CSU First-Year Crowned as Colorado's Fiesta Queen

Ysabelle Rosales, a Pueblo native, carries on a family tradition as the 58th Fiesta Queen at the Colorado State Fair.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:05am

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Ysabelle Rosales, a first-year student at Colorado State University, was crowned the 58th Fiesta Queen at the 2025 Colorado State Fair. Rosales, who grew up attending the annual Fiesta Day celebration in her hometown of Pueblo, fulfilled a lifelong dream by following in the footsteps of her cousin who previously held the role. As Fiesta Queen, Rosales is committed to serving her community, celebrating Latinx/é heritage, and inspiring the next generation of first-generation and minority students.

Why it matters

The Colorado State Fair's Fiesta Day has celebrated Latinx/é culture and contributions in the state since 1967. Rosales' selection as Fiesta Queen not only continues this longstanding tradition, but also highlights the importance of representation and role models for first-generation and minority students in Colorado.

The details

Rosales, a first-time pageant competitor, went through an extensive application process that included an interview, talent performance, speech, and impromptu question. She was selected by the Fiesta Committee, which praised her poise, community involvement, and dedication to inspiring the next generation. As Fiesta Queen, Rosales received a $5,500 scholarship to support her studies at CSU, where she is also a Boettcher Scholar.

  • Rosales was crowned the 58th Fiesta Queen at the 2025 Colorado State Fair.
  • Rosales began the application process for the Fiesta Queen pageant in June 2025.

The players

Ysabelle Rosales

A first-year student at Colorado State University and the 58th Fiesta Queen of the Colorado State Fair.

Susan Huertas

The President of the Fiesta Committee, which selects the annual Fiesta Queen.

Karina Ruiz Salcido

The 2024 Fiesta Queen, who mentored Rosales through the pageant process.

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What they’re saying

“My biggest thing is that I really just want the next generation of students who are … first-generation … (and) especially students of color (to know) that you are 100% worthy of pouring into yourself.”

— Ysabelle Rosales, 58th Fiesta Queen

“We have exceptional young ladies that participate in our project, but Ysa, I mean, she was such a delight. … She's been representing us very well.”

— Susan Huertas, President of the Fiesta Committee

“I just really want to make my family proud, my community proud.”

— Ysabelle Rosales, 58th Fiesta Queen

What’s next

Rosales and her Fiesta Queen court will visit high schools in Pueblo to promote the 59th Fiesta Queen pageant and inspire the next generation of applicants.

The takeaway

Rosales' selection as Fiesta Queen not only continues a longstanding tradition of celebrating Latinx/é culture in Colorado, but also serves as an inspiring example for first-generation and minority students to pursue their dreams and give back to their communities.