The Spanish word “milagro” means “miracle” in English, says Rosa Cavazos.
It’s also the first name of Milagro Alvarado, 17, this year’s only royalty candidate for Fiesta Topeka, said Cavazos, who is royalty chair for that event.
“So she is the miracle of the fiesta this year,” Cavazos said.
When and where will Fiesta Mexicana take place?
Cavazos spoke at a news conference held April 29 to get the word out about the fiesta, an annual celebration of Mexican culture and food that will be from July 15 to 19 on the grounds of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 201 N.E. Chandler.
The fiesta provides a safe and fun place for community members to come together and see people they “don’t always see,” said Marisol Marcelo, one of its two publicity chairs.
“It’s like one big family reunion,” she said.
The fiesta is held to raise money for Holy Family Catholic School. It has taken place since 1933 and was known as Fiesta Mexicana before its name was changed in 2023.
Fund-raising Mexican food sales to begin on ‘Cinco de Mayo’
After last year’s Fiesta Topeka drew four royalty candidates, the event’s most in 11 years, this year’s has one.
That’s Alvarado, a student at Hope Street Academy and the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers.
Alvarado’s oldest brother, David Alvarado, was crowned Fiesta king in 2010.
Candidates for king and queen compete to win by raising the most money through activities that include sales of tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other Mexican foods at Marlo Cuevas-Balandran Activity Center, 224 N.E. Chandler, where the April 29 news conference was held.
Milagro Alvarado and her supporters will sell food from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at that location every other week beginning Monday, May 5, which is Cinco De Mayo, Cavazos said.
Cinco De Mayo is held annually to celebrate the Mexican Army’s May 5, 1862, victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla. The observance has since become arguably more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico.
What events are planned?
The fiesta in July will feature music, dancing, food sales, a carnival and an art show.
Last year’s celebration included a car show but this year’s will not.
Plans call for festivities also include a 5-kilometer run/walk on June 28; a mini-fiesta on June 28 at Evergy Plaza, 620 S. Kansas Ave.; a parade on July 12 in downtown Topeka; a Coronation Ball for fiesta royalty on July 12; and a golf tournament on July 19.
Volunteers are still needed to help put on this year’s fiesta. Applications to volunteer may be found on the fiesta’s website.
Further details about the fiesta will be posted in coming weeks on its Facebook site, Marcelo said.
Where may I park?
Fiesta parking will be free along the street throughout northeast Topeka’s Oakland community, though drivers may have to park several blocks away.
Some neighborhood residents let drivers park on their property — for a price.
Where can I catch the free shuttle?
Marcelo said Reser’s Fine Foods is sponsoring a free shuttle to and from the Fiesta, which the public may board at the northeast corner of S.E. 8th and Madison. Vehicles may be parked in the lot near that site.
Contact Tim Hrenchir at [email protected] or 785-213-5934.
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