Mission Marquee Plaza Celebrates Viva Poesía Festival

Published on April 07, 2026

SAN ANTONIO (April 7, 2026) — On Saturday, April 11, the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office and the Department of Arts & Culture will host the 12th Annual Viva Poesía Festival from 6 – 10 p.m. at the historic Mission Marquee Plaza (3100 Roosevelt Ave., 78214).

This year’s theme, “Doce Voces: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Poetry,” commemorates the 250 years of our nation’s journey. The evening will feature 12 powerful voices of various backgrounds expressing poetic statements of freedom, resilience, and unity.

As San Antonio’s official kickoff to National Poetry Month, the event will also showcase current Poet Laureate Eddie Vega, in addition to past poets’ laureate Carmen Tafolla, Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, and Octavio Quintanilla, as well as local and regional favorites Xelena Gonzalez, Amalia Ortiz, Mecca Miles, DaRell Pittman, Gume Laurel III, Violeta Garza, and Amanda Johnston.  

“We are honored to host Viva Poesia for more than a decade at Mission Marquee Plaza,” said Colleen Swain, Director of the World Heritage Office. “It is a celebration of the power of words interwoven with San Antonio’s unique and diverse cultural heritage. Viva Poesia continues to unite our community and be an inspiration for new voices.”

The evening will also include community-led workshops by Tomas Julian and diamond larae, in addition to local artist Terry Ybanez hosting make-and-take art activities for all ages. Emceed by Anthony the Poet, the event also includes a live performance by DJ Despeinada and Luna Tropical.

“I don't know of any other city that celebrates poets and poetry like we do,” said San Antonio Poet Laureate, Eduardo ‘Eddie Vega.’ “Over the years, I've used poetry to battle with haiku on the stage, even in a wrestling ring. I've read about food, about movies, and about our cultura. But all in all, what I've enjoyed most is being involved with Viva Poesia as poet laureate, sharing our great San Antonio literary tradition with the people who inspire me to write as I do.”

Additionally, the event includes a tree adoption of 400 fruit trees courtesy of San Antonio Parks and Recreation. 

For more information on cultural and community events at Mission Marquee Plaza, visit MissionMarquee.com. Information on the World Heritage Office is available at SanAntonio.gov/WorldHeritage. Information on National Poetry Month San Antonio events, visit GetCreativeSanAntonio.com