Crowds celebrate Mexican Heritage Fiesta 56
Published 10:50 pm Saturday, September 14, 2024
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Folkloric dancers captivate the crowd during the 56th Annual Mexican Heritage Fiesta Saturday at the Bob Bowers Civic Center. (Randy Strong/The News)
Robert Garcia Jr. proudly poses with his grandson Sean Garcia. (Randy Strong/The News)
Jordan Dinh,7, tests his skills on the mechanical bull. (Randy Strong/The News)
Myyas Hernandez,2, Jessica Hernandez, Noah Gainey,7, Victoria Gainey and Jace Gainey,2 prepare for the pageant. (Randy Strong/The News)
Patrons line up for Mexican food during the Fiesta Saturday. (Randy Strong/The News)
Family and friends enjoy the Fiesta. (Randy Strong/The News)
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By Randy Strong/Special to The News
panews@panews.com
It was a day of celebration Saturday at the Bob Bowers Civic Center in Port Arthur for the area’s 56th annual Mexican Heritage Fiesta.
The Mexican Heritage Society president, Zulema Escobedo has been thrilled over such a positive response for the fiesta throughout the years and is proud to help share her culture with the community so it can continue to flourish.
Emcee Angel San Juan, who has been a part of the fiesta for more than 20 years, opened the day’s festivities with words of encouragement and enthusiasm. ” I like how the Mexican heritage has grown in the area.” Juan said ” Exposer to different cultures and customs have really brought this community together”.
Among various activities including face painting along with men’s and women’s tamale eating contests were excited children from ages tiny to teen dressed in beautifully crafted traditional clothing took part in pageants as the day progressed with each child hoping to bring home the crown.
Throughout the day’s festivities both the young and young at heart enjoyed exciting music, folk dancing, delicious Mexican food and vendors of all types. Authentic Mexican gift shops filled the room with handmade jewelry, textiles, handbags and much more. the full day of festivities concluded with live music and dancing proving the possibilities of building bridges from one world to another.
