By Camelia Juarez, Jon Salazar, Ashley Moreno, Randy Davila
Fiesta takes place every year in San Antonio during April to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. It originated in the 1891 flower parade conceived by Ellen Maury Slayden, wife of Congressman James L. Slayden. Taking place over 11 days each April, Fiesta has events for everyone with more than 110 events ranging from music, food, sports and pageantry to military and patriotic observances, exhibits, parades, fiesta royalty and more.
Fiesta is the “Party with a Purpose” because more than 100 local nonprofit organizations and military units create more than 100 events. Those nonprofit organizations spend the rest of the year giving back to the community of San Antonio.
Fiesta at Hemisfair is a fusion of arts, heritage and culture. There’s live music on a main-stage, fiesta medals to barter for, a kid-friendly atmosphere, locally made arts and crafts, and tasty creations from San Antonio’s culinary talents.
Fiesta features historical parties such as NIOSA, which stands for Night In Old San Antonio, that highlights the variety of cultures who have made San Antonio home.
The crowning of El Rey Feo dates back medieval Spain. El Rey Feo represents the people’s king because ordinary citizens found greatness in hard work and education, which in their mind was better than birthright. The citizens chose “ugly king” to make light of their minor rebellion against the opulent king overseas. Today, the crowning brings us together for the similar reasons, such as raising scholarship money for local San Antonio students.
Every year, the city of San Antonio holds a city-wide block party celebrating the birth of the city. The ten day long celebration if filled with many events, big and small. Events such as Fiesta Oyster Bake and Night Out in Old San Antonio generate a very large crowds and are often thought of the events to attend. Fiesta, as a whole, is a party with a purpose. A lot of the profits benefits local charities and organization to build up the community while having a good time. Fiesta is one of those events that make the large city of San Antonio feel like a close community. Everyone is family during the time of the festivities and Fiesta lets the people connect with the city in a way that cannot be replicated.
Audio Story by Randy Davila
Video story by Jon Salazar
Angelica, a 13-year-old folklorico dancer, flashes some dances moves to the camera. 
Dr. Sal Barbaro gives the audience a chuckle after saying he isn’t nervous performing surgery, but is nervous in front of the crowd. 
Stands for NIOSA lay askew the weekend before NIOSA. 
Alicia Pena, Duchess of Pinatas in the Barrio, walks through empty NIOSA stands towards the crowning of El Rey Feo ceremony. 
A mother takes a picture of Angelica and her friend before they present the El Rey Feo Crown on stage. 
Several Military Ambassadors walk to their seats greeting surrounding civilians. 
The group of folklorico dancers begin dancing as the event begins. 
Angelica, a 13-year-old folklorico dancer, watches her friend hold the El Rey Feo Crown and stands next to Mayor Ron Nirenberg. 
Before the crowining of El Rey Feo, this folklorio dancer is seen playing on her phone 
Dr. Sal Barbaro is crowed the 71st El Rey Feo after he raised over $250,000 in education scholarships.
Photo story by Camelia Juarez
