HOUSTON – Surrounded by family, neighbors, and a mariachi trio, Eastwood resident Don Manuel Rivera celebrated his 100th birthday this week with a block party that had half the street dancing.
Born in 1925 in Matamoros, Mexico, Rivera moved to Houston in 1954 and worked as a machinist for nearly four decades. He’s lived in the same modest yellow-brick home on Polk Street since 1962.
“I’ve seen hurricanes, blackouts, and three new mayors,” Rivera joked. “But I never missed my morning coffee or Saturday night cumbia.”
His children organized the surprise celebration, complete with tamales, a custom sheet cake, and a slideshow projected onto the garage wall.
“He still walks the block every morning,” said granddaughter Lucía Rivera. “Everyone in Eastwood knows Don Manuel.”
Local businesses donated food and supplies, and Council Member Sandra O’Neill presented Rivera with a certificate recognizing his contributions to the community.
“He’s a living piece of Houston history,” O’Neill said. “And probably our most beloved neighbor.”