Where: Charro Days activities are held at several venues, including the Jacob Brown Auditorium and the University of Texas at Brownsville campus, while the Sombrero Festival in Brownsville takes place at Washington Park.

When: mid to late February

At the Gateway International Bridge, which daily links the lives of Brownsville residents those living in Mexico, a "grito" (yell) echoes across the border. The call is matched by denizens of Matamoros, Brownsville's sister city in a proclamation of pride marking the start of simultaneous celebrations that tugs at the heartstrings of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans alike.

An annual event since its inception in 1937, folks kick off the longest-running fiesta in the Rio Grande Valley by kicking up their heels at a free street dance, where Tejano, Norteno and mariachi music fills the air. Attendees cheer on the participants of a flour tortilla-eating contest and watch the children who will carry the traditions of Mexico's past into the future dress up in the greco-embellished pants and soft ties of the charro suit and the feminine frills of the brightly-colored china poblana dress in a costume contest. Other events which take place during fiesta days include a grand international parade and an illuminated nighttime parade, a golf tournament, carnival and a night of variety entertainment.

Held in conjunction with Charro Days, Brownsville throws its own three-day version of Matamoros's Sombrero Festival at Washington Park, where those brave enough to sign up for the jalapeno-contest will definitely have something to scream about when stepping up to the mic for the "grito" contest. If your tastebuds are tempted at the charro bean cookoff during the Frijolympics a number of food vendors are on hand, then burn off the calories by participating in the Waiter's Race or simply dance the night away to Tejano tunes performed by live musical acts.

For more information:

•visit www.charrodaysfiesta.com and www.sombrerofestival.com