San Antonio's 15th Annual Paseo por El Westside is set to paint a vibrant picture of the city's rich cultural tapestry this Saturday, May 4th, at Rinconcito de Esperanza. More than just a local affair, the festival, which honors the historic Westside of San Antonio, has taken strides toward shattering the stereotypes plaguing the area, according to KENS 5. With a lineup including walking tours, Mexican children’s games, and kite-making workshops, the free event promises an educational experience steeped in the local history and culture.
As reported by Texas Public Radio, the festivities will extend beyond entertainment, with attendees set to catch a glimpse of the West Side's past and future, through activities such as identifying pan dulce by name and enjoying live music. The event, aligning with National Historic Preservation Month, intends to draw attention to the importance, of preserving the historical integrity of the neighborhood.
The Paseo por El Westside also highlights the struggle to preserve historical landmarks, such as the fight to save the threatened Rich Book Building at Historic Cattleman Square. The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center led by Graciela Sánchez, has been at the forefront of this movement, stating to KENS 5, "We work hard to try and save these buildings because we want to reclaim our history."
Amid the buzz of activities, one of the most anticipated unveilings is the Museo del Westside, which, although still under construction, will open its doors to festival-goers for a sneak peek. This initiative is a testament to the local community's dedication to the remembrance and celebration of their diverse cultural origins, a history shared not only by Mexican Americans but also by Arabs, mainly Syrian/Lebanese, Chinese, Italians, and other nationalities that have called the west side their home. Sánchez conveyed to KENS 5, "We want to shatter the stereotypes that others have of us."
For more information, interested parties can reach out to the event organizers at 210-228-0201, where details regarding the schedule and activities are readily available.
