As Americans, we love to celebrate. Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, even St. Patrick's Day gets special outings and events. We love to get out and drink and party, but many of our celebrations are void of any cultural significance. For instance, Cinco de Mayo is mistakenly celebrated as Mexico's independence day, but in reality it is a battle victory over the French. Regardless, it is much more celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, despite the Spanish holiday name. Similarly, not many Americans can explain why we as a county pay special attention to days like Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's day. However, the more you learn and the more you travel, it is much more likely that you realize it is the more inconspicuous regional holidays that are much more impactful and usually a lot more fun than the commercial holidays.
Laredo, Texas is a city not many people have visited or heard of, yet it contains a rich cultural history that rivals the entirety of the United States. In fact, it was founded in 1755, making it older than the United States, but that is not just why it is important. Laredo serves as the cultural bridge between nations, blending Texan, Mexican, and international influences into a dynamic cultural identity. Because of it's location directly on the Rio Grande, it is dubbed the "Gateway to Mexico" and is in fact the United States' largest inland port. And, as with any port city, the international influence is massive. It is especially apparent in the food and traditions that make this city unique, and one festival in particular is incredibly important.
Laredo Day is the city's anniversary event, and like everywhere else, anniversary events are a big deal. Celebrating the city's rich history, Laredo Day is full of food, events, and fun that has something for longtime residents or lucky visitors. However, the sheer size of the celebration can make it difficult to plan, so the City of Laredo is seeking bids from qualified vendors to provide informal catering services for their celebration. If interested in this opportunity, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes December 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM CT.