Welcome to all, to the new school year, the end of summer, the State Fair, and the Fiesta Day Parade. So much anticipation is in the air: the kids beginning a new school year, families planning schedules, with time for just one more bash. Much is happening in Pueblo before Labor Day, when we will finally settle into a fall routine of cooler weather, work, school projects and sports.
The diversity and gifts of our State of Colorado will be on display throughout this next State Fair, its 150th anniversary. In particular, the theme of this year’s Fiesta Day Parade, History and Tradition: Historia y Tradición will highlight the joyous diversity of the Pueblo community with bands, floats, dancers, cowboys, charros, youth clubs and service organizations. Starting at 10 am on Northern Avenue, the parade will be the closing tribute of the state fair, as it has been for the past 55 years.
"The diversity and gifts of our State of Colorado will be on display throughout this next State Fair, its 150th anniversary."
At 8am that morning, in preparation for the parade, we will gather for our traditional, bilingual mariachi Mass at the Ray Aguilera/Minnequa Park. People travel from far away to reunite with families, friends, and community to pray, sing and celebrate at this Mass of Thanksgiving, a fitting start to the day’s festivities, and the closing of the state fair. We will praise and worship God in the open spaces of the park, honoring our local traditions and giving thanks for our many blessings.
The Fiesta Day Committee has done an amazing job keeping the tradition going through the covid crisis. Ivan Reyes is to be commended for building on the work of his father, Henry, as have Susan Huertas and so many others, in making this cultural event unique for Colorado. This year a new event called Ballet Folklórico Showcase, featuring four dancing groups, will be introduced at the Pueblo Bank & Trust Pavilion at the fairgrounds from 1-3pm, after the parade. A day full of activities to be sure.
"At 8am that morning, in preparation for the parade, we will gather for our traditional, bilingual mariachi Mass at the Ray Aguilera/Minnequa Park. "
What gives this celebration its special significance is the recognition given to young Hispanic women for their service to faith, family, and community. $10,000 in scholarship monies have already been awarded at this year’s Fiesta pageant, thanks in part to the June 18thNoche de Fiesta. These scholarships go to young women who will make a difference for the future. Pueblo is to be especially proud of this year’s Queen of Fiesta Day, Lexi Williams. Lexi is entering graduate school at UNC, studying to become a professor in International Affairs, Latin American concentration. Other young women honored with scholarships are Marisa Diaz Bonacquisti, Dulce Garcia, and Kaydence Sandoval.
Come join us for Mass, prayer, and some amazing music! Let God be part of your day of festivity. Meet these young women who will be our future leadership. Our celebration brings together the cultures of friends, friends based in faith, friends united in prayer. Our Mass pavilion will be situated right in the Ray Aguilera park, where you can grab a burrito afterwards and walk over to see the parade in all its glory!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo
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