The 75th Anniversary of the Scottsdale Parada del sol is January 31, 2026; These festivities are VERY popular in this part of Arizona this last week of January. The pride of our state is evident in the attendance and commitment of the city of Scottsdale since 1951! It's all smiles this week as we come together for fun and the history of Arizona on full display from costumes to our Mexican and Indian heritage, as well is historic period costumes.
The 75th Anniversary of the Western Week for the City of Scottsdale starts January 24, 2026 and ends January 31st with the Parada del Sol Historic Parade. The parade has been in operation for 75 years and includes over 125 floats and participants. You may not find this many horses in ANY parade! I've heard rumors this is the largest parade of it's kind to include horses. So if you've heard of another, let me know!
Plan to arrive well before 9 am and line the streets of Scottsdale Road, south of Indian School Road to 2nd St, East on 2nd Street or North on Brown. Have to admit my fav spot is on Brown near a street corner where the announcers are introducing floats and sharing local history and stories of each float entry.
And check out this interactive map for parking spots. There are lots of places to park and walk, but arrive early to avoid the floats that line up along Goldwater to start the parade. If you bring a chair, you'll be carrying it afterward for the festivities.
The streets of course are closed, so stick around afterward for the 5 stages of live music, rides for little ones, petting animals, food trucks and of course local artists. Some of the photos of Parada del Sol in years' past!
Seeing the Mexican caballeros is always a treat. They draw instant recognition and appreciation for their horsemanship, while they ride beautiful spirited horses. They appear to be Pasofino horses with the smooth gate and high step. Other breeds participating might be Andalusia, American Paint, Quarter horse, Lucitano, Fresian, and Draft horses. We hope to see the Budweiser Clydesdales. Here's a photo from 2016 while they lined up before the parade started.
Hope they are in Scottsdale this Saturday. The crowd LOVES them!
These are the ElCharros! They are the organization that manages this event. They do a great job year after year and are a well-respected, civic bunch!
One aspect of the parade is the completion of mail delivery of a 200 mile route from Holbrook to Scottsdale, Arizona 3 days prior to the parade. This historic mail route still keeps the "old west spirit alive" by riding in relay fashion to deliver mail to Scottsdale in time for the Parada del sol. This is the oldest form of mail delivery in the US and is handed from the Post Master and to rider and on to each rider. Originally, the Pony Express did not deliver to Arizona.
* Check out this video!
These are Native princesses elected to their offices. Love seeing their costumes and smiles.
The DAR women have entered the parade for many years. This is the Fountain Hills, Arizona chapter.
Miss Teen Rodeo from 2023! Arizona has some fun rodeos, including the Prescott Rodeo, also rumored to be the longest held rodeo in the US.
These weary Revoluationary War parade entrants are almost to the finish line. How cool that this float entry exists!
This is one of the 22 Native American Tribes in Arizona during the 2023 Parada Del Sol parade. I did not document which tribe and wouldn't do them justice by guessing.
After the parade is over - the streets are filled with country dancing, little petting animals and riding the rides, and my friends for the Trails End Block Party!
The silverado Main Stage (one of 5) is featuring the Herndon Brothers, an Arizona local celebrity band. The Herndon Brothers include Ray and Ron Herndon, but also J David Sloan, a long time bar owner and musical legend, inducted in the Arizona Music Hall of Fame (white beard in the video below.) The lead singer, Ray Herndon, and J David Sloan sub in for other band members with Lyle Lovet and his band. Ray 's brother Ron plays keyboard and is a regular fixture with the longtime Arizona band playing at their bar, Handle Bar J's, located in Mid Scottsdale. The Herndon Brothers have been inducted into the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame as well. Handle Bar J's has been open since 1975 when Brick and Gwen Herndon purchased it! After Brick passed, Gwen and the boys took over and the surviving brothers still run and play the bar to this day.
So come to the parade and festivities. It's a free outdoor event until you want something to eat or drink. Drink and food tickets are sold at booths. Dress comfortably in layers. Wear your jacket that morning but peel it off in the afternoon when the temps reach 75. Wear sunscreen at least on your face and ears! Arizona has some strong sunshine!
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