International soccer stars, local roots highlight of newest names added to prestigious roster of guests
Earlier today, at a press conference held at McDonald’s on Pecan Blvd., MHP organizers unveiled not one, but two international soccer stars who will also be making an appearance at this year’s McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, when it steps off at 6:00 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 7, 2024 from McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd. Vicente Matias Vuoso, of the Mexican National Soccer Team and Franciso Torres, who has played with Rio Grande Valley FC and the United States National Soccer Team will both be part of the “Noche Magica.”
“We have already announced a big roster of Dallas Cowboys players and legends coming to the parade, but we also know that the Rio Grande Valley celebrates soccer just as big!” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “We are excited to have these talented soccer players here at the parade, to help inspire our youth here in the area to chase their own professional soccer dreams.”
Known for his goal-scoring abilities and dedication, Vuoso hails from Argentina and has had an impressive career playing for the Mexico National team and top teams such as Club America, Santos Laguna, and Manchester City. Torres is no stranger to the Rio Grande Valley. Originally from Longview, Texas, he has had an illustrious career playing for teams such as Pachuca, Tigres UANL, and Rio Grande Valley FC. He has also proudly represented the United States on the international stage, earning accolades and winning championships. Torres is known as “El Gringo,” as well as for his skillful midfield play and dedication to the sport.
Additionally, parade organizers were thrilled to announce that a renowned beauty influencer from the Rio Grande Valley, Luis Alejando Beauty, will be gracing the McAllen Holiday Parade as a celebrity guest influencer. With over 242,000 followers on TikTok and collaborations with top brands like Urban Decay and Fenty Beauty, he has made a significant impact in the beauty community. Known for his stunning makeup transformations and dedication to his craft, he continues to inspire many with his creativity and talent. Joining him will be other top regional influencers like Forkit, rgv taste and more to be announced.
Tickets for the parade are already on sale and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets start at just $10, for either reserved seating in stadium or various zones along the route, which come with celebrity appearances and gifts. Tickets are also available for purchase from various community organizations selling reserved chair seating, which can be purchased directly from those organizations. Act quickly, as reserved seating is expected to sell out! There is also plenty of free, first come, first serve seating along the route, as well.
Getting the family to the parade will not be difficult, as the City of McAllen, in partnership with South Texas College, will offer a FREE McAllen Holiday Parade Park & Ride Polar Express Shuttle from the STC campus on Pecan Boulevard and 29th St. to the Quince Avenue and 23rd Street parade Drop-Off/Pick-Up point. Starting at 12:00 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 7, Metro McAllen trolleys and buses will make a continuous loop approximately every 15 minutes, from pick-off point at STC to the parade Drop-Off/Pick-Up point.
Anyone wishing to participate in the parade as a volunteer still has time to sign up as balloon handlers or banner carriers. 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 25th Street or calling Las Palmas at 681-3350.
Organizers are also reminding anyone throughout the Rio Grande Valley that the call for entries for the McAllen Holiday Shoebox Parade is open and the deadline to enter is fast approaching. Entries must be on a shoebox, and can include any type of arts & crafts, toys, holiday decorations, lights or countless elements to celebrate “Noche Magica,” the theme of both the shoebox and the big parade. Entries are due no later than Wed., Nov. 27, 2024 by 12:00 p.m. to the City of McAllen Office of Communications, McAllen City Hall, 1300 W. Houston Ave., 3rd Floor. For more information, visit www.mcallen.net.
Before the McAllen Holiday Parade steps off at 6:00 p.m. from McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sat., Dec. 7, 2024, the community is invited to enjoy Christmas in the Park which starts its celebration with the carnival on Thurs., Dec. 5, 2024, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Municipal Park, located at 1921 Bicentennial Boulevard. The full-fledged free, fun, family-friendly Christmas festival kicks off the next day and aside from the carnival, features food, fun, vendors, arts & crafts, concerts and entertainment for the whole family.
Other celebrities in attendance at this year’s presentation of the event include Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Champions and Pro Bowlers Russel Maryland and Erik Williams, joining already announced Dallas Cowboys Legends Tony Hill and Tony Tolbert and current player and fan favorite DeMarcus Lawrence. Additionally, thanks to the Dr. Raul Peña and Peña Eye Institute, the Dallas Cowboys‘ fan experience for this year will once again include the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Rowdy, the Dallas Cowboys mascot.
Celebrity hosts Mario Lopez and Linda Tovar will make their return appearance for the English rebroadcast of the parade and international star 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.
For the latest on the McAllen Holiday Parade, make sure to follow them on all social media platforms.
The McAllen Holiday Parade is presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden 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; 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; South Texas I.S.D.; 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., Diocese of Brownsville; SpawGlass; Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics. 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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