Tagged News

• Biblical Symbolism Behind Dia de Reyes Celebration Play Video

  January 6, 2020 6:39 PM

  MERCEDES – Dia de Reyes is a celebration of the Three Wise Men who are believed to have visited Baby Jesus 12 days after his birth, Christmas Day. In Hispanic culture, you can't celebrate unless you have Rosca de Reyes, which is why some are very picky where they... more »

• Verifying Websites Before Cashing Gift Cards Play Video

  December 28, 2019 10:50 PM

  WESLACO - If you're looking to cash in Christmas money or gift cards, but plan to do it online, watch out for fake websites. Fake websites usually look legitimate or identical to the site they are trying to imitate Here are some tips to help you spot an... more »

• Valley Flood Victims Struggling with Expenses during Holidays Play Video

  December 24, 2019 10:09 PM

  SANTA ROSA – It’s been a tough Christmas for many who are still paying for damage from this year’s June floods. The roads in Santa Rosa right now are clear and dry, but the damage is done. The marks left over the walls. The losses inside homes and out.... more »

• Game Warden Advises Safety Measures When Gifting Firearms Play Video

  December 24, 2019 6:40 PM

  WESLACO – Texas Game Wardens say this is the time of year they see more illegal hunting in the Rio Grande Valley region. They’re also stressing firearm safety ahead of the holiday. It’s not uncommon in Texas to receive a gun as a Christmas gift, but with that gift... more »

• Locals, Visitors Congregate for Christmas Eve Mass at San Juan Basilica Play Video

  December 24, 2019 5:58 PM

  SAN JUAN – Traditions, reflection and to give thanks. These are just some of the reasons people say they decided to go to Christmas Eve mass. Dozens of locals and Rio Grande Valley visitors making time. Many are praising being able to spend the holiday with loved ones at... more »

• Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Donna Police Bestow Christmas Gifts to Children Play Video

  December 24, 2019 11:51 AM

  DONNA – U.S. Marines descended upon Donna armed with toys. The mission was a real lifesaver for some parents. For Jennifer Rivera, her budget was tight this year, but on Tuesday morning, a knock on the door brought in the spirit of Christmas. The Marine Corps Reserve Toys... more »

• Biker Group Steps Up to Replace All Toys Stolen from San Benito Church Play Video

  December 20, 2019 5:52 PM

  SAN BENITO – A holiday Grinch in San Benito signed a document claiming to be with Live Now Ministries and took 300 donated toys from an off-site location Wednesday. After CHANNEL 5 NEWS reported about the theft , many in the Rio Grande Valley community wanted to help donate... more »

• Valley Animal Shelter Over Capacity, Adoption Fees Waived Play Video

  December 18, 2019 11:48 PM

  EDINBURG - The Palm Valley Animal Society is over capacity, more than 500 dogs are sleeping in its shelters. Adoption fees are being waived in an effort to find homes for the animals in need this Christmas. Palm Valley Animal Society is also working to become a "no-kill"... more »

• Mercedes Christmas Tree Guard Forced to Quit after Receiving No Pay Play Video

  December 17, 2019 6:44 PM

  MERCEDES – The expensive Mercedes Christmas tree is being guarded. However, one of the security guards was forced to quit. He says he wasn't getting paid. A week worth of pay is a lot of money for José Sosa and his family. "Gifts, I mean, I have to... more »

• Police Shop with McAllen Students to Buy Christmas Gifts Play Video

  December 11, 2019 4:15 PM

  MCALLEN – Dozens of McAllen students got to shop ‘til they dropped Wednesday morning through the city’s Heroes and Helpers event. The city of McAllen and McAllen Independent School District teamed up with Target to make sure no child goes without a Christmas gift this year. Officers escort... more »

• Holiday Wonder and Cheer Attracts Community to Frio McAllen Play Video

  December 5, 2019 5:57 PM

  MCALLEN – The city of McAllen is getting into the holiday spirit with their Frio McAllen event. From now until January 6 at the McAllen Convention Center, soar down the Pingüino Plunge indoor ice mountain, throw real snowballs, build your own snowman and much more! Everywhere you turn,... more »

• Valley Fire Official: Take Proper Precautions When Setting Up Holiday Lights on Home Play Video

  December 3, 2019 6:43 PM

  WESLACO – It’s a popular scene this time of year. Ladders come out of the garage to help homeowners light up their home for the holidays. Anthony Rios says it’s a tradition in his family, but he dodged a bullet this year. He put up Christmas lights without using... more »

• Cyber Expert Warns Online Shoppers of Fraudulent Websites Play Video

  December 2, 2019 6:50 PM

  WESLACO – The red flags or fake websites can be found right in front of you. As shoppers are taking advantage of Cyber Monday deals, crooks are also snooping for personal information. Alberto Salinas received an email believed to be regarding his PayPal account. He didn’t give in.... more »

• Local Group Helps Family with Christmas Decorations Play Video

  November 30, 2019 10:39 PM

  HARLINGEN - One local group is helping spread Christmas cheer a little early this year. Southern Careers Institute stepped in to help one family in need with some holiday decorations. Campus Director Scott Hooks says the tree and gifts are from a program started about ten years ago.... more »

• Harlingen Residents Join in on Christmas Film as Extras Play Video

  November 19, 2019 6:19 PM

  HARLINGEN – Production for a Christmas film set to be released next year is going on in Downtown Harlingen. The film “Gift of an Angel” highlights immigration issues at the southern U.S. border. It will feature Hollywood celebrities Alyssa Milano and Cristian de la Fuente. Some Valley... more »

• Questions Arise after More Than $100K is Spent on Christmas Decor in Mercedes Play Video

  November 8, 2019 5:32 PM

  MERCEDES – Mercedes city leaders went big on their holiday decorations, but some say it is costing taxpayers too much. They spent more than $100,000 on a Christmas tree and street decorations, but some residents are questioning their priorities. “Having a Christmas tree is a beautiful thing. It... more »

• Volunteers Needed to Clean Christmas Decorations From Veteran Grave Sites Play Video

  January 7, 2019 4:10 PM

  WESLACO – Volunteers are needed to help clean Christmas decorations left at military grave sites. Members of Wreaths Across America left Christmas wreaths at about 900 grave sites last month. Now, the organization says they need help cleaning them up. The collection of the wreaths will take... more »

• Residents Advised to Properly Maintain Christmas Trees to Prevent Fire Hazard Play Video

  December 27, 2018 4:20 PM

  EDINBURG – Christmas trees are still displayed in many Rio Grande Valley homes. Fire officials say trees that are not maintained could put your safety at risk. Edinburg Deputy Fire Chief Ubaldo Perez says keeping the trees watered properly could preserve it and minimize the risk of becoming... more »

• Police Warn Empty Boxes from Christmas are Beacons for Thieves Play Video

  December 26, 2018 5:55 PM

  ALAMO – Local law enforcement is warning the public of trash thieves after the Christmas holiday. Once the presents are unwrapped and unboxed, the trash needs to go somewhere. Police say you need to be careful where you put those empty boxes. “[People] put trash in the... more »

• Day after Christmas Busiest Day for Returns Play Video

  December 26, 2018 4:13 PM

  WESLACO – The day after Christmas is a busy day for both bargain hunting and gift returns. The Better Business Bureau says Dec. 26 is the busiest day of the year for processing returns. Shoppers are warned to use caution in order to avoid falling victim. "If... more »

• RGV Cities Asking Residents to Recycle Christmas Trees Play Video

  December 26, 2018 2:59 PM

  WESLACO – Several Rio Grande Valley cities are asking people to recycle their trees this year. Some of the Christmas trees will be used for mulch, which works as a natural insect repellant. The city of Harlingen is taking the trees to South Padre Island where they’ll be... more »

• McAllen Home Celebrates 10 Years of Brightening Up Christmas Play Video

  December 24, 2018 9:25 PM

  MCALLEN – Another year, another holiday season. For 10 years, a McAllen home has been coated with more than 65,000 Christmas lights. The lights line Corbet Sparks’ roof, front lawn and even his festive holiday jacket. Many residents from across the Rio Grande Valley have made it... more »

• Valley Zoo Welcomes Newcomers to Celebrate Holidays Play Video

  December 24, 2018 9:24 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – People aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. It’s also Christmas at Gladys Porter Zoo and it’s not the first for some of the animal residents. For newcomers, it’s a brand new environment that has yet to be explored. Watch... more »

• Harlingen Woman Shares Traditional Baked Good Recipe with Family, Friends Play Video

  December 24, 2018 9:23 PM

  HARLINGEN – Every Christmas season one Harlingen woman spends countless hours in the kitchen with her grandchildren. She teaches them how to perfect a decades-old family recipe for pan de polvo. “It started with my mother back, back in the 40s I guess. She was the one that... more »

• Valley's Northopolis Continues to Awe Spectators 18 Years Later Play Video

  December 24, 2018 9:21 PM

  WESLACO – The capital of the North Pole can be found in the Rio Grande Valley! Northopolis in Weslaco is one of the best decorated homes in the Valley. Each year it continues to grow in size and attention. It brings people from all around the Valley... more »

• Holiday Sand Sculpture Wonderland at South Padre Island Play Video

  December 24, 2018 9:18 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – The city of South Padre Island is putting their own holiday twist on things this year. In South Texas, snow is a rare occurrence, but there is plenty of sand along the shores. KRGV’s Cecilia Gutierrez shows us how sand castles aren’t just for... more »

• Where Do I Stand on Santa's List - Naughty or Nice? Play Video

  December 24, 2018 9:15 PM

  WESLACO – Santa Claus told us it’s been a busy year on the North Pole. He says he has spoken to many children about what they want for Christmas. Some people end up on his naughty list, but most are on his nice list. CHANNEL 5’s Frank... more »

• Man Uses Skills to Give Back to Local Shelter Play Video

  December 24, 2018 9:14 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Not everyone is fortunate enough to spend Christmas at home. For some, a homeless shelter is where the holiday dinner will be enjoyed. The Ozanam Center in Brownsville is a 30-day shelter that serves three meals a day and offers clothing. Channel 5’s Sierra Pizarro... more »

• Local Foster Children Finding Peace during Holiday Season Play Video

  December 24, 2018 9:13 PM

  MCALLEN – Spending time with your family is what many look forward to during the holidays. Some children can’t be with their own parents due to abuse or neglect. KRGV’s Valerie Gonzalez visited a home where children find love and care no matter the season of life they’re... more »

• USPS Warns about Thieves Searching for Unattended Packages Play Video

  December 21, 2018 4:49 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Postal Service is warning people about potential crooks as last-minute gifts are being delivered. Unattended packages are easy bait for thieves so USPS is offering several tips for those expecting packages. "I do encourage them to put certified with the return receipt the return... more »

• 12 Days of Goodwill, End of Year Donation Drive

  December 21, 2018 2:35 PM

  ALAMO – Giving extravagant gifts during the holidays is nothing new — consider the “five golden rings” and “partridge in a pear tree” from the well-known Christmas carol. This holiday season, Goodwill is asking South Texans to give more meaningful gifts, such as second chances and confidence by donating things... more »

• Santa's Enchanted Forest Brings Families Together Play Video

  December 20, 2018 11:20 AM

  MCALLEN – Once a year right before the holidays, an event called ‘Santa’s Enchanted Forest’ takes place in McAllen. Children have the chance to play in the snow, ride a pony and have their faces painted. The event is geared towards the families so that all can participate.... more »

• Valley Residents Share Holiday Spirit Play Video

  December 26, 2017 9:38 AM

  HARLINGEN – Christmas Day is Dec. 25 and residents can go anywhere in the Valley and know the holiday spirit is alive and well. Nothing brings out the crowds like a parade, in this case it’s Harlingen’s Downtown Christmas Parade. And the Christmas spirit is very much alive. Many of... more »

• Woman’s Promise Creates Christmas Tradition Play Video

  December 22, 2017 10:34 AM

  HARLINGEN – It’s a family Christmas tradition dating back to World War II. A Harlingen woman is keeping it alive by dedicating a room in her home to an extensive nativity scene. The tradition started years ago when Genoveba Alvarez made a promise to God in exchange for her brothers’... more »

• McAllen Home Lighting Up an Entire Neighborhood Play Video

  December 20, 2017 12:33 PM

  MCALLEN – A McAllen man dresses his home and truck in 65,000 Christmas lights to help spread joy throughout the Christmas season. Upon arrival at 1916 Jefferson Ave in McAllen, people are greeted with a candy cane and a smile. From there it only takes a few steps to realize... more »

• Local Boy Shares His Way of Celebrating Christmas Play Video

  December 20, 2017 12:25 PM

  WESLACO – Christmas can look one way to one person and completely different for another. One local boy shares his own special take on the holiday. Among Santa hats, jazzy hands and delighted faces one young voice pushes through. Many associates the holidays with what they see. For young, legally-blind... more »

• Festival of Lights 2017: Proudly Presented by Coca Cola

  November 28, 2017 4:40 PM

  HIDALGO CITY - The Festival of Lights is a 27 year Rio Grande Valley tradition attended not only by local citizens, but guests from all over the United States and even foreign travelers! Hidalgo has been host to millions and millions to gather and witness this magical event. The city... more »

• South Padre Island City to be a donation site

  November 28, 2017 2:08 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - The city of South Padre Island will be a donation site on behalf of multiple organizations for the holiday season. These organizations are providing assistance to those in need in the Laguna Madre Area this holiday season. Drop off a new pair of pajamas, unwrapped toy... more »

• Valley Leaders Explain What Christmas Means to Them

  December 25, 2016 8:03 PM

  MCALLEN--Christmas means something different to everyone. CHANNEL 5 NEWS reached out the valley leaders about what it means to them. "It's one of those special days, if not, the special day of the year for me as a law enforcement officer because we get to spend time with the family;... more »

• Veteran Shares Christmas Memory after Coming Home from War Play Video

  December 23, 2016 7:05 PM

  PHARR – An 86-year-old war veteran recalled what it was like coming home from the war during Christmas in the 1950s. U.S. Army Sgt. Agripin Valderaz said there’s nothing like being at home for Christmas with family. “I had a very poor Christmas when I was a little boy. Nine... more »

• Family Receives Special Christmas Gift from Local School Play Video

  December 23, 2016 3:33 PM

  MCALLEN – The Rio Grande Valley is home to the highest poverty rates in Texas. That’s according to the latest statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Many families struggle to provide on a daily basis, even more so when Christmas rolls around. But this year, some of those families are... more »

• Hundreds Make Traditional Visit to Basilica of San Juan Play Video

  December 21, 2016 5:02 PM

  SAN JUAN - Hundreds of people continue to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle during this time of the year. Laredo resident Isabella Hueina said her holiday tradition is making a three-hour journey to the Basilica. For many like her the holiday season is a... more »