After the pandemic, what began five years ago as a way to keep the state of Zacatecas ' economy has grown into a week-long event that honours the migrant community's history, work, and roots.

The Jerez Fair is held in April during Holy Week, when many people attend, but" we started talking and realized that many people who were visiting their family did but during this time, when children are on vacation and typically skip the festivities," said Rafael Cabral Arroyo, a member of the International Charro del Migrante Tournament commission. And that is why Immigrant Year was established to welcome those who come to us and make a significant contribution to our business.

Every summer, thanks to the occasion, the streets of Jerez are once again filled with people who reunite, smiles, and reports shared. The immigrants come back to their homeland, the farmers come back to their hometowns to attend their youth, and Jerez returns, even for a few days, an important part of its soul.

All Los Angeles migrants from Los Angeles were invited to the party in Jerez on June 19 and 26 at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena by the provincial leader of Jerez, Rodrigo Ureo Bauelos, along with other representatives.

To give a brief overview of what people will experience in Mexico starting the following year, the press event featured mariachi, classic charrera, and Zacatecas-style tacos from the restaurant Burritos La Palma.

It is very difficult when you cross the border because you leave your family, your kids, and they are living in extremely difficult circumstances, according to Bauelos. Our workers did not leave because they desired to abandon Jerez. They left because they wanted better opportunities for their households. They continue to work in their towns and never stop belonging to this land ( Jerez ), which is why that week is special 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."

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