Celebrate 185 years of Republic Square

Seven new outdoor banners celebrating the history of Republic Square – which has hosted key events in Texas history, city celebrations and daily life – will be unveiled during a free, all-ages event from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 3 at Fifth and Guadalupe streets. One of the city’s four original public squares, Republic Square has been a significant site in Austin since 1839, particularly for the city’s Mexican and Mexican American community. Mexic-Arte and the Downtown Austin Alliance are hosting a ribbon-cutting and family activity day with performances by Mariachi Chavez y Amigos and the Ballet Folklorico of Austin, plus complimentary refreshments from Austin Aguas Frescas and Ross Cake’s Bakes & Sweets, coloring books with images of the new banners and screen-printed tote bags. Claudia Aparicio Gamund created the artwork featured on the banners, and the project was funded by a heritage grant awarded by the Austin Economic Development Department.