Mechanical bull rides; mariachi music, pageants, food and fun are coming this way with the Mexican Heritage Society’s Fiesta 49!

For 49 years, the fiesta, which commemorates Mexico’s Independent from Spain, has kept the Mexican culture alive in Southeast Texas by sharing the beauty and history of the Mexican heritage at the event.

The event is usually held in September but organizers were forced to postpone the event due to Tropical Storm Harvey. The regular venue, the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, saw major flood damage and is being repaired at this time.

So, with the big five-oh coming next year and wanting to do something positive for the community, organizers moved the event to the pavilion in downtown Port Arthur.

The festivities start at noon with opening ceremonies.

“We are trying for a Sunday this year,” Andrea Velazco, treasurer for the Mexican Heritage Society, said.

“We will have a children’s costume contest, a pageant, mariachi, folkloric dancers and some really talented singers coming. There will also be a mechanical bull, a car show with low riders and custom cars and tons of food, lots of business vendors and FEMA and SBA are scheduled to attend to give info to the Hispanic community.”

There is no cost to attend this year’s event.

“We wanted to do something positive for the community so there is no charge to get in, it’s free,” she said, adding that there will be a donation box where proceeds will go towards scholarships. “We know everybody has been through this disaster and wanted to bring hope and happiness and share our beautiful culture with everyone.”

 

• Noon – doors open: opening ceremonies, welcome, America’s National Anthem, Mexico’s National Anthem, guest speakers
• 12: 20 p.m. – Children’s costume contest
• 1:15 p.m. – Pageants: Miss Preciosa, Tiny Miss, Jr. Miss, Mr. Jovencito, Little Miss, Miss Mexican Heritage
• 3:30 p.m. – Mexican Heritage Society’s Folkloric Dancers, directed by Maestro Jose Sada
• 5 p.m. –Royalty parade
• 7-10 p.m. – Baile with music by Kumbion Zelecta

Lawn chairs are welcome. No drinks, coolers, food, etc. may be brought to the event.

For more information, visit the Facebook page Mexican Heritage Society of Port Arthur Texas.