Hispanic Heritage Festival’s popularity spurs talks for bigger event

By Breyana Segura - Chief Staff Writer | December 4, 2024

In a post report of the fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Festival, Albert Martinez, owner of Motormouth Productions, lauded the event, noting it resulted in an increase of attendees, sales and community engagement.
According to Martinez, who is on his final year of a three-year contract, the October event attracted 3,626 attendees and event organizers collected $16,000 in entrance fees.
The annual two-day event celebrates the cultural contributions and the heritage of the Hispanic communities of South Texas.
According to the event organizer, 112 people rented hotel rooms.
“Mr. Mando Rodriguez donated back $1,500 from beer sales,” Martinez said.
Furthermore, the event hosted 40 vendors, thirty percent of which, Martinez said, were from out of town.
“It was a very successful event,” Martinez said during the council’s Tuesday, November 12, meeting.
Award-winning Tejano musician Marcos Orozco and band Solido headlined the event.
“I think we are getting known for this,” Councilor James Leal said of the annual event. “I would love to continue this.”
At the request of the city administration to continue adding to the festival, Martinez noted he reached out to a seventh carnival with no avail.
“All are booked,” the event organizer said, adding that he will continue to try and seek those services.
Following the event coordinator’s report to the council, City Manager Federico Reyes presented Martinez’ 2025 proposal to councilors.
“This year the agreement was $150,000, so this will be the fifth annual. I asked Motormouth to make it a little bigger to bring more participation,” the city manager said.
According to the proposal, the annual event is slated for October 10-11, 2025, and will be held at the Victor Trevino Sports Complex.
Reyes is urging councilors to look at an insurance policy in the event of bad weather.
“I am asking to start earlier, because the level of entertainment is going to change drastically. With something like this we need to start a year in advance,” Martinez said.
Councilors unanimously approved the proposal.