Oyster Bake at St. Mary’s University is one of the oldest Fiesta traditions in San Antonio. The event started in 1916 as an alumni gathering and has now grown to a large event with three headliners of different genres. One of this year’s Tejano stage headliners was David Farias y La Tropa F, who took the stage on Friday. La Tropa F is a Grammy nominated Tejano band that originated in San Antonio. The Paisano spoke to David Farias about his music career.
Q: What does Tejano music mean to you?
DF: It’s a variety of music. When I started, I started in a conjunto. A conjunto is a four-person band. There’s a lot you could say about Tejano music. It means a lot to me. There are a lot of questions where we could be here all night talking about Tejano music.
Q: Do you feel a responsibility to preserve Tejano traditions in music?
DF: Yes, for me, I have to do what I have to do 100% as far as playing the music and making sure I am playing it right for the people. It’s a variety of music that I grew up with, and it’s so important to me that I honor it right.
Q: You all have been in the industry for a long time, so how does it feel to continue performing at Fiesta in 2026?
DF: I haven’t been here, [Oyster Bake], in nine years. That was the last time I performed here. We have been contacted a few times, but our schedules didn’t work. I thank god that I am booked all the way up to December. It’s a blessing. I’ve been in business for 50 years. I try to give 300% for the people.
Q: Since you all have been able to continue performing and remain popular for so long, what do you think differs from your band to other Tejano artists?
DF: Our style became unique. I started off inspired by a lot of musicians like Tony De La Rosa, all the older artists that were in the area when I was young. I tell the younger generation it’s good to do that, but somewhere in the middle, you have to create your style so they can identify you. Back in 2010, I won the American Grammy. I toured with Los Texmaniacs. We toured to China, Argentina, Germany, Austria. We did four tours overseas. The music can take you around the world to play it for everybody. I’ve tasted a bit of the world, but nobody beats San Antonio. It’s the heart of Tejano.
Tejano music has remained a crucial role in San Antonio’s culture. David Farias y La Tropa F are one of the San Antonio Tejano legends who help keep the culture and Fiesta alive. It’s important to preserve the tradition and sound of Tejano music.
