Editing Laredo, Texas (section)

===Annual celebrations===

The [[Washington's Birthday Celebration]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wbcalaredo.org/|title=121st Washington's Birthday Celebration|website=Wbcalaredo.org|access-date=August 27, 2017}}</ref> a month-long event that celebrates George Washington's birthday, is the largest annual celebration of its kind in the United States, with 400,000 attendees. It was founded in 1898 by the [[Improved Order of Red Men]], local chapter Yaqui Tribe No. 59. The first celebration was a success, and its popularity grew rapidly; in 1923, it received its state [[charter]]. In 1924, the celebration held its first colonial pageant, which featured 13 girls from Laredo, representing the 13 original colonies. The celebration includes parades, a carnival, an air show, fireworks, live concerts, and a citywide [[prom]] during which many of Laredo's elite dress in very formal attire. The related [[Jalapeño]] Festival is one of the United States' top 10 eating festivals.

Jamboozie is held in late January in downtown Laredo as part of the Washington's birthday celebrations. Similar to New Orleans' [[Mardi Gras]], the Jamboozie is a colorful event, with many people dressed in beads, masks, and flamboyant outfits.