Upcoming Events
| Wed Jun 13 @ 6:00PM - Vaquero Festival Board Meeting |
Make your reservations today!
1600 N Smith Ave
Hebbronville, TX 78361
361-527-3330
1310 North Smith Avenue
Hebbronville, TX 78361
1-361-527-4082
37 East Highway 359
Hebbronville Tx Us 78361
(800) 992-2694
211 S Smith Ave
Hebbronville, TX 78361
361-527-3271
Hebbronville, Texas, is the county seat and home of the annual Vaquero Festival which takes place the first
weekend in November. Our goal is to honor the spirit of the Vaquero while preserving the history and educating
our community. We hope you will choose to join us for this event in which we take so much pride.
Only in Hebbronville, Texas
What a weekend this was at our 5th Vaquero Festival at the Vaquero Capital of the U.S. and Texas, Hebbronville, Texas! The two-day event started with the traditional trail ride that included our old timer vaqueros. Later on, the auctions, the performances from the local students and bands filled the evening on Friday. On Saturday, the festiviites began with a parade led on by our traditional vaqueros and numerous entries from surrounding communities. Other events included the impressive sounds of mariachis, with the students of Roma, Texas taking the most kudos, the fajita cookoffs and pan de campo competion among others. Other highlights of the day were the kid roping competitions, where kids are taught how to rope and learn about the vaquero heritage. Every food vendor had a very successful day, running out of delicious treats by day's end. Highlighting the evening were top draws like Randy Rogers Band, Curtis and Luckey, Rockin H Band and Ylisa y Grupo Infinito who collectivley, provided a wide range of music for every taste.
Hebbronville, the Vaquero Capital of Texas and U.S.
The word Vaquero was originally applied only to Spanish or Mexican cowboys who displayed top skills in horsemanship, roping, and handling cattle. Before settlers came to Texas, Vaqueros were driving cattle throughout Mexico, Texas and New Mexico for a patron (wealthy ranchers who had been given land grants from the King of Spain). Often, a Vaquero would set up his home and family on the ranch and his future generations would build their livelihood the same way, often staying on the same ranches for generations.
As time went by, Anglo settlers learned the methods used by the Vaqueros in handling horses and cattle. These traditions are what shaped the American Cowboy and he began to use the same gear (lassos, chaps, bandanas, spurs, etc.) and lingo.
Today, the spirit of the Vaquero is very much alive in those who take pride in the traditional ways of ranching. It is a culture full of history and pride and that is why we have chosen to honor and celebrate the Vaquero.
