Paisano Plus FIESTA Issue — Spring 2017, Issue 2

SPRING 2017, ISSUE 2

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MUST READS OF THIS ISSUE 8 | What the Fiesta Ever wonder about the history of the week long celebration that San Antonio has every April?

Become a Fiesta know-it-all and take a look at What the Fiesta.

Read about how it all started and how this celebration has morphed into something else. Get a better understanding of the events and the royalty.

11 | we "remeber the alamo," but do we remember correcly?

Fiesta isn’t all about fun and games or even a day off from school. People often forget why we celebrate Fiesta and the cultural significance that this event holds.

Read a different perspective on this controversial celebration and gain some insight into the historical reason we used to celebrate Fiesta.

13 | FROM THEN TO 40 YEARS LATER The 126-year-old tradition is still very new to UTSA. As we celebrate our 40th year of hosting a Fiesta event, get the scoop on how everything comes together so that we can have a fun party under the Sombrilla. Read about the competitions that go one between the Fiesta booths and the other Fiesta events that UTSA hosts.

14 | MEDAL MANIA

Everywhere you go during Fiesta you hear the clangs of medals that hang off people. With a variety of medals in existence, we decided to create four medal designs that should exist as badges of honor for surviving Fiesta.

15 | FREE FIESTA EVENTS College isn't cheap, but we found some free events happening during Fiesta! Checkout the colorful calendar of free events going on throughout the Fiesta celebration.

hey! Welcome to this special issue of Paisano Plus. Are you ready to party? We are (we always are though).

Tis the season for bright colors, papel picado on every house, and confetti that you’ll probably find in some unsavory places. That’s right, it’s Fiesta season.

Fiesta is a San Antonio event that takes over the city.

When considering the hype up to and the partying after, Fiesta actually lasts around the entire month of April. From unnoficial events to house parties and parades, Fiesta is something every San Antonian should experience at least once. If you haven't, you're definitely missing out on some quality content. Have you ever seen a Fiesta dog parade? Yeah, that's a thing.

When it comes to “Puro San Anto” — a phrase commonly used by San Antonians when expressing popular culture within the San Antonio community — Fiesta is one of the top events that comes to mind.

But what the Fiesta, right? What is Fiesta? Is it vital to San Antonio traditions? Is it just an excuse to party?

Both?

If you’re new to San Antonio or one of those lifelong San Antonio residents who has never figured out what exactly Fiesta is, today is your lucky day. Find out about the orgins of Fiesta how it has transformed over the years.

And that’s just scratching the surface. There are a lot of aspects to Fiesta that will make you go “Why is that a thing?” These aspects include Fiesta “royalty,” parades and more. Find out more on page 8.

However, Fiesta’s history isn’t all confetti and cascarones. This issue includes a commentary that tackles the controversial topics of Fiesta that San Antonio tends to ignore. We all remember the Alamo, but do we remember it correctly? Read more on page 11.

Other Fiesta festivities for this issue include looking at UTSA’s 40 years of Fiesta (page 13), fiesta medals that should exist (page 14), and what’s really important: free Fiesta events (page 15).

Grab some friends, stock up on cascarones, wear your brightest outfit and get ready to party. Catch ya later at a Whataburger at 2 a.m post-NIOSA.

Co

Fiesta has become a 126-year-old tradition and part of San Antonio culture. Closer to home at UTSA, we are celebrating our 40th Fiesta UTSA under the Sombrilla. Our cover photo (front cover/left) is a modern twist on a blast-from-the-past picture (back cover/right).

This year, UTSA cebrates 40 years of Fiesta. UTSA and the city of San Antonio has changed a lot over the past 40 years, and continues changing more and more every day.

The two covers above show that while times change, Fiesta memories continue to be made.

Jade Cuevas

magazine@paisano-online.com

!Viva OOTSA¡

{ Paisano Plus } Magazine Editor: Jade Cuevas The Paisano Editor-in-Chief: Caroline Traylor Managing Editor: Ethan Pham

Samantha Ceballos Magazine Editor Assistant

Coffee addict, creative writer & cat eyeliner lover

Magazine Editor Assistant: Samantha Ceballos

If you are interested in becoming a writer, hit us up!

Email our editor (magazine@ paisano-online.com) or drop by The Paisano’s weekly Wednesday meetings at 6 p.m. at 14526 Roadrunner Way.

Enrique Bonilla

Photo Editor: Tristan Ipock Account Executive: Jenelle Duff Business Manager: Will Stransky Marketing Director: Kristy Olson

No prior journalism experience required.

{Staff} Jessica Salinas, Enrique Bonilla, Ryan Thompson, Chase Otero

Just a curious mind and a passion for chasing stories.

{Cover Photos and Graphics} Jade Cuevas/Helen Stransky Gil Barrera

Staff Illustrator & tattoo enthusiast

{Advisor} Diane Abdo {Advisory Board} Stefanie Arias, Jack Himelblau, Steven Kellman, Red Madden, Sandy Norman

Jessica Salinas "What the Fiesta" & The Killers diehard fan

Ryan Thompson “UTSA street style" & Rihanna Navy Admiral

Paisano Plus is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed

by UTSA. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations.

Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 690-9301 magazine@paisano-online. com © 2017, All Rights Reserved, The Paisano

Ethan Pham

"From then to 40 years later" & Professional night owl

Raquel Zuniga

"'Remeber The Alamo' But do we remember correctly?" & Olympic eyeroller

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What is your favorite piece in your closet right now, and why?

1 "These New Balances

because they're super versatile. You can pretty much make any fancy outfit casual with these."

—Jesse Garza

2 " I always revolve

everything around my shoes, so I'd have to say my cream New Balances.

I can just throw them on and they compliment any outfit."

—Lorena Delgado

3 "Definitely my new Ace &

Jig kimono. It's all striped and just very textile. It's also a plus that all of Ace & Jig's products are all hand woven and hand made."

—Anna Brown

4 "My 1990's Depeche

Mode shirt from their World Violation Tour. It was the first piece of band merch that wasn't from my parents. I found it on my own and it should've been way pricier."

— Kirkland Luther

5 "My black Zara bomber

jacket. That piece is just timeless. The interior is all red and it pretty much looks good with anything."

— Randy James

6 "Probably would have to

say my jean jacket because it's an effortless yet chic look."

— Megan Osteen

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By Jessica Salinas

what exactly is Fiesta?

This year, San Antonio celebrates 126 years of tradition from April 20 to April 30: Fiesta.

According to fiesta-sa.org, some 3.5 million party-goers enjoy Fiesta. More than 20 percent of Fiesta-goers travel from across the state, the nation and the world.

Fiesta is one of the nation’s premier festivals with an economic impact of more than $284 million for the city.

The 10-day celebration displays more than 100 events featuring music, food, sports, pageantry, military and patriotic observances, exhibits and parades.

Fiesta wasn’t planned in a day.

The celebration’s name changed throughout the years. In 1960, the name was officially changed from Fiesta San Jacinto to Fiesta® San Antonio.

The first Battle of Flowers, a Fiesta event, took place in 1891—55 years after the end of Texas Revolution.

A group of San Antonio citizens honored the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto with a Battle of Flowers parade. The parade included horse-drawn carriages, bicycles decorated with fresh flowers and floats carrying children dressed as flowers. Parade participants pelted each other with blossoms.

Within a few years, more events took place on or near April 21: a carnival, balls and coronations of Fiesta “royalty.” Other early events included street dancing, a children’s festivals, a Trades Display Parade and an orphans party.

Since 1895, Fiesta has been an annual event—except in 1918 (because of WWI) and in 1942-1945 (because of WWII).

As it exists now, Fiesta and its royalty is a

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celebration of the city’s rich and diverse cultures.

Popular long-time traditions and other parades include the River Parade, Fiesta Flambeau Parade, a Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA), Cornynation, First Taste of New Orleans, St. Mary’s Oyster Bake and Fiesta royalty.

Seven crowns are designated as official Fiesta royalty. The Queen of the Order of the Alamo’s first counterpart was crowned in 1895 as the Battle of Flowers Queen. In 1900, the Queen had a court for the first time: a princess, duchesses and other attendants.

In 1909, the Order of the Alamo was established.

The members meet once a year to choose the next year’s queen and her court. The queen’s court includes a princess, 12 in-town duchesses and 12 out-of-town duchesses.

The first King Antonio was crowned in 1915.

Throughout Fiesta, King Antonio visits the organizations and charities supported by the Texas Cavaliers, which were formed in 1926. The organization consists of over 500 business, civic and community leaders who promote and preserve bravery and independence for which the heroes of the Alamo died. The Cavaliers are tasked with choosing King Antonio from within their ranks.

Every year, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade features more than 45 colorful floats decorating the San Antonio River.

El Rey Feo originates from the medieval tradition in which peasants elected one of their own as king for a day. Rey Feo was first crowned in 1947 and became an official part of Fiesta in 1980. Candidates for the title raise money to award scholarships.

Other official royalty includes Miss Fiesta San Antonio. She dates back to 1949 in conjunction with the Flambeau Parade. Today the Miss Fiesta Scholarship Pageant makes its selection from among

graphics by samantha ceballos

San Antonio college students.

The Reina de la Feria de las Flores. Similarly to Rey Feo, this queen earns her crown by raising funds for the Rey Feo Scholarship Committee. The first reina was chosen in 1947 along with the first Ugly King.

The Charro Queen. She represents the San Antonio Charro Association, a San Antonio tradition since 1947. A Day in Old Mexico and the Charreada trace their history back to 1550s Mexico.

Queen of Soul. The goal of the San Antonio Queen of Soul Inc. is to provide a representative of the African American community at Fiesta activities and other civic and community programs.

Miss S.A. College students compete for this title.

The winner represents San Antonio in the Miss Texas Pageant in Fort Worth in July.

Fiesta has become mostly all fun and games. Out of more than 100 events, only three official events still honor the meaning behind the first Battle of Flowers—to honor the Battle of the Alamo and San Jacinto.

An event called This Hallowed Ground is a walking tour of the original perimeter walls of the Alamo compound. Participants view the perspective of the battle from both sides, from moderator Robert Benevides along with members of the San Antonio Living History Association.

The San Jacinto Victory Celebration highlights Texas’s independence from Mexico 181 years after the Battle of San Jacinto. The event is sponsored by the Alamo Heroes Chapter of the Daughters of the

Republic of Texas (DRT).

The Pilgrimage to the Alamo, ehich began in 1925, is a memorial tribute to the Alamo heroes and to the heritage of Texas; it is sponsored by the Alamo Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas.

A solemn wreath-bearing procession of historic, civic, patriotic military and school groups depart from the Vietnam Memorial at the Tobin Center and walk silently to the Alamo. Simultaneously, a speaker from inside the Alamo walls intones the names of the Alamo defenders. Following the procession, wreaths are placed on the Alamo grounds and a brief memorial service follows. The sound of Taps ends the ceremony.

Both the San Jacinto Victory Celebration and the Pilgrimage to the Alamo are sponsored by the DRT. The Alamo Mission Chapter of DRT exists to provide and protect the history of Texas. The Chapter perpetuates the memory of the men and women who achieved and maintained Texas Independence, encourages historical research and preservation and celebrates Texas Honor Days.

Fiesta began as a single event to honor the memory of the Battle of the Alamo and San Jacinto, but now has evolved into a 10-day party with more than 100 events taking place all over the city and beyond the city limits in Boerne, Schertz, Windcrest, Balcones Heights and Alamo Heights.

Fiesta is a celebration of San Antonio’s diverse heritage, culture and spirit for the city’s residents and visitors.

ince I was born and raised in San Antonio, you would think that I have some basic knowledge of the weeklong event in April that takes place in the heart of my hometown, right? Wrong.

Growing up, I would sit around the T.V. with my family to watch the decorated floats pass through downtown for the Battle of Flowers parade. When I was a high school student, I was a member of colorguard, and every other year my school band was honored to march in the fiesta parade. Sounds fun, right? Wrong.

The shoes I was required to wear for guard were basically plastic, and the event took place in the middle of an April afternoon, so my shoes were melted after the two-milelong parade; I was dehydrated from spinning my flag and keeping in step with other color guard members and the band.

Flash forward to 2017 as a college student who is of age to consume alcohol, Fiesta sounds like a great time now, right? Wrong.

Being in downtown San Antonio, getting drunk and being surrounded by other strangers, who are also getting drunk in the hot April sun, is not fun. Posting selfies with drunk strangers you befriend with a basic caption on social media is not fun for your followers.

Not only is Fiesta centered on “royalties,” but the original point of Fiesta is to celebrate the “win” of the Battle of the Alamo. In Texas public schools, children learn the whitewashed history the Texas Board of Education wants

to teach to future leaders. Growing up, we are taught that Santa Anna was a bad man and Davy Crockett was a badass. The “bad” Mexicans were the ones fighting for their country, so their families could keep the land they owned, but the “good” Mexicans were the ones fighting with Americans. The mantra “Remember the Alamo!” is engrained into prepubescent minds.

Here is the truth for all the people who don’t know about the aftermath of the Battle of the Alamo: Over a decade after the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution, a treaty was signed between the United States of America and Mexico—the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo— which ended the Mexican-American war.

The treaty stated that Mexicans living in the area that would become Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, would be able to keep their land, their language and culture.

That agreement was not enforced when immigration forced families off their land with fear of deportation. The Mexicans in the newly acquired American territory people did not know English and were not able to explain the land was rightfully theirs, so they left in fear. That agreement was not enforced when there were no jobs available for Mexicans living in the new American territory because of racism, classism, ageism and the fact that they didn’t know English. They were forced to pick cotton, fruit and vegetables just to earn enough money to afford the necessities.

In 2017, the same issues exist. MexicanAmericans are afraid to speak the language they grew up with in fear of being ostracized.

Many Mexican-Americans do not even teach their children Spanish because they fear their children will be further marginalized. MexicanAmericans are forced to work low-income jobs because they cannot afford higher education.

Even though resources are readily available for all low-income American families, the access of Mexican-Americans is limited by the systemic disadvantages they face.

It is hypocritical of San Antonians to participate in the event that desecrated the very culture that Fiesta celebrates. But viva Fiesta, right?

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By Ethan Pham

A LOOK AT THE ANNUAL SOMBrilla fiesta bash

Photo by: Gil Barrera Photographs of The University of of Texas at San Antonio, 1972 - 1978, MS 27, University of Texas at San Antonio Special Collections

color photos & graphics by jade cuevas

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ascarones, bright colors, food, live music, San Antonio culture and, of course, one big fiesta; these are just some of the things visitors can expect to find at UTSA fiesta.

April 21, 2017 marks the 40th annual Fiesta UTSA event. UTSA Fiesta — a student organization-led event — brings together both the UTSA community and the San Antonio community.

Fiesta UTSA joined in on Fiesta® San Antonio in 1978 and was the first Fiesta event to be held in northwest San Antonio. It is now one of the many Fiesta events around the city.

Fiesta UTSA, previously coordinated by Campus Activities Board, is now coordinated

by Roadrunner Productions, which also coordinates other big UTSA events such as BestFest in the fall. Roadrunner Productions invites all UTSA student organizations to join Fiesta to help student organizations fundraise and have a fun time. Organizations sign up for what they want to sell or bring to the fiesta experience.

Variety of foods are sold, ranging from San Antonio classics to foods from the many cultures that make up San Antonio.

Cascarones—or eggshells filled with confetti—are also passed out during the event and are cracked over people's heads to adorn them with confetti.

Over 60 student organizations are involved in Fiesta UTSA this year. The theme of this year is centered on a ruby, similar to a ruby jubilee. UTSA rings in its 40th fiesta with a Sombrilla fountain Fiesta medal. Student organizations are challenged to create a decorated booth that goes with the number 40, rubies and the UTSA community as a whole.

The theme changes every year for Fiesta UTSA. Themes include Fiesta Baile (“Dance Fiesta”), All It’s Cracked Up To Be (brought back cascarones to Fiesta), Fiesta de Correcaminos (“Roadrunner Fiesta”) and Fiesta de Honor (“Fiesta of Honor”).

Organizations are encouraged to compete by decorating their booths based on the year’s theme. Contests are held for best decorated booth (judged by Roadrunner Productions and students) and greenest booth (judged by The Green Society).

Fiesta UTSA, held in the Sombrilla, livens up with colorfully decorated booths, food, confetti and Fiesta’s royalty, who celebrate with the UTSA community. Live music plays in the Sombrilla Plaza featuring special guests.

Photos by: Gil Barrera Photographs of The University of of Texas at San Antonio, 1972 - 1978, MS 27, University of Texas at San Antonio Special Collections

A recent tradition added to Fiesta UTSA is the UTSA Football Fiesta. This year marks the seventh year of this event, which is presented by HealthTexas.

Aside from Fiesta UTSA, UTSA gets involved with Fiesta® San Antonio by attending the kick-off, Fiesta® parades and any other Fiesta® events to which UTSA is invited.

Fiesta UTSA has officially been recognized as a Fiesta® event for 37 years. UTSA is now an integrated part of the 126-year-old annual tradition that celebrates San Antonio culture. If you want to stay updated on Fiesta UTSA and other UTSA events, follow Roadrunner Productions on Facebook at facebook. com/utsaroadrunnerproductions/

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article & graphics by jade Cuevas

Some people collect coins, movie stubs or love notes, but San Antonians collect something much more niche: Fiesta medals.

Every April, organizations, communities and companies alike design their own small piece of metal attached with a colorful ribbon to celebrate the week of festivities that is Fiesta. The origin of Fiesta medals can be dated back to 1946, but the act of collecting, buying, selling and trading them didn’t become a phenomena until the ‘90’s.

I love looking at the clever, colorful and, at times, boisterous Fiesta medals from around the city (usually from local businesses), here are five Fiesta medals that, without a doubt, should exist.

We all have that inner angsty teenager in of us: going to class in black pants, grey hoodies or plain white shirts.

However, this is the time to let your bright colors fly. So, as much as you love that dark purple lipstick and “do these black clothes match?” aesthetic, try out some traditional Fiesta garb. It really makes for a full experience and gets you in the celebratory mood.

The morning after a Fiesta night out can be challenging. Maybe you have work, class or other life commitments you were not thinking about as you were waving your Fiesta crown around with your friends. That’s okay; you have three best friends: sports drinks, Whataburger and ibuprofen. This holy trinity can help you conquer the day as you lick your wounds.

This medal goes out to those who came, saw and truly conquered.

This one is for those who have more commitment than I have ever had to any romantic relationship. This separates the amateurs from the veterans.

Wear the medal with pride. Because then, we all know you came here to party — but who are we kidding, those heels are coming off as soon as you’re walking back to the car.

Fiesta festivities don’t end once you’re in your Lyft back to your apartment. It ends when you’re in the shower washing your hair. Truthfully, seeing little confetti pieces fall down the sides of the tub toward the drain is weirdly nice. I like to think of it as my own Lush product I can’t afford. Yet, I always think to myself, “Damn, I hope this doesn’t clog my drain.”

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FREE Fiesta Events April 20- April 30

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Fiesta at Hemisfair 5 PM-9PM

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Deco District Arts and Music Festival

12PM-8PM

M-3

Graphics by Samantha Ceballos

3 M-

PM

PM

9A

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Fiesta’s feathered friends

Fiesta UTSA SOmbrilla plaza One UTSA circle

Botanical Gardens 555 Funston Place

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Pilgramage to the Alamo Alamo Plaza

Fiesta world Class Jazz Concert

4PM-5PM

Fort Sam Houston Fiesta Ceremony and 1PM-9PM Fireworks Extravaganza

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St. Mary’s Univ.

1 Camino Santa Maria

1 PM-10 PM

30

-5PM

val Festi d n a zB a Jaz t s e i iv.

F y’s Un Maria r a M .

St nta ino Sa m a C 1 8AM

San Jose MissionFest 701 E. Pyron ave

10:30AM-10:30PM

Fiesta de Cascarones One University Way 1 PM-8PM

4/20-4/30

Fiesta Carnival

look at website for days/times

Alamodome Parking Lot C 100 Montana St

4/20-4/30

Fiesta de los reyes

Look at website for days/ times

Market Square 514 West Commerce St

4/24-4/27

SAC 22nd Annual Multicultural Conference 6 PM- 9 PM

4/26-4/29

Fiesta San Fernando

Look at website for days/times

fiesta-sa.org/official-fiesta-event-calendar/

San Antonio College 1819 N. Main 231 W Commerce St

INDEPENDENT STUDENT MAGAZINE FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO