Every year, people around Colorado await the much-anticipated Fiesta Day at the Colorado State Fair. Since 1965, this annual event has celebrated Hispanic culture in Pueblo and across Colorado, showcasing traditional Mexican food, Folklorico dancers, and mariachi music.
Fiesta Day takes place on Sunday, Sept. 3, this year, and marks the most popular day of the Colorado State Fair.
History of the Fiesta Day Committee
Fiesta Day allows a broad spectrum of Colorado residents to discover what the world looks like through the lens of a different culture. Fiesta celebrates the diversity within our state and pays homage to generations of Coloradans with Hispanic heritage.
The celebration originated at the 1966 State Fair, when Henry Reyes convinced Don Svedman, the newly appointed State Fair manager, that the importance of Hispanic culture in Colorado was worth celebrating with its own special day.
While the idea was proposed during earlier events, nothing had come from the conversations. Svedman wanted new ways to bring more people to the Colorado State Fair — and believed Fiesta Day would attract visitors. With the help of the KAPI Radio Station manager, George Sandoval booked a performance with the famous singer Antonio Aguilar and his wife, Flor Silvestre.
Svedman was so impressed with the performance and attendance at the event that he supported the “Fiesta Day” idea during the State Fair. Organizers created a Fiesta Day committee to choose a theme to celebrate Hispanic heritage with mariachi music, Folklorico dancers, charros, and Caballos maestros. The celebration had traditional food, beautiful decorations, and lots of fanfare. Antonio Aguilar entertained the audience and brought his trained horses to delight people with the Mexican Cowboy show.
Fiesta Day was a success and has been a vital part of the Colorado State Fair for 58 years.
Why Fiesta Day is Important to the Hispanic Community
Fiesta Day is more than just a party – although laughter, fun, dance, and music are all part of the event. It’s an opportunity to experience a heritage that makes Colorado’s cultural landscape both rich and varied.
The Hispanic culture features perseverance, family commitment, determination, and joy. Colorado Fiesta Day displays all these traits. The Fiesta Day committee strives to keep the day eventful and fun for all attendees.
The Fiesta Day committee works to deliver a fantastic day that wraps up the celebration and fun of the Fair. This year, many people look forward to spending the day with the Colorado Hispanic community and joining the festivities.
Fun Events During Fiesta Day
For good reasons, the Colorado State Fair is a favorite destination for many families. Below are some fun events that happen during the Fiesta Day celebration that attract families of all cultures.
Colorado Fiesta Day Parade
The Fiesta Day parade is one of the biggest attractions during the celebration. Thousands of people attend to watch flag-bearers, musical marching bands, cheerleaders, dancers, cars, beautifully decorated floats, and more.
Mariachi Music & History
Several mariachi bands perform live during the day and fill the air with the sounds of traditional Mexican music. On Sunday, the day starts with an outdoor mariachi Mass, and the band plays religious songs. Mariachi music plays throughout the day and throughout the State Fairgrounds — from the parade to the rodeo arena.
Colorado Rodeo
The Colorado Rodeo features “a ballet of horses” for Fiesta Day. These animals gracefully dance under the command of their expert riders. Known as the Trained Horses, the collaboration between horse and rider is something people love and look forward to every year at the state fair.
The Celebracion de los Charros features expert riders in traditional Mexican outfits as they showcase their legendary skills on horseback. They handle their steeds with total mastery and create near-perfect harmony between riders and animals. Their impressive rope skills, where they twirl and swing lassos with absolute precision, wow crowds every year.
Folk Dances
During Fiesta Day, elegant women wear traditional Mexican-style dresses and dance to mariachi music accompanied by gentlemen in festive suits. Watching their vibrant dresses twirl and spin creates a vivid image of beauty and grace. With neutral colors and controlled moves, the male dancers move with careful coordination, perfectly complementing their dancers to create an unforgettable show.
Traditional Decorations
Stylish ponchos, festive sombreros, and brightly colored clothing all highlight the traditional wear of Hispanic culture. Horses wear traditional saddles with vibrant decorations and stylish charros exhibiting Mexican flags atop their horses.
Visitors will feel transported to a different place and time in a single day as Fiesta Day celebrates Hispanic traditions at its finest.
Celebrate at the Colorado State Fair
Fiesta Day returns with a parade and a packed roster of events at the State Fair this year. Expect dazzling floats with dance-inducing traditional music, eye-catching performances, and grand decorations on cars and horses. It’s a day everyone can enjoy and experience this vibrant culture together.
To experience an unforgettable summer, buy a ticket to the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. If you have any questions or want more information, call us at 719-561-8484. Embrace the spirit of Hispanic culture and join us for a day filled with excitement, joy, and unforgettable memories.
