Fiesta Topeka's festival starts July 18. Here's what to know about fiesta food and more

What began 90 years ago as a modest, one-day Topeka church festival has evolved into one of the largest celebrations of Hispanic heritage and culture in the Midwest.

That annual event, known for decades as "Fiesta Mexicana," has been rebranded this year as "Fiesta Topeka."

That's not all that's new.

For the first time, this year's fiesta will include a pickleball tournament.

It's also the first fiesta to offer cornhole tournaments, with one having taken place last month and the other set to be held July 22.

Shuttle bus rides to Fiesta Topeka will be free

Though there used to be a $1 charge, rides will be free this year on the shuttle buses that go back and forth between S.E. 8th and Madison and the site of the fiesta festival in northeast Topeka's Oakland Community.

Marisol Marcelo, publicity co-chair for Fiesta Topeka, shared the following responses to these other questions fiesta-goers might have before heading to the party:

What is the fiesta?

The fiesta is Our Lady of Guadalupe Church’s annual fundraiser for Holy Family School, a Roman Catholic elementary school that is jointly administered and supported by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish. The fiesta is planned and operated by parish and community volunteers.

When does the fiesta festival take place?

The fiesta includes various events. The best-attended has historically been its festival, which will run from Tuesday, July 18, through Saturday, July 22. Food lines open at 4 p.m. each day. Festivities end at 11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and at midnight on Saturday.

Where is the fiesta festival held?

The fiesta festival is held on the grounds and in the neighborhood around Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1008 N.E. Atchison. Activities extend north to the carnival site in the Santa Fe parking lot at the northwest corner of N.E. Chandler Street and Seward Avenue.

Where can I park?

Parking is free along the street throughout the Oakland area, though you might 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?

You can catch the shuttle at the northeast corner of S.E. 8th and Madison and park your vehicle in the nearby city of Topeka parking lot. The shuttle will run from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday of fiesta week and from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

How can I get fiesta food?

That's a two-step process. First, go to the windows on the north side of the church. They are staffed by volunteers who will take your order, tally your bill, accept your payment and give you a form that tells what you bought. Purchases can be made by cash or credit card but not by check and the "tap to pay" option is available.

Then, walk northwest to the Marlo Cuevas-Balandran Activity Center, where you can present your form and receive your food. That can be done either inside the building or at an exterior window on its east side.

How much does the food cost?

Tamales are $4.50 each. Burritos, tostadas and enchiladas are $3 each. Tacos are $2.50 each. Beans and rice cost $2 each. Taco salads are $7 each.

Where can I eat at the fiesta?

Seating is available under an outdoor tent or in the air-conditioned comfort of the activity center.

Will other food be available?

Other food will be available for purchase from various vendors at the site and at the carnival grounds.

When will the carnival be?

The carnival will last roughly from 5 to 11 p.m. nightly.

How much will carnival rides cost?

Tickets are $1 each, with the four tickets being required for a children's ride and five tickets for an adult ride. Carnival-goers for $30 may buy a wristband, which entitles them to as many rides as they want, though it doesn't apply to carnival games.

What about entertainment?

The full schedule of fiesta festival entertainment can be found on the fiesta's Facebook page.

Is there anything else to do?

Plenty, including shopping, information booths and a "kids' corner" featuring special children's activities, including face painting. An art show will be from 4 to 8 p.m. daily in the activity center.

What happens on the weekend before the fiesta festival?

The annual Fiesta Parade through downtown Topeka will start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15, at S. 4th and Kansas Avenue. Parade participants will go south to S. 8th Street, west to S.W. Jackson and north to S.W. 4th.

The fiesta's Coronation Ball will be held the evening of Saturday, July 15, in Ag Hall at Stormont Vail Event Center. The coronation ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. and the dance will last from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple if purchased in advance, or $20 per person or $30 per couple at the door.

What's this year's fiesta theme?

The theme is "A Legacy of Pride, Passion & Culture." This year's event marks the 90th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe's first fiesta, a one-day event held at the height of the Great Depression in August 1933.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Fiesta Topeka 2023 celebrates Mexican heritage with food, music, more