SAN ANTONIO — It's the happiest, most colorful time of year in the Alamo City.
Fiesta Fiesta is the token event that kicks off the 11-day celebration.
This year, the Texas-sized Fiesta event underwent a major venue change, moving to H-E-B Plaza outside the Alamodome.
"We're all done with the jetlag from COVID. We're ready to Fiesta and party!" said Uriel Díaz, who dressed up in Hello Kitty-themed Fiesta attire on Thursday.
It's that time of year when San Antonians party with a purpose. Every Fiesta event gives back, funding scholarships in our community.
The jingle of Fiesta medals filled the air outside the Alamodome on Thursday, signaling the first day of Fiesta 2024.
"We were just crowned. I am your new River Walk Prince!" said Victor Garcia, who was crowned River Walk Prince 2024.
Fiesta royalty graced the crowds for the first official event.
"About $76,000 goes directly to San Antonio Hospitality for scholarships!" said Garcia, who plans to run for Fiesta King next year.
This year, we saw Fiesta fashions blend pop culture with la cultura.
"My mom is Hello Kitty and I'm Keroppi, her little froggy friend!" said Díaz, whose fashion choice was inspired by family members and merchandise at his family business, Karolinas Antiques.
The diehards know that Fiesta 'fits aren’t exclusive to the headwear. The outfit extends from head to toe.
Díaz, posing with his Hello Kitty Crocs explained, "Our medals, our T-shirts, our fans and our fiesta hats. The theme this year is Hello Fiesta!"
Every year, Fiesta couture gets more elaborate, the showstopping pieces growing bigger and better.
"We were still working on them until an hour before we came over here!" said Díaz.
"Literally putting lights on them! Everything last minute!" added John Paul Calvo, who dressed up to fit the Hello Fiesta theme.
Forget your chanclas; an entire chair made of chanclas debuted this year at Fiesta Fiesta.
We also spotted Darth Vader in the crowd.
"What are you doing here?" we asked him.
"Getting medals,” he replied.
These unexpected moments are all part of the fun of Fiesta. In what each person chooses to wear, we witness their interpretations of our culture and heritage.
Mary Lou Lopez has witnessed the Fiesta evolution over the years.
"I was here for my first NIOSA in 1968,” she said, standing next to her husband, Marty. “Every year we've been coming to as many festivities as we can."
For so many like Mary Lou, Fiesta is tradition.
"Our church, they had parade chairs. We would come and sell parade chairs and then we would sit in the back with baskets,” said Mary Alice Fuentes, who remembers attending her first Fiesta at the age of 6.
What was once hosted in front of the Alamo, Hemisfair and Travis Park found a new home this year. What we learned is no matter where Fiesta Fiesta goes, the colorful crowds will always follow.
The fun continues Friday with Fiesta de los Reyes, Carnival, Oyster Bake, Taste of New Orleans, the crowning of Rey Feo and more. For a full calendar of Fiesta San Antonio 2024 events, click here.
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