Laredo

Around Laredo

Photo: Billy Hathorn at en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Metro area · Texas · 272k people

Laredo

“Gateway City”

Where the Rio Grande greets the Texas sun.

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Welcome to Laredo, where the river meets the road and two cultures blend into one. Come for the barbacoa, stay for the friendly faces and the rhythm of the border. We're glad you're here!

Clubs for Laredo

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The room

One room for everyone around Laredo. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.

Ask the neighbours

All

A good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.

Coming up

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Marketplace

Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Laredo. Sign in to sell something.

Things to do

  • Republic of the Rio Grande Museum Historic building that once housed the short-lived republic.
  • Lake Casa Blanca Popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnics.
  • Laredo Center for the Arts Showcases local and regional artists.
  • Jarvis Plaza Downtown plaza with a fountain and events.
  • World Trade Bridge Major commercial port of entry, symbol of the border economy.
  • Imaginarium of South Texas Interactive museum for kids.
  • Outdoors Walk the riverfront at sunset
  • Outdoors Fish at Lake Casa Blanca
  • With kids Visit the Imaginarium of South Texas
  • With kids Spend a day at Lake Casa Blanca
  • Evenings Bar hop on San Bernardo Avenue
  • Evenings Live music at the Laredo Center for the Arts
  • Locals love taquerias
  • Locals love plazas

Through the year

  • Washington's Birthday Celebration February One of the largest civic celebrations in the US, with parades and events.
  • Laredo International Fair and Exposition March Annual fair with rides, livestock, and concerts.
  • Borderfest April Music and food festival celebrating border culture.
  • Laredo Farmers Market Year-round Local produce and crafts every Saturday.
  • Jalapeño Festival August Spicy food and music festival.

Hot semi-arid climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Best time to be out is from October to April. Best: October to April

Talk like a local

“puro Laredo”
Pure Laredo, used to express pride in the city.
“la frontera”
The border, referring to the border region.

Getaways

Local flavour

Eat and drink

  • barbacoa weekend tradition
  • cabrito roasted goat dish
  • tacos al pastor popular street food
  • Taco Palenque local chain

Where people go

  • taquerias street-side taco stands
  • border crossings international bridges
  • plazas town squares
  • riverfront along the Rio Grande

Heritage and traditions

Laredo takes pride in its rich Mexican-American heritage, its history as the capital of the Republic of the Rio Grande, and its status as the largest inland port on the US-Mexico border, where two cultures blend seamlessly.

Say it like a local: “Órale” — Okay, let's go.

Festivals

  • Diez y Seis de Septiembre September Celebration of Mexican independence with parades, concerts, and traditional food.
  • Dia de los Muertos November 1-2 Community altars, marigolds, and pan de muerto honor departed loved ones.
  • San Agustin Feast Day August 28 Procession and mass honoring the city's patron saint, San Agustin.
  • Las Posadas December Traditional Christmas processions reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, ending with piñatas and hot chocolate.

Landmarks with a story

  • San Agustin Cathedral Historic Catholic cathedral on the main plaza, dating back to the 18th century.
  • Fort McIntosh A US Army post established in 1849, now part of Laredo Community College.
  • La Posada Hotel A historic hotel that has hosted presidents and celebrities, known for its Spanish colonial architecture.
  • San Agustin de Laredo Historic District A neighborhood with preserved 19th-century homes and buildings.
  • The Laredo Cemetery Resting place of Republic of the Rio Grande figures and early settlers.
  • The Old Mercado A historic market area that once served as a trade hub.

Food traditions

  • Menudo A spicy tripe soup traditionally eaten on weekends to cure hangovers, often from local taquerias.
  • Carne asada Grilled beef, a staple at family gatherings and cookouts, often with tortillas and salsa.
  • Pan dulce Sweet bread from panaderías, enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate for breakfast or merienda.
  • Raspados Shaved ice with fruit syrups, a refreshing treat in the hot climate.
  • Tacos de tripitas Tripe tacos, a street food favorite, often with onion and cilantro.

Music and arts

  • Tejano music A blend of Mexican and American styles, with accordion and bajo sexto.
  • Conjunto A traditional Mexican-American music genre featuring accordion and bajo sexto.
  • Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra A classical orchestra performing in the city.
  • Border murals Colorful murals depicting border life, history, and culture.

A little history

  • 1755 Founded by Tomás Sánchez as a Spanish settlement on the north bank of the Rio Grande.
  • 1840 Served as the capital of the Republic of the Rio Grande, a short-lived independent nation.
  • 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo made the Rio Grande the US-Mexico border, splitting the region.
  • 1881 Arrival of the railroad boosted trade and immigration.
  • 1910s Mexican Revolution brought refugees and increased cross-border commerce.
  • Game day Charreadas
  • Game day Soccer leagues
  • Outdoors Walk across the international bridge to Nuevo Laredo
  • Outdoors Visit the San Agustin Cathedral
  • With kids Play at the Laredo City Park
  • With kids Enjoy a raspado from a street vendor

Laredoans speak a distinctive border dialect mixing Spanish and English, often called 'pocho' or 'Tex-Mex', with a unique accent influenced by both cultures.

Only here

  • The twin city of Nuevo Laredo, just across the border, makes Laredo a binational community.
  • The world's largest inland port, with over 10,000 trucks crossing daily.
  • The Republic of the Rio Grande, a short-lived nation that had Laredo as its capital.
  • The San Agustin Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Texas.
New here? A few tips
  • Learn some Spanish; it's widely spoken and appreciated.
  • Expect hot summers; stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
  • Carry a passport for crossing to Nuevo Laredo.
  • Try local foods like barbacoa, cabrito, and pan dulce.
  • Be prepared for border traffic; plan extra time for bridge crossings.

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Laredo, TX. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.

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