What started five years ago as a way to save the economy of Jerez in the state of Zacatecas, after the pandemic, has now become a week-long event that honors the history, effort and roots of the migrant community.

“The Jerez Fair is in April, during Holy Week, and many people go, but then we started talking and we realized that many people who were going to visit their relatives did so during this time, when children go on vacation and usually miss the festivities,” said Rafael Cabral Arroyo, from the International Charro del Migrante Tournament committee. “And that is also why Migrant Week was created to give a great welcome to those who, by visiting us, contribute to our economy.”

Thanks to the event, every summer the streets of Jerez are once again filled with hugs, shared stories and families who reunite. The migrants return to their land, the countrymen return to visit the places where they grew up, and Jerez recovers, even for a few days, an important part of its heart.

This Tuesday, the municipal president of Jerez, Rodrigo Ureño Bañuelos, along with other representatives, met at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena to invite all migrants from Los Angeles to the celebration in Jerez, which will take place from June 19 to 26.

The press conference was complete with mariachi, traditional charrería and Zacatecas-style burritos from the Burritos La Palma restaurant, to give a small taste of what people will experience in Mexico starting next week.

“When you cross the border, it is very difficult because you leave your home, your family, your parents, and here, today, they are living in very difficult times,” said Bañuelos. "Our migrants did not leave because they wanted to get away from Jerez. They left because they sought a better opportunity for their families. However, they never stopped belonging to this land (Jerez) and they always make an effort to return to their towns; that is why that week is for them."

The reason for the great welcome, according to the municipal president, is his way of recognizing everything that migrants contribute not only to Jerez, but also to other parts of Mexico, since many send money to support their families, start businesses or build their homes.

Millions in remittances

According to the Bank of Mexico, in 2024 $64,745 million in remittances were sent throughout the Mexican Republic, with an average amount of $393. 99.1% of remittances sent were made by electronic transfer and only 0.7% in cash.

In fact, Jerez is considered the migrant capital, since in the last five years it has received millions of dollars in remittances. These are not just figures, but a reflection of the effort, sacrifice and work of all those people who have had to leave their beloved country.

“Their work, sacrifice and perseverance have been fundamental for the growth of our municipality,” said Bañuelos. “Many of the works, community projects and improvements in rural communities have had their supportive and generous support.”

While a group of mariachis played from the top of the rodeo stands, the charros, dressed in their traditional costumes—with large hats and beautifully embroidered suits—performed equestrian demonstrations on their horses, while others showed off their lasso skills.

Among the group attending the event was Diana de la Cruz, the crowned migrant queen, who was born in the Los Angeles Valley, but was raised for a time in Jerez. For the young woman, who also wore a traditional charro suit, the week-long celebration in Jerez is not only visually beautiful, but it is also an opportunity for young people in the United States to connect with their roots.

“I come to represent the new generation of young migrants who were born here in the United States, but whose roots and traditions continue to take us to our beautiful municipality of Jerez to continue with them,” said de la Cruz. “I encourage young people to get to know the towns where their parents come from, because one thing is to hear stories about where they are from and another is to visit them and experience it in person.”

Jorge Acevedo, promoter and promoter of the charreria in California, said that the event in Jerez has a charro competition held on June 24 and 26, in which more than 32 teams participate, of which 17 are from different parts of the United States, such as Las Vegas, Phoenix and Idaho.

Part of the celebration also includes multiple parades, a sample of the mezcal-making process, folkloric dancing, drumming, activities such as baseball and a luxury charreada, among others. There will also be a comprehensive health day aimed at migrants and their families, within the framework of Migrant Week.

“Thanks to all our migrants,” concludes Bañuelos. "We will always be waiting and receiving you with open arms; we know that being a migrant is not easy and, nevertheless, you have the heart to continue supporting us and visiting us."