Ready to step into a Spanish fairytale right in downtown Laredo? The second annual Don Quixote Exhibit celebration brings the magic of Cervantes’ legendary knight to San Agustín Plaza with live music, folkloric dance, and you – yes, you – getting to join the fun.
Why Don Quixote Matters Here on the Border
Don Quixote isn’t just some old Spanish story gathering dust in libraries. In Mexico, Don Quixote became more than just a literary character; he became a symbol of cultural identity. The figure of Don Quixote, with his idealism and persistence in the face of adversity, mirrored the struggles and aspirations of the Mexican people.
Don Quixote, novel published in two parts (part 1, 1605, and part 2, 1615) by Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, tells the story of an aging man who sets out with his squire Sancho Panza to seek adventure. But here’s why it resonates so deeply in our borderland community: this knight’s quest for justice, his refusal to give up on his dreams, and his companion’s down-to-earth wisdom speak directly to the heart of Mexican and Tex-Mex culture.
The Spanish colonial influence runs deep through Texas history. When Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived centuries ago, they brought their stories, their language, and their cultural heroes. Don Quixote became part of that heritage – a character who represents the eternal human struggle between idealism and reality, dreams and practicality.
Modern adaptations have even reimagined the story right here on our border. In Octavio Solis’ adaptation, the old man is called Jose Quijano, or Joe. He is a retired college professor, living along the Texas-Mexico border with his sister, Magdalena, and niece, Antonia. That’s how powerful this story remains – it keeps getting retold because it speaks to who we are.
What’s Happening at San Agustín Plaza
This Friday evening, you’ll experience something magical: Danzón at the Plaza. The Nuevo Laredo Centennial Municipal Music Band teams up with Mextli Danza Folklórica to bring you an interactive celebration where the lines between performer and audience disappear.
Here’s what makes this special: The dancers won’t just perform for you – they’ll teach you the steps. You’ll learn the rhythm of danzón, a dance that originated in Cuba but became beloved throughout Mexico. It’s elegant, it’s romantic, and it’s surprisingly easy to pick up.
When: First Friday evening (around 7 PM)
Where: San Agustín Plaza, Downtown Laredo
Cost: Absolutely free
What to bring: Just yourself (and maybe a blanket or chair for comfort)
Why You Should Go
This isn’t your typical museum exhibit where you stare at displays behind glass. This is culture you can touch, music you can feel in your chest, and dance steps you can take home with you.
The event ties into the larger Don Quixote Exhibition at Casa Ortiz (running through October 24), making this month a perfect time to dive deep into this cultural treasure that connects Spain, Mexico, and our own Texas borderland story.
Pro tip: This is part of CaminARTE’s monthly First Friday cultural showcase. Come early to explore other downtown exhibits and workshops, then stay for the dancing as the sun sets over the plaza.
The Bigger Story
Don Quixote matters because he’s us. He’s the dreamer who refuses to quit, the idealist who sees castles where others see roadside motels, the person who believes in something better even when the world laughs. In our border community, where cultures blend and dreams cross boundaries every day, that story hits home.
When you dance danzón under the stars this Friday, you’re not just learning steps – you’re participating in a cultural conversation that’s been going on for over 400 years, from the courts of Spain to the plazas of Mexico to right here in Laredo, Texas.
Come be part of the story. Don Quixote would approve.
