Yes! Admission to ¡Viva! Bastrop is free and open to everyone. View Answer

¡Viva Bastrop!

Q: What is Ballet Folklórico?

Ballet Folklórico is a traditional style of Mexican dance that celebrates the history, regions, and cultural stories of Mexico through music, movement, and colorful costumes. Each dance represents different areas and traditions, showcasing the diversity and beauty of Mexican heritage. At ¡Viva Bastrop!, guests will experience Ballet Folklórico performances featuring traditional dances that bring history and culture to life.

Q: What is a quinceañera?

A quinceañera is a traditional celebration that marks a young woman’s 15th birthday and her transition into a new stage of life. The celebration often includes a formal ceremony, family and friends, music, dancing, and a beautiful gown. At ¡Viva Bastrop!, quinceañeras will be part of the Heritage March, celebrating tradition, culture, and community pride.

Q: What is a Grito?

A Grito (meaning “cry” or “shout” in Spanish) is a spirited expression of pride and celebration, traditionally associated with Mexican Independence celebrations. The famous Grito de Dolores is a historic call that marked the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence. Today, the Grito continues as a joyful way to celebrate culture, heritage, and community.

Q: What is Lotería?

Lotería , often called Mexican Bingo, is a traditional game of chance that has been enjoyed by generations of families throughout Mexico and Hispanic communities. Instead of numbers, players use cards featuring colorful images and symbols, with a caller announcing each card until someone completes their winning pattern. At ¡Viva Bastrop!, guests can experience this tradition through downtown businesss Lotería activity leading up to the festival.

Q: What is a chancla?

A chancla is the Spanish word for a sandal or flip-flop. In many Hispanic families and cultures, the chancla has become a humorous symbol of a parent’s legendary ability to keep everyone in line. The tradition has become a playful part of Hispanic culture and a fun way to celebrate family stories and shared experiences.

Q: What is the Chancla Throwing Challenge?

The Chancla Throwing Challenge is a lighthearted festival competition inspired by this beloved cultural symbol. Participants will test their aim and see who can throw a chancla the farthest or most accurately. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity celebrating humor, tradition, and community.

Discover Culture. Celebrate Heritage. Embrace Tradition. Experience ¡Viva Bastrop!. Join us for the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Festival celebrating the vibrant traditions, music, flavors, and heritage of the make Hispanic culture so vibrant and inspiring.

A Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Each year, Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) honors the histories, cultures, and countless contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities that have shaped our nation. In celebration of this special month, Discover Bastrop and First National Bank is proud to present the inaugural ¡Viva Bastrop!, a festival dedicated to recognizing the traditions, artistry, music, cuisine, and cultural heritage that continue to enrich our community.

Held in the heart of Historic Downtown Bastrop, ¡Viva Bastrop! brings people of all backgrounds together for an evening of live entertainment, authentic flavors, artisan vendors, and cultural experiences that celebrate the diversity and spirit of Hispanic cultures from across Latin America.

Whether you're celebrating your own heritage, discovering new traditions, or simply looking to enjoy an unforgettable evening with family and friends, ¡Viva Bastrop! welcomes everyone to connect, celebrate, and experience the richness of Hispanic Culture.

¡Todos son bienvenidos! Everyone is welcome.

¡Viva Bastrop! is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where everyone can come together to celebrate with family and friends. Our goal is to create an evening where every guest feels comfortable, respected, and free to enjoy the rich traditions and cultures that make our community unique. We invite neighbors, families, and visitors from every background to come together for an evening of unity, pride, and celebration.

Festival Schedule

6:00 PM: Festival Kickoff

Mariachi performance
National Anthem
Ballet Folklórico performance featuring Cedar Creek High School dancers accompanied by mariachi musicians
Enjoy strolling mariachi performances throughout event, bringing traditional music and celebration to the streets.

Explore all evening:

Best Grito Contest: Show off your best ¡Grito! and join in this lively celebration of Hispanic culture and tradition. Participants will compete for bragging rights as the crowd cheers on the most spirited cry of the evening.
Chancla Throwing Challenge: Test your aim and compete in this fun festival favorite.
Mercado Hispano featuring local vendors with authentic food, handmade crafts, artisan goods, and unique finds
Kids Zone on Spring Street featuring:
- Bounce houses
- Piñatas
- Face painting
- Rock climbing wall
- Character meet-and-greets
- Photo opportunities
- Bastrop Cultural Arts Booth
- First National Bank Booth

7:15 PM – 8:45 PM: Tributo a Selena

Dance and sing along during a live tribute performance celebrating the music and legacy of the Queen of Tejano.

8:45 PM: Heritage March

Celebrate the traditions and cultures of Hispanic nations across Latin America during a special Heritage March featuring:

Beautifully dressed quinceañeras
512 Cadets
Ballet Folklórico dancers
Country flags representing Hispanic nations throughout Latin America

Guests are encouraged to participate by wearing traditional clothing, cultural attire, or colors representing their heritage.

9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Street Dance Celebration

End the night with an energetic celebration featuring performances:

512 Cadets
Huapango dancers
Payaso de Rodeo dance

Festival Highlights

Selena Tribute Concert: Dance and sing along to the timeless hits of Selena performed by an incredible tribute band. From "Como La Flor" to "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," enjoy an evening celebrating one of the most beloved Latin music icons.
Live Mariachi: Experience the sounds of traditional mariachi music as talented musicians fill Downtown Bastrop with classic melodies and festive performances.
Ballet Folklórico: Watch beautiful traditional folklórico dancers perform colorful regional dances that showcase the rich history and diversity of Mexican culture through music, movement, and elaborate costumes.
Best Grito Contest: Celebrate a beloved Hispanic tradition and bring your biggest, loudest, and most spirited ¡Grito! for a fun competition that brings the community together.
Chancla Throwing Challenge: Test your skills during this playful competition and festival favorite.
Quinceañera Processional: One of the evening's most memorable moments will feature participants wearing stunning quinceañera gowns with a procession of flags to follow, representing Hispanic countries throughout Latin America. We encourage guests to join the celebration by wearing traditional clothing, cultural attire, or your country's colors.
La Hora Loca (The Crazy Hour): As the evening reaches its peak, get ready for La Hora Loca, an exciting celebration filled with music, dancing, and crowd participation. Don't miss everyone joining together for the iconic Payaso de Rodeo dance, a festival favorite that brings all generations to the dance floor.
Chancla Throwing Challenge: Think you've got the best aim? Compete in our hilarious Chancla Throwing Challenge and see if you have what it takes to earn bragging rights during one of the festival's most entertaining competitions.
Authentic Food Vendors: Sample delicious flavors from across Latin America featuring authentic street food, desserts, snacks, and refreshing beverages from local vendors.
Mercado Hispano: Shop local vendors offering authentic cuisine, handmade goods, artisan creations, and cultural treasures.
Family Activities: Enjoy activities for all ages throughout the evening with cultural experiences, entertainment, shopping, and interactive fun for the entire family.
And So Much More...

Extend the Celebration with Lotería & the ¡Viva Bastrop! Jersey Giveaway

The celebration begins before festival day with Lotería throughout Historic Downtown Bastrop! Starting during F.A.M.E. Days on September 4 and continuing through September 18, visitors can participate in this beloved cultural tradition while exploring participating downtown businesses.

Pick up a Lotería card, visit participating locations, and complete your card for a chance to redeem an exclusive ¡Viva Bastrop! prize at the Discover Bastrop booth during the festival.

Participants will also have the opportunity to enter a giveaway for a one-of-a-kind ¡Viva Bastrop! soccer jersey, designed exclusively for the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration.

Celebrate the culture, explore downtown, and join the excitement leading up to ¡Viva Bastrop!

Wear Your Colors!

One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate ¡Viva Bastrop! is by proudly representing your heritage. We invite guests to wear traditional attire, cultural clothing, your country's colors, or a jersey representing your favorite national team. Bring your flag and join our Quinceañera Processional, where participants will proudly carry the flags of Hispanic nations in a beautiful display of unity and cultural pride.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let's transform Historic Downtown Bastrop into a vibrant showcase of culture, tradition, and community. Together, we'll fill the streets with the colors, music, and spirit of Hispanic heritage, creating an unforgettable celebration that honors the many cultures and traditions that make our community stronger. Whether you're celebrating your family's roots or showing your support for Hispanic culture, everyone is welcome to be part of this special evening.

Parking

Free public parking is available throughout Historic Downtown Bastrop. Please see map below for public parking areas.

Celebrate culture. Celebrate community. Celebrate together.

Mark your calendar for Friday, September 18, 2026,, and join us for Bastrop's first-ever ¡Viva Bastrop! a Hispanic Heritage Celebration, presented by Discover Bastrop and First National Bank.

An unforgettable evening of music, dancing, food, traditions, and memories awaits.

¡Nos vemos en Downtown Bastrop!

¡Viva Bastrop! FAQs

Is ¡Viva Bastrop! a safe and welcoming event?

Absolutely. ¡Viva! Bastrop is a family-friendly community celebration hosted by Discover Bastrop to honor Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the diverse cultures that make our community special. Everyone is welcome to attend, and our goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where families, friends, neighbors, and visitors can come together to enjoy an evening of culture, music, food, and community.

Is the event free?

Yes! Admission to ¡Viva! Bastrop is free and open to everyone.

Will food be available?

Yes! A variety of food vendors will be serving authentic Hispanic cuisine, desserts, and beverages throughout the festival. While you're here, we also encourage you to explore the many locally owned restaurants in Historic Downtown Bastrop, where you can enjoy everything from Mexican and Latin American favorites to Texas classics and international cuisine before or after the event.

Can I wear my country's flag or traditional clothing?

Yes! We encourage everyone to proudly represent their heritage by wearing traditional attire, cultural clothing, or your country's colors.

What is Ballet Folklórico?

Ballet Folklórico is a traditional style of Mexican dance that celebrates the history, regions, and cultural stories of Mexico through music, movement, and colorful costumes. Each dance represents different areas and traditions, showcasing the diversity and beauty of Mexican heritage. At ¡Viva Bastrop!, guests will experience Ballet Folklórico performances featuring traditional dances that bring history and culture to life.

What is a quinceañera?

A quinceañera is a traditional celebration that marks a young woman’s 15th birthday and her transition into a new stage of life. The celebration often includes a formal ceremony, family and friends, music, dancing, and a beautiful gown. At ¡Viva Bastrop!, quinceañeras will be part of the Heritage March, celebrating tradition, culture, and community pride.

What is a Grito?

A Grito (meaning “cry” or “shout” in Spanish) is a spirited expression of pride and celebration, traditionally associated with Mexican Independence celebrations. The famous Grito de Dolores is a historic call that marked the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence. Today, the Grito continues as a joyful way to celebrate culture, heritage, and community.

What is Lotería?

Lotería, often called Mexican Bingo, is a traditional game of chance that has been enjoyed by generations of families throughout Mexico and Hispanic communities. Instead of numbers, players use cards featuring colorful images and symbols, with a caller announcing each card until someone completes their winning pattern. At ¡Viva Bastrop!, guests can experience this tradition through downtown businesss Lotería activity leading up to the festival.

What is a chancla?

A chancla is the Spanish word for a sandal or flip-flop. In many Hispanic families and cultures, the chancla has become a humorous symbol of a parent’s legendary ability to keep everyone in line. The tradition has become a playful part of Hispanic culture and a fun way to celebrate family stories and shared experiences.

What is the Chancla Throwing Challenge?

The Chancla Throwing Challenge is a lighthearted festival competition inspired by this beloved cultural symbol. Participants will test their aim and see who can throw a chancla the farthest or most accurately. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity celebrating humor, tradition, and community.