We can only imagine that the first Fiesta, held on August 17, 1933... began with a vision in mind. That vision encompassed not only the maintaining of our Mexican culture, but too continuing the growth of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. The church was born in 1914. By 1921, a modest school was built and by 1953, funds from Fiestas were used to build a more expansive school to house increasing student enrollment. Fiesta time became the link that connected our past to our future.

Into our 74th year, Fiesta Mexicana has grown tremendously through the decades. Initial Fiestas were small events, held tightly within Topeka’s Mexican barrio. Parishioners and extended family were the only attendees and food items were cooked from the home and brought to the church grounds to sell. Entertainment was local with the emphasis on music and dances from the homeland of Mexico. Ask a longtime parishoner what “memorias” come to mind from past Fiestas, and the answers would be as colorful as the event itself. Children relishing the many flavors of raspas (snow cones). Youth mischievously cracking cascarones (confetti eggs) over a friend’s head. The sound of gritos (Spanish for a long shout of happiness) to ranchero or corrido music played. All the sites and sounds recalled on those warm summer nights…

Now, the expanse of Fiesta Mexicana has gone from a quarter of a block to a teeming several block area. Current planning for each Fiesta follows closely on the heels of the one just concluded. It is not unusual for Fiesta volunteers to plan their vacations to be taken during this “big week” or for former Topekans to re-visit Kansas solely to attend our annual event. Since that time of 1933, countless changes have occurred - from adding a professional carnival, welcoming all types of vendors, participating with area businesses and bringing in the highest level of Latin entertainment. We have stages of rich entertainment, more variety, more food and definitely more fun! While culture and tradition have continued to be the backbone of Fiestas, we have opened our arms to the wider community, state and country by seeking creative ways to highlight our longevity and showcase our changing pace.