And the Winner Is—
Julia Enriquez Crowned Miss Fiesta San Antonio 2026
By Berit Mason
Miss Fiesta 2026, Julia Enriquez; photo c/o Miss Fiesta San Antonio
A highly accomplished San Antonio woman is the new Miss Fiesta 2026.
21 year-old Julia Enriquez is a dedicated and service-oriented young woman who will attend law school after her studies at UT San Antonio. She is also family-oriented.
“I am the oldest of five children. I always say out of all the jobs, titles, and achievements I have, being a big sister will forever be my favorite,” said Enriquez.
Miss Fiesta plays a prominent role in the Flambeau parade.
Currently a senior at UT San Antonio, Enriquez is enrolled in law and political science courses in preparation for her legal studies.
The San Antonio native said this time of year holds special memories.
“Growing up, I remember my mom saving shoeboxes for when my siblings and I would have to make our own Fiesta floats at school, decorating them and parading them around so proudly,” she said.
Enriquez was also a folkloric dancer for 15 years.
“Dance friends and I would carpool with one another to get to our various performances. We would walk in the King William Parade, then run to Market Square to be on stage on time,” she recalled.
How does one get anointed Miss Fiesta? The tradition began as a beauty pageant in 1949. But winners today are chosen for their service to our city and academic achievement over just looks. To enter, candidates first complete an online application. If chosen to continue in the competition, they attend an orientation, learning about the selection process. Then, they are interviewed, and finally, five finalists are chosen.
Finalists participate in various activities like the Veterans Day parade, and etiquette and media training. The vetting allows the Miss Fiesta committee to get to know the finalists, with the final winner chosen in January.
Miss Fiesta must be outgoing and confident, and most importantly, demonstrate “a deep and meaningful involvement in community,” said Enriquez, serving the city and its people with a “grateful heart, true to herself, approachable and kind.”
Miss Fiesta’s duties are varied and also fun, she added.
“As Miss Fiesta, my duties include participating in a wide range of events leading up to Fiesta, such as coronations, the rodeo, and various galas. And while these events are exciting, Fiesta itself is when everything truly comes to life for me.” She will be in attendance at all of the big events: the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, and the Battle of Flowers Parade.
“I am a big talker,” exclaimed Enriquez. “So, being able to interact with others and listen to their stories, while sharing the excitement of Fiesta, is by far one of my favorite parts of the role.”
“Throughout Fiesta, I am not only representing the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, but I’m serving as an ambassador for Fiesta and its deeper purpose. Whether that be through TV interviews, news articles, or even a conversation with the person behind me at HEB, I represent Fiesta everywhere I go, and I take the responsibility seriously,” Enriquez continued.
This year’s theme is “Fiesta Together”. Some 100 non-profit organizations in and around our area raise much of their money during the April event.
“Being a part of such a meaningful and joyful celebration is what makes it fun … seeing our city come to life and celebrate one another. I love San Antonio and the people,” shared Enriquez.
“Being allowed to represent Fiesta is one of the greatest privileges of my life. And of course, getting to show everyone my shoes is always fun,” she said.
Winning is also beneficial as the title helps Enriquez pay for college.
“Being Miss Fiesta has helped me tremendously with college through the $15,000 scholarship to attend law school this upcoming fall,” she shared. She will become the first woman lawyer in her family. Education has helped the high-achiever become the young woman she is today, teaching Catechism classes at Divine Providence Catholic Church to youth, which is “incredibly rewarding,” she shared.
“Growing up in a Mexican household, faith and family have always guided who I am,” Enriquez said. “My career goal is to open a legal non-profit in San Antonio to advocate and serve those who need it most. Growing up, I promised myself that whatever career I pursued, I would serve my San Antonio community.”
Enriquez expressed a deep interest in affordable housing and urban development, which are critical issues affecting the city. She expressly wished that the natives of the city can afford to stay. The San Antonio Fiesta Foundation check will help make it possible, but the consistency, dedication, and compassion of young women like Miss Fiesta 2026, Julia Enriquez, comprise this city’s true wealth.
Tickets are available now for the 2026 Bohanan’s “Got Medal?” Fiesta Celebration! Enjoy light bites, refreshments, and meet Miss Fiesta 2026, Julia Enriquez. All proceeds benefit the Miss Fiesta Scholarship Fund.
