Birmingham, Alabama, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The 23rd annual Fiesta festival in Birmingham celebrated Hispanic culture with food, music, and community engagement. Despite attracting thousands, Hispanic attendance dropped significantly, reflecting concerns over deportation. The festival emphasized unity through its theme, ‘Que No Pare La Fiesta,’ while also featuring health resources and a scholarship fund for Hispanic students.
Birmingham Holds 23rd Annual Fiesta Celebrating Hispanic Culture
The 23rd annual Fiesta festival, Alabama’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture, took place on Saturday, September 27, from noon to 8 p.m. at Linn Park in Birmingham. This year’s theme was “Que No Pare La Fiesta (Don’t Stop the Party),” emphasizing unity and togetherness amid growing concerns regarding attendance.
Since its inception in 2003, Fiesta has served as a significant event for honoring and educating attendees about the Hispanic community in Alabama through a vibrant display of art, music, dance, food, and cultural exhibits. Local businesses showcased their services and products, contributing to an atmosphere of community engagement.
The festival also featured a Health & Wellness Village that provided valuable resources to attendees, highlighting health organizations across Alabama. Popular activities included Zumba classes for both children and adults, adding to the festival’s lively ambiance.
Presented by Abogados Centro Legal, Fiesta 2025 received support from over 40 sponsors, including Alabama Power, Mi Pueblo Supermarket, Honda, and Coca-Cola United. Entry to the festival was free, with donations encouraged to support future events.
Notably, despite attracting thousands of attendees, there was a reported decrease in Hispanic participation this year, with fears related to deportation contributing to an estimated 50% reduction compared to previous years. The festival saw increased attendance from Black and White attendees instead. The rise in deportation flights, which increased by 15% from January to July compared to the previous year, played a role in affecting attendance.
Lizzet Castro, representing the ¡HICA! Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange opportunities available at the festival. Attendees expressed their beliefs regarding the necessity of cultural exchange, diversity, and inclusion, reinforcing the values that the event seeks to promote.
Typically, more than 15,000 people attend Fiesta, with 174 organizations participating in various booths. The festival also boasts a significant online outreach, having reached an audience of 76.2 million people. Various cultural villages represented over 20 Caribbean, Latin, and European nations, further broadening the festival’s cultural offerings.
Dulce Riversa, as a media representative, highlighted the festival’s open access as a gesture of unity during divided times. Additionally, Fiesta Birmingham supports a scholarship fund—the Fiesta Scholars program—which has raised over $150,000 for Hispanic students in Alabama since its establishment. Historical friendships formed at the event emphasize community bonding and a sense of belonging among attendees, further solidifying the festival’s important role in Alabama’s cultural landscape.
Summary of Key Features
- Event: 23rd Annual Fiesta Festival
- Date: September 27
- Location: Linn Park, Birmingham, Alabama
- Theme: Que No Pare La Fiesta
- Attendance: Estimated 50% lower Hispanic participants compared to previous years
- Health & Wellness Village: Featured health organizations and resources
- Support: Over 40 sponsors involved
- Free Entry: Donations encouraged
- Scholarship Fund: Fiesta Scholars program, $150,000 raised
FAQ
What was the date and location of the 23rd Annual Fiesta Festival?
The 23rd annual Fiesta festival took place on September 27 at Linn Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
What was the theme for this year’s Fiesta Festival?
This year’s theme was “Que No Pare La Fiesta (Don’t Stop the Party),” which emphasized unity and togetherness.
Did the festival see a change in Hispanic attendance this year?
Yes, there was a noted decrease in Hispanic participants this year, attributed to fears related to deportation, with attendance perceived to be about 50% lower compared to previous years.
What initiatives are supported by Fiesta Birmingham?
Fiesta Birmingham supports a scholarship fund, known as the Fiesta Scholars program, which has raised over $150,000 for Hispanic students in Alabama since its establishment.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 23rd Annual Fiesta Festival |
| Date | September 27 |
| Location | Linn Park, Birmingham, Alabama |
| Themes | Que No Pare La Fiesta |
| Average Attendance | Over 15,000 |
| Decrease in Hispanic Attendance | Approximately 50% |
| Supported Sponsors | Over 40 sponsors |
| Raised for Scholarships | Over $150,000 |
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
