Hispanic Heritage Month includes Fiesta!

September 9th, 2024 in Arts & Culture, Entertainment

Fiesta Girl — Mexican Heritage Society's Fiesta! features folklorico dancing. Photo by Morgan Jones

Fiesta! Features Folklorico Dancing

The Mexican Heritage Society’s Fiesta! on Sept. 14 is a Hispanic Heritage Month highlight in Port Arthur. For five decades, this event has highlighted the culture, food and music in an annual celebration. Keep reading for more details below.

Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15-Oct.15 of 2024. While in Port Arthur, observe this time by attending Fiesta! and:

Visit Our Lady of Guadalupe and Shrine. Parishioners of this Catholic Church traveled to Mexico. There they obtained rocks where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Juan Diego. Larger than life statues of both, and a chapel, are attract visitors to Port Arthur.
Museum of the Gulf Coast’s notable people collection honors Staff Sergeant Lucian Adams, who earned a Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II. In France, he knocked out the three machine gun emplacements destroying supply lines. Port Arthur has a park and school named in his honor and his is also honored at Veterans Memorial Park.

Hispanic Heritage

“Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because I have lived in the U.S. all my life and so have my kids,” Rachel Ochoa says.

“Sometimes by not living in the country of your heritage you can forget about the history and culture of that place. For me having a month where I can show others around me things that are based on my Hispanic heritage is incredible. It’s a way to reconnect with your past,” she said.
Ochoa has worked in the area to promote Hispanic businesses.

56th Annual Fiesta!

Mexican Heritage Fiesta will be from 9:15 a.m. to midnight, Saturday, Sept. 14, with events on Sunday, at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center.

Look for the Mexican Heritage Society Folklorico Dancers performing authentic traditional dances from the states and regions of Mexico, in vibrantly colorful costumes. A Parade of Costumes will showcase different states and regions of Mexico. Entertainment will include a dance band, food vendors and youth activities.

The fiesta commemorates Mexico’s Independence from Spain and has kept the Mexican culture alive in Southeast Texas by sharing the beauty and history of Mexican heritage.

Emcee Angel San Juan will deliver a welcome. A prayer and flag presentation will follow. Events will include the Children’s Costume Contest. Children will model traditional Mexican costumes. Pageants will follow. The Society’s own Folklorico Dancers will perform in vibrant and colorful Mexican costumes, demonstrating traditional dances from various states and regions of Mexico.

Evening entertainment will feature a Promenade of all Fiesta Royalty, DJ music, and the musical sounds of La Nueva Maravilla, Reflejo Nuevo and other local bands and artists. Dance the night away and try to win a prizes. Games, food vendors and arts and crafts are part of the day.

Admission fees for the entire event will be: $5 for ages 4-12 and senior citizens; $10 for ages 13-64; and free for ages 3 and younger.