What: Baile del Sol to Kickoff 72nd Charro Days Fiesta
When: Sunday, February 22, 2009, 12 noon-6 p.m.,
Where: Charro Days Headquarters, 455 E. Elizabeth St., Brownsville


Background: The 72nd annual Charro Days Fiesta begins with Baile del Sol, the first event of the weeklong festivities, scheduled for noon Sunday, Feb. 22 in front of the headquarters of Charro Days Inc., 455 E. Elizabeth St., Brownsville, Texas.

The traditional grito will officially kick off the fiesta at 3 p.m. The presidents of Charro Days, Sombrero Festival, the Mr. Amigo Association and Fiestas Mexicanas will belt out the grito continuing a tradition that started in 1938

Now, in its 11th year, Baile del Sol will feature school-age and college students dancing traditional Mexican dances and dressed in native costumes. There will also be food, music and a street dance. At 4:30 p.m., men and women will battle out the flour tortilla eating contest. The tortillas are stuffed with beans. In 2003, the record time of 4 minutes and 19 seconds was set. That time still stands. Admission is free.
Some of the highlights of the day:

12:30-12:45 UTB/TSC Grupo Folklorico Tizatlan
12:45-1:15 Childrenʼs Mexican Costume Contest (1-1 year old)
1:15-1:30 Champion Elementary
1:30-2:00- Childrenʼs Mexican Costume Contest (2-4 years old)
2:00-2:45 Performances by Ben Brite Elementary, Young Scholars, Russell Elementary School & Longoria Elementary
2:45-3:00 Street Dance with music by Raul Basso & La Marka
3:00- 3:15 Presidents Welcome and Official Grito
3;15-4:00 Childrenʼs Mexican Costume Contest (4 -6 years old)
4:30-5:15 Taco Eating Contest
5:15- 5:45 Street Dance Continues

Contact: Michael Puckett, (956) 542-4245 or charrodaysfiesta@sbcglobal.net
For more events and information, visit www.charrodaysfiesta.com