Celebrity, high-flying fan favorite to be a part of annual parade

Organizers for the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, announced two new elements debuting for the 11^th annual  presentation of the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade when it steps off from McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd. on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.  Mateo Adalberto Lopez, first recognized as the world’s youngest mariachi, will sing the National Anthem at the opening Holiday Musical Extravaganza that kicks off the parade festivities and the Hello Kitty helium balloon will appear as part of the line-up during the parade.

Lopez, first recognized as the world’s youngest mariachi by the Guinness World Records at only 4 years old. His notoriety grew after performing on NBC’s national television show, “Little Big Shots” and international talent show, “Mexico’s Got Talent.” He took the judges by surprise with his amazing talent and confidence, earning himself the golden buzzer before securing a place in the finals. He quickly burst onto the mariachi music scene making appearances on the Kelly Clarkson show, the MLS All-star game, NBA games, countless NFL Games, the cover of USA today, and even appeared in a Super bowl commercial.

The Extravaganza will open with the UTRGV Marching Band and a dazzling dance opening number**, choreographed by Artistic Director Julie Doyle, in collaboration with all three McAllen I.S.D. high school dance teams, Melba’s Dance School, the UTRGV Flag Corps, and 400 talented MISD elementary students performing the parade’s official theme song, written and sung by McAllen's own Maria D’Luz. This show-stopping performance will light up the stadium, topped off by a stunning fireworks display!

As the Extravaganza concludes, the UTRGV Marching Band will lead the parade as the official **Step-Off Band** for the McAllen Holiday Parade, launching a spectacular 1.5-mile route down Bicentennial Boulevard.

Hello Kitty was created by Sanrio in 1974 and this superstar animated character, spanning generations is truly a beloved global icon known for her signature red bow and heartwarming charm.

There is still time for high school marching bands from throughout the region to be a part of the eight-time internationally recognized Best Parade in the World. Participating bands will receive a $1,000 scholarship to assist with expenses related to appearing in the parade.  Bands interested in bringing the sounds of the holidays to the McAllen Holiday Parade should contact the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department to apply to participate in the parade by calling Sergio Garcia at (956) 681-3320 or by emailing at PARDmarketing@mcallen.net.

While tickets for the parade are already on sale now, anyone wishing to be a part of the parade, can volunteer as  balloon handlers and banner carriers. Over the years, the City of McAllen volunteer experience is one-of-a-kind.

Balloon handler volunteers must be 18 years or over, while banner carriers must be 16 years or over. All volunteers must go through a background check and will receive gloves, t-shirt and snacks. Learn more by visiting Las Palmas Community Center located at 1921 N 25^th Street or by calling Las Palmas at (956) 681-3350.

Anyone interested in participating in the  McAllen Holiday Shoebox Parade, a pintsize celebration of the big parade, have less than one month to submit their holiday parade entry – on a shoebox.  Open to children, adults, families, schools, non-profits and civic organizations, all creativity and imagination is invited to participate. MHP tickets and swag will be given to every entry for this year’s parade.  The grand prize will be VIP MHP Stadium Tickets and Meet & Greet Passes for the 2025 presentation of the parade along with and a $50 VISA gift card for 2^nd and 3^rd place prizes. Winning entries will be announced at the 2025 Christmas in July press conference.  The deadline to enter is Wednesday, November 27, 2024 by 12:00 p.m. at McAllen City Hall, Office of Communications. The winning entries will be premiered in a televised production in stadium, on MCN and on all streaming platforms on Saturday, December 7, right before the McAllen Holiday Parade steps off.

Already announced celebrities include Dallas Cowboys Legend & Super Bowl Champion Tony Tolbert who will make an appearance at the parade, along with celebrity hosts Mario Lopez and Linda Tovar for the English rebroadcast of the parade and Julian Gil for the Spanish-language rebroadcast.  The McAllen Holiday Parade airs on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the top 33 U.S. Hispanic markets, while airing live locally on every network.  Tickets for the parade are already on sale and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets start at just $10. Act quickly, as the stadium is expected to sell out!

For the latest information on the parade, follow McAllen Holiday Parade and the City of McAllen on all social media platforms.

The McAllen Holiday Parade is presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogen Auto Group and proudly sponsored by McAllen International Airport, South Padre Island CVB, Reliant and Lone Star National Bank. Other sponsors of the McAllen Holiday Parade include University of Texas RGV; Lone Star Ambulance; J Gonzalez Injury Attorneys; Budweiser-L&F Distributors; McAllen International Bridge System; McAllen Public Utility; Metro McAllen; South Texas Vo-Tech; South Texas I.S.D.; PepsiCo.; Matt’s Building Materials; Valley Aids Council; South Texas College; McDonald’s; Driscoll Children’s Hospital; Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley; American Electric Power Foundation; McAllen Public Works/McAllen Recycling Center; Explore McAllen; McAllen Shines; IBC; Rhodes Enterprise & Esperanza Homes; Lacks; McAllen Chamber of Commerce; Hermes; McAllen I.S.D.; Linebarger Attorney at Law; General Mills; PNC Bank; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Pollux Castor Creative; McAllen Economic Development Corp.; Peña Eye Institute; KSA Engineers; Plains Capital Bank; Carollo Engineers; Palenque Group; Halff Associates; B2Z Engineering; City of Puerto Vallarta; Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc. and Diocese of Brownsville. Media partners for the parade include Nexstar CBS4-NBC23; iHeart Radio; Radio United; Latino Media Network; MyRGV.com; Revista Expresión; El Periodico U.S.A.; Advance News; Lamar;  Más Music; Noticias RGV 5.2;  Entravision; KRGV Channel 5; TV Azteca; Telemundo 40; SOCIALIFE Magazine.

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