The International Bridge Ceremony

24 May

At the end of the 19th century, Laredo, Texas founded the Washington’s Birthday Celebration to show their patriotism to the rest of the country. Today the celebration, commonly known as the WBCA, has grown into a large and almost month-long Celebration. The festivities are held in February and give an estimated $14 million to the local economy. Events include street parades, a fireworks display, colonial and Native American inspired debutante balls, carnivals, rodeos, and the unparalleled Jalapeño Festival.

In 1898, a symbolic meeting was held on the International Bridge uniting the sister cities of Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. To show their friendship and good relations both cities officials meet on the bridge and walked arm in arm into downtown Laredo. This event is one of the longest-standing traditions of the WBCA. In 1969, the ceremony added children from both cities to promote awareness and understanding of the ties among the two cities. The event is now called the Abrazo Ceremony, “abrazo” means hug.

Preparing a march

This year I had the great pleasure of photographing The International Bridge Ceremony, also called The Abrazo Ceremony. The last time I attended this event I was an Abrazo child representing Laredo, Texas. Cold, early, and boring are my vague childhood memories of this event. This time around I was aware and touched by the event’s unique symbolism. Although a 5:45 wake up call to attend this early Saturday morning event was rough, witnessing an event that for once celebrates the relationship between our borders was inspirational.