A parade of horseback riders, a reenactment of the Battle of the Alamo, and family-friendly history activities will take place in San Benito during a two-day event commemorating the 174th anniversary of Texas Independence.

San Benito’s Texas Independence Day Celebration, now in its second year, will take place Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26-27 on the Plaza de San Benito grounds in the heart of the city.

The Texas Independence Day celebration starts at 9 a.m. on Friday with the Texas History Symposium. The symposium will feature Texas historians Dr. Jesus de la Teja, editor of the memoirs of Juan Seguin; Dr. Ana Carolina Castillo Crimm, author of “De Leon A Tejano Family History;” and Dr. Stephen L. Hardin, author of “Texian Iliad A Military History.” 

The celebration continues on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with a parade led by several organizations of horseback riders.  At 11 p.m. a San Benito City official will read the Texas Independence Day proclamation. 

Other events include re-enactments of the battle of the Alamo and battle skirmishes, Native American history demonstrations, photo opportunities with uniform-clad re-enactors with their equipment and weapons. The day will also include art and craft demonstrations and good ol’ Texas storytelling. Texas food by local non-profit vendors will be offered.

The symposium speakers will also return on Saturday for presentations.

Together with the San Benito Historical Society, and featuring South Texas Trail Riders, The Indian Bear Clan, South Texas History Brigade, and renowned Texas historians, The Texas Independence Day Celebration Committee plans to make this unique, family oriented event even more exciting and educational so we may continue to instill pride within our community for our Texan heritage.

For information about the Texas Independence Day celebration in San Benito call Fred Garza at 956-245-6980 or Sarah Williams at 956-361-3804.