Somethings Change…

“Did someone say Fiesta!?”

You know that saying, “Somethings Never Change?” Well it’s not true because certain things do change.

A couple of weeks ago, I went back to my Alma Mater for Frontier Fiesta. What is Frontier Fiesta? Well for sure a fiesta!

In order to understand the importance of this post, I have to explain the significance of Frontier Fiesta….

History

Frontier Fiesta is a 3-day Spring festival tradition at the the University of Houston that was started in 1939 by students to bring their school and Houston community together.

Western style was the theme of Fiesta each year, so many of the tent’s fronts (entrance) were constructed in that style such as Old West jailhouse. Activities during Fiesta was free concerts, carnival rides & games, family day, Little Wrangler Day, petting zoo, bear-growing contest, date & silent auctions, Annie Oakley contest country dancing, cook-offs and variety shows.

One of the main attractions was variety shows performed by student groups, mainly Greek organizations. They put on a 30 minute show with singing and dancing to win the Joe Koppel Award (best overall show).

In 1953, Frontier Fiesta became so popular that Houston mayors would declare it “Fiesta City” for a week and it eventually became a national recognizing event that drew up to 200,000 people. At one point, Fiesta brought more people than the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

Fiesta’s early years, drew many celebrities such as Humphrey Bogart, James Garner, Anne Baxter, Patsy Swayze and Kenny Rogers. In 1958, LIFE Magazine described Frontier Fiesta as “the Greatest College Show on Earth.

During World War 2, Fiesta was canceled and resumed through 1947-1959. It was canceled again between 1960-1990 due to multiple issues.

30 years later in 1991, Frontier Fiesta was resumed by alumni who wanted to bring back the old tradition as a way of making current students more prideful of UH and raising scholarships. Fiesta was modernized over the years to fit the current needs of the community and students.

Today

Fiesta is still a student run, student led festival with some of the same festivities and some of the old traditions. It allows student to take leadership roles, provides scholarships and gives students a period to relax and have fun.

For 3 years, I participated in Fiesta Shows with my sorority and each one was memorable in their own ways. From months of preparing to the night before doing last minute run through to performing on the last day of Fiesta, every moment counted. Especially after shows….

When you weren’t performing in your shows, seeing other shows, going on rides, seeing Fiesta concerts…everyone was hanged out at all the fraternities/organizations tents. Many friendships and memories were made throughout these 3 days.

So returning as an alumni, you think it would be the same. It’s exciting to see what your sorority and other friends in different organizations put together.

There were a lot of new faces but then their were the familiar faces that brought many memories back. I was still able to sneak into some tents like before but after a while, I realized it wasn’t the same anymore.

Frontier Fiesta is still the same Spring festival that for a weekend students have fun instead of worrying about school. But for me it’s different now.

I haven’t been in school for almost a year and in that year I’ve grown up. So things in the past that use to excite me don’t anymore.

Fiesta use to be really important to me but it isn’t anymore. I will always have a special place in my heart because of all the memories and friendships I made during this time but the truth is… I’ve outgrown it.

And that’s okay. So things do change over time but the memories will always be there.

Love Always,

Lidia

P.S. Everyone always ask me, “what my favorite Fiesta is?” And the answer will always be the same, “They’re ALL my favorite!” 🙂