Nearly five decades after his grandfather Vicente Fernández was named Mr. Amigo, Alex Fernández received the same honor during the Feb. 26 ceremony at the Gateway International Bridge, which connects Matamoros and Brownsville, where the event is held annually. The award honors individuals who unite the cultures of Mexico and the U.S. through their work.
“It’s an honor that connects history, culture, and community,” Fernández tells Billboard Español after the event. “It has immense significance because, in my family, we don’t see it as a trophy, but as a symbol. My grandfather was Mr. Amigo in 1977, and growing up with that example reminds me that a legacy isn’t just about music or fame; it’s about how you represent your people and your values.”
“Honestly, I was in shock,” he added about the moment he received the news of the recognition. “I felt immense gratitude and, at the same time, a sense of responsibility.”
During the ceremony, the 32-year-old singer, known for songs such as “Cuéntame” and “Te Amaré,” was also named a Distinguished Guest of Matamoros. “The Fernández family is very special to our community,” Michelle Pompa, president of the Mr. Amigo Association, said about the choice of the ranchera music performer, part of the third generation of a renowned dynasty of singers.
The award comes at a time of great tension for immigrants in the U.S. due to the aggressive deportation campaigns under President Donald Trump’s administration.
“I think it feels more relevant than ever,” Fernández tells Billboard. “Mexico and the United States are deeply connected. Migrants are an essential part of that connection. We can celebrate what unites us, honor our differences and choose respect as our meeting point.”
The Mr. Amigo distinction originated in the early 1960s when a small group from the Chamber of Commerce in Brownsville, Texas, undertook a project to promote relations with the border city of Matamoros to strengthen ties between the two countries. It was first awarded on Oct. 12, 1964, to Mexican president Miguel Alemán.
Since then, a long list of personalities has been honored — including Mario Moreno “Cantinflas,” Armando Manzanero, Lola Beltrán, Juan Gabriel, José José, Emmanuel and many others — which has been documented in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., as a model of friendship between the two nations.
As part of the 2026 celebrations, Fernández unveils a star with his name on the Brownsville Walk of Fame on Friday (Feb. 27). On Saturday (Feb. 28), he will parade in an open vehicle accompanied by charro associations from both cities in a traditional event to conclude the festivities.
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