San Antonio’s famous celebration, Fiesta, has once again returned to the streets of San Antonio. The festivity began as a commemoration of the city’s historical battles, such as the Battle of the Alamo; however, over the decades, the significance of the ceremony has evolved into a broader circuit.
Fiesta became a tradition in 1891, after a group of local women gathered in front of the historic monument and tossed blossoms at one other to honor those who perished in the Battle of the Alamo. The celebration became immensely multicultural of which local colleges and universities have become active participants on their respected campuses.
UTSA provides a substantial amount of contribution on campus for Fiesta, sponsored by the Campus Activity Board (CAB). According to CAB chairmen Eliza Holzun and John Boone, the board seeks to conduct a smooth, yet exciting Fiesta week. Wednesday, April 15, the organization is providing a performance by comedian Ronnie Jordan to start the Fiesta UTSA campaign. The event will be located at the UC II in the Retama.
Annalise Perry, another ambassador of CAB, urges students to invite friends and family to the official FiestaUTSA events occurring this Friday on April 17. A pool party will be held at the recreation center on Friday, April 24, as the final Fiesta event conducted on campus.
Most student organizations participate as an opportunity to market themselves to the student body. These organizations include UMOJA, a predominantly black membership which promotes unity on campus. Derek Bell, a partial ambassador of Umoja, plans heavy participation in the events.
“We will be selling catfish nuggets at FiestaUTSA”, states Bell said. “We hope to acquire attention for our upcoming events, such as Whata-Man and the UMOJA elections”
Previous Fiesta events on campus have been memorable for some students. According to Carol Cutter, former news editor of the Paisano, 2005 was one of the most enjoyable Fiesta events she experienced.
“The crowds at FiestaUTSA were happy and involved” Cutter said. “It was exciting to see how almost all of UTSA’s organizations came together.”
Other students have partial recollection of Fiesta events that occurred on campus.
“I never really participated in Fiesta events on campus” Donovan Wells, junior in electrical engineering said. “I may make an effort this year”.
The official kick off of Fiesta San Antonio begins on Thursday the 16, from 5:30 to 10pm. Though there will only be one event on this day, it will be hosted by the Alamo Heroes committee. The party will consist of live entertainment, street dancing and booths previewing other official Fiesta events. The event will last until April 26.
Student organizations participating in Fiesta are advised to sign in before 10 a.m. with any available CAB representative.
Fiesta(and UTSA) Events:
15-Comedian Ronnie Jordan (UC II)
16-Fiesta (Alamo Plaza); Tejano Explosion (Cattleman’s Square)
17-FiestaUTSA (Sombrilla); Fiesta Oyster Bake (St. Mary’s University Campus); A Taste Of New Orleans (Sunken Garden Theater)
18-Fiesta Mission 10K and Kids’ Runs (Mission County Park No. 2)
20-Texas Cavalier’s River Parade (River Walk)
21-A Night in Old San Antonio® (NIOSA) (La Villita); Mariachi Festival (River Walk, River Bend & extension of Paseo del Rio)
23-St. Philip’s College Culture Fest & Rib Cook-off (St. Philip’s College); Battle of Flowers® Band Festival (Alamo Stadium)
24-Pool Party (Rec Center); Battle of Flowers® Parade (VIA Park & Ride available); Chips ‘n’ Salsa (new event! El Tropicano Hotel)
25-King William Fair (1032 S. Alamo Street); Fiesta Flambeau Parade