The nation’s oldest and largest celebration honoring the first president of our country, Washington’s Birthday Celebration, returns to Laredo, Texas, for the 124th year. A celebration lasting more than a month, Jan. 21–Feb. 27, this party includes more than 28 events, such as a jalapeno eating contest, a Martha Washington Colonial Pageant and Ball and more. The month-long celebration draws a crowd of more than 400,000 people and offers some of the most well-known social events in South Texas.
The International Good Neighbor Council Abrazo Reception will kick off this year’s celebration, with kids from both Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, formally introduced in their colorful costumes performing to their country’s folk music. A bond between the two countries is established between the children with an exchange of gifts.
Washington’s Birthday Celebration Museum © Visit Laredo
On Feb. 19, the heartwarming WBCA/IGNC International Bridge Ceremony is sure to leave a lasting impression. The ceremony starts with a symbolic international bridge hug between nations featuring four Abrazo children as well as Mexican and U.S. dignitaries. A powerful show of friendship, this ceremony embraces the appreciation and mutual respect between the two nations.
Throughout the celebration, travelers and locals can expect something for everyone, like incredible air shows, a carnival with thrilling rides, a stunning fireworks display and an “international” parade.
While there, don’t forget to stop by Washington’s Birthday Celebration Museum, located in the historic La Posada Hotel. Known as the Official Hotel of Washington’s Birthday Celebration, the hotel’s WBC Museum features a collection of memorabilia and costumes to provide visitors a peek into Laredo’s past.
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