By Aimee Villalobos
All the wishful thinking and crossed fingers from promoters and participants must have paid off as this year’s Luminaria festival was a success. The weather forecast predicted rain, but with not a drop falling, people braved the cold for the festivities with no need for umbrellas.
The second annual Luminaria Festival: Arts Night in San Antonio went off mostly with out a hitch on Saturday, March 14th. The festival was centered in downtown San Antonio along Alamo Street showcasing all the city had to offer the arts community. Many galleries opened their doors to the roaming crowds in attendance, not just downtown, but throughout the city.
In all, eight stages were erected for the event, with the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the Magik Theater and Instituto Cultural de Mexico hosting different artists and musical acts, including the San Antonio Symphony.
Some found this year’s expanded version of the festival much more enticing. Dan Lee, a San Antonio native and furniture manufacturer, attended last year’s event and was very impressed with this year’s festivities as well.
“I think it’s a great thing for San Antonio,” Lee said. “It inches us closer to Austin, culturally.”
This year’s Luminaria festival saw some returning artists along with a lot of new comers to the festival. Yuri Martinez, a Cuban born painter and San Antonio resident, made his second appearance this year and enjoyed having a bit more creative control.
“This year was much better prepared,” Martinez said. “Now we have our own set ups and better lighting.”
Others like Joe Lopez, a San Antonio native and self taught artist, felt their first time at Luminaria was a great break and an honor.
“I’m very proud of this opportunity; I’ve been around for 50 years and for the first time I feel like I’ve arrived.” Lopez said.
Laura Phanavanh, one of the many in attendance had never even heard of the festival.
“My friends just said something cool was going on downtown, so I came.” Phanavanh said.
The brain child of Mayor Phil Hardberger, the Luminaria festival nearly doubled in size this year with more exhibits, artists and dance groups than last year. Zeny Monroe, a dancer for the Hula Halau Elikapeka School of Hula, was surprised by the large crowds.
“It’s been really crowded and we didn’t expect that.” Monroe said. “It’s interesting and the crowds love (hula dancing).”
Luminaria Home Page
Yuri Martinez's Gallery
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