San Antonio’s West Side can’t be replaced.
The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center on Saturday presented its 17th Annual Paseo por el Westside, celebrating the culture and history of the neighborhood and honoring the community’s struggle against destruction and displacement.
More than 100 people gathered at the Rinconcita de Esperanza to enjoy a full music lineup while taking in demonstrations on making piñatas and pan dulce, a document preservation lecture and more. Despite the heat, attendees gathered around the outdoor stage, enjoying paletas and listening to the sounds of Mariachi del Sol.
Esperanza partnered with the Westside Preservation Alliance and the Historic Westside Residents’ Association to pass on cultural memory, share the West Side’s beauty and preserve the area, according to officials with the nonprofit.
For Esperanza Director Graciela Sánchez, the event raises awareness and educates people about the West Side, while allowing residents to know they live in a special place.
The gathering also shows elected officials how new developments that erase the unique character of the West Side affect its neighborhoods, according to Sánchez. She also hopes it stops policymakers from belittling the community and offers the neighbors a place to celebrate it.
“We’re never going to stop the fight,” Sánchez said.
Photos by Samara Gerstle.
