A Day at the Pride River Theater Celebration
Editor & Photographer: Nick Blevins
The rain cleared up and the sun was all the way out over the weekend for a colorful and festive kickoff to Pride Month at La Villita’s Arneson Theater on the River Walk. The theme for this year’s River Theater Celebration was Rainbow Rodeo, and folks did not disappoint: iridescent cowboy hats glistened, bright beads abounded like life-affirming lassoes, and yes, there was fringe.
In a consummate display of San Antonio culture, all-female Chicana/Latina band Llamativa set the tempo for the afternoon with a vibrant performance, bringing audience members to their feet as notes of salsa, cumbia, and tejano greeted lucky visitors rounding the river bend on their tour boats. Between featured acts, guests were invited to play games for the chance to win various prizes, including gift cards to fine restaurants. Following Llamativa, emo band Triiiplesixxx turned the energy up even further, fanning sweat while melting faces, and artist Basilio Romo and musician Soneboy each held the crowd rapt with brief but engaging performances.
Upstairs beyond the theater, the celebration continued throughout La Villita, with a large mural wall for attendees to leave personalized messages, food stalls for tasty bites, and unique art and clothes vendors to peruse. One booth specialized almost exclusively in Pride-related fans, and from the number of telltale “fwips” heard around the event, seemed to be going gangbusters.
The annual event was created by Visit San Antonio to “promote the city's inclusion, encouragement, and support of the LGBTQ+ community to live openly with equal rights.” When it comes to human justice, visibility is vitality. It’s more important than ever to take your space, reaffirm your support, and show up for those you care about; not only during Pride Month this June, but every day of the year.
