Day of the Tourist celebrations return to Nuevo Progreso

After a two year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Day of the Tourist returned on Monday, March 21, at the Nuevo Progreso International Bridge. The day-long celebrations are held by the cities of Nuevo Progreso and Rio Bravo, Mexico, to honor the Winter Texans that flock to the restaurants, bars, dentists, doctors, and street vendors located close to the Progreso-Nuevo Progreso International Bridge. The mayors of Progreso and Nuevo Progreso meet symbolically in the middle of the bridge to celebrate friendship between the two communities.This was the 46th year the celebrations have been held. The Day of the Tourist is held in March before Winter Texans return to their homes in the northern states.This year’s Señor Turisto was Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes.“I think Tourism Day is a great expression of showing our gratitude to the Winter Texans who spend four to six months here every year,” Fuentes said.“Unfortunately because of Covid, we have seen the effects economically over the last two years. We know how essential the Winter Texan visitors are to our economy on both sides of the border. Having an appreciation day like we did goes a long way into showing our gratitude for them coming down each year.”The attractions in Nuevo Progreso is one of the reasons the Rio Grande Valley is a destination place for Winter Texans, Fuentes said. “It provides a sense of entertainment and recreation, which, along with activities like golf, birding, and the beach, it is another activity that they can look forward to each day.”Marga Lopez, bridge director for the Progreso International Bridge was named Señora Turista.Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.