San Antonio crowns new Fiesta royalty at Rey Feo ceremony

Dr. Damaso Andres Oliva named Rey Feo LXXVII at downtown event

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:27am

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A high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeated pattern of a traditional Fiesta sombrero in bold, neon colors against a black background, conceptually representing the energy and cultural significance of the annual event.The vibrant colors and iconic imagery of San Antonio's Fiesta celebration come alive in a modern pop art interpretation.San Antonio Today

The annual Rey Feo coronation ceremony took place on Friday outside the San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio, where Dr. Damaso Andres Oliva was crowned the 77th Rey Feo by the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation. The event was emceed by KSAT 12 anchor Ernie Zuniga, who is a member of the Rey Feo Consejo.

Why it matters

The Rey Feo coronation is a longstanding tradition as part of the city's annual Fiesta celebration, which features parades, festivals, and other cultural events. The Rey Feo is considered one of the most prestigious Fiesta royalty titles, with the crowned individual serving as an ambassador for the city and its Hispanic heritage.

The details

During the ceremony, the sounds of mariachis filled the downtown grounds as Dr. Damaso Andres Oliva was officially named Rey Feo LXXVII. The Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, a nonprofit that awards scholarships, organizes the annual coronation event.

  • The Rey Feo coronation ceremony took place on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Fiesta, San Antonio's annual citywide celebration, runs for 11 days each spring.

The players

Dr. Damaso Andres Oliva

The 77th individual to be crowned Rey Feo, a prestigious Fiesta royalty title in San Antonio.

Ernie Zuniga

KSAT 12 anchor and member of the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, who emceed the coronation ceremony.

Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation

A nonprofit organization that awards scholarships and organizes the annual Rey Feo coronation event as part of the city's Fiesta celebration.

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What they’re saying

“The Rey Feo coronation is a longstanding tradition as part of the city's annual Fiesta celebration, which features parades, festivals, and other cultural events.”

— Ernie Zuniga, KSAT 12 anchor and Rey Feo Consejo member

What’s next

The newly crowned Rey Feo LXXVII, Dr. Damaso Andres Oliva, will participate in various Fiesta events and serve as an ambassador for the city's Hispanic heritage throughout the 11-day celebration.

The takeaway

The Rey Feo coronation ceremony is a cherished tradition that celebrates San Antonio's rich Hispanic culture and community, with the crowned individual serving as a representative of the city's vibrant Fiesta festivities.