Mariachi music and cultural pride were on full display at Texas Southmost College’s (TSC) Charro Fest held in the North and South Hall Courtyard on campus. The Brownsville Veterans Memorial Early College High School Mariachi Group and Mariachi 7 Leguas performed at the annual event. TSC students, faculty, TSC President Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodríguez, members from the TSC Board of Trustees and Mr. Amigo 2026, Alejandro Fernández Jr., were present for the festive outing.
“This is a culture we want to continue promoting,” said Delia Saenz, TSC Board of Trustees Vice Chairwoman. “The music is festive. It keeps us in the charro spirit.”
As the performances on stage came to an end, Fernández Jr. made his way to the courtyard. The Mr. Amigo 2026 was surrounded by fans seeking pictures. He eventually made it to the stage where he joined Dr. Rodríguez and board trustees.
Fernández Jr. followed in his grandfather, Vicente Fernández’s, footsteps. Vicente Fernández was Mr. Amigo in 1977.
“For me, it’s something very special,” Fernández Jr. said to the spectators in the audience. “It gives me a lot of pride and nostalgia knowing I can be part of the same history as my grandfather.”
Fernández Jr., who moved to San Antonio when he was eight-years-old, told the crowd Brownsville reminded him of growing up in the Alamo City.
“We’re so honored to have him here, said TSC Board Trustee Edgar Garcia. “A legacy of family, of three talented musicians. It’s an honor to have him here, especially this year, it’s our 100th anniversary. It’s so important for him to be here with us.”
In addition to the mariachi musicians, dancers also entertained the crowd. The Little Scorpions from TSC’s Raul J. Guerra Early Childhood Education Center were in charro gear from head-to-toe as they performed their routines. Dancers from Brownsville Early College High School’s (BECHS) Dancing Stars also displayed their dancing talents.
Other fun-filled activities took place at Charro Fest, including a tortilla toss and a grito contest. Maria Hernandez, a 47-year-old student in TSC’s Child Development Early Childhood program, won the grito contest. Hernandez outperformed younger students to claim the first-place prize.
“I like to be with the young women to motivate them,” said the first-year TSC student.
Music, traditional outfits, and fun activities are staples of TSC’s Charro Fest. Anyone looking for an exciting outing is encouraged to attend the annual celebration held on TSC’s campus in the future.
