​A SANCTUARY CITY CELEBRATES THE 4TH OF JULY

Rio Bravo, Texas lies 9 miles south of Laredo, a settlement founded along the banks of the Rio Grande in 1981 by 25 families seeking economic refugee. Today this “Colonia” is a
haven for 5,000 with a median age of 28, 99% Hispanic and with deep roots both from Mexico and from a strong ever changing Tejano Culture. This is a unique place where accordion music, two step tejano/western music and cumbias are all equally well received and enjoyed.

The 4th of July celebration was held in this City for the first time this year encouraged by the current City Administration and its Mayor Dr. Francisco I. Peña. The theme and spirit of the celebration was clearly that of “Independence”. To be sure a huge July Independence Pole dance was the hallmark of the celebration. Children wearing patriotic caps & colors danced to the traditional theme of America the Beautiful, Born in the USA and This land is my land and finally ending with a subtle, slow cadence to the well known musical theme Despacito. A strong spirit of independence indeed was manifest, well imbued in a spirit of pride of being part of the USA.

This event could not have been perceived as a fleeting moment because it was evident that it instantly created an indelible panoramic view of people in social evolution. State Representative Tracy King who was present during the ceremony must have sensed the message loud and clear.

Rio Bravo, its children, young adults & elderly dressed in traditional red, white and blue garments participated in an event which also marked the inauguration of a park dedicated to its City founders. Parque Fundadores as it was christened displayed swings, seesaws, and monkey bars all manufactured from recycled oil rig pipes. An aquatic park and a huge piñata in red, white and blue festoons adorned the event. Watermelon, apple pie and hot dogs were plentiful and to the delight of the young and old. A parade of decorated bicycles, kite flying contestants and a soccer penalty contest heightened the event as did an art contest which added to the already stay studded festivity.

All events occurred in a setting of a recreational park built by City employees, a park where talent, ingenuity and dedication saw no limit. A Flag raising ceremony preceded the event and it is fitting to say that while the Flag hovered above and its people celebrated below, a spirit of independence prevailed well in this 4 th of July celebration in Rio Bravo, Tx and that a sanctuary City breathed freedom that day.

Francisco I. Peña, MD
Mayor of Rio Bravo, TX