Mission Marquee Plaza hosts 9th Annual Viva Poesía Festival

Published on March 24, 2023

For Reels! A Poetic Tribute to the Movies

SAN ANTONIO (March 24, 2023) — The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office proudly presents Viva Poesía: Palabras, Música, y Cultura, at the Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave., on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 6-10 p.m. The theme of the 9th annual event is “For Reels! A Poetic Tribute to the Movies”, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the historic Mission Drive-In.

The official kick-off event for National Poetry Month in San Antonio, Viva Poesía features performances from San Antonio’s past Poet Laureates Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, Dr. Carmen Tafolla, Jenny Brown, and Dr. Octavio Quintanilla, as well as local spoken word artists Eddie Vega, Rooster Martinez, Arrie Porter, Isabel Brown, and Ollie McCrary. With original pieces created specifically for this event, these literary luminaries will sing in verse of the cinematic magic and nostalgia the films that have inspired us as a people. In celebration with the festivities, Department of Arts & Culture Director, Krystal Jones, will introduce San Antonio’s new Poet Laureate, Nephtali De León, to the community.

Emceed by Anthony “The Poet” Flores, Viva Poesía will include live performances by local comedians, the Wonder Theatre (formerly the Woodlawn Theatre), the San Antonio Philharmonic Brass Ensemble, Como Las Movies, and more.

The event will also feature make-and-take art activities and interactive workshops for the entire family led by highly acclaimed local artists and poets. Pop-up vendors will be on-site, and food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

"Vast artistry, rich culture, and vibrant traditions, make San Antonio a city filled with diverse creativity," said District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran. "The entire family is invited to experience the sights, sounds, and festivities of Viva Poesia, an immersive celebration of poetry and inspiration at the historic Mission Marquee Plaza."

Mission Marquee Plaza also welcomes the 2023 season of programming with the Viva Poesía Festival. This year’s season began on March 4 with the Farmers & Artisans Market and will include approximately 75 scheduled events. Other special cultural events will include Viva Mexico Women’s Festival on May 6, Dia de los Muertos on October 28, and others. The popular Mission Marquee Plaza Outdoor Family Film Series will also begin on Saturday, May 6, with a free screening of “The Lion King,” and continue through November.

“Mission Marquee Plaza continues to be a hub, not only for the Southside, but the entire city,” said Colleen Swain, Director of the World Heritage Office. “Bringing the community together and showcasing our city’s unique living heritage

Viva Poesía is an annual event celebrated in April, made possible in part by the City’s Department of Arts & Culture, that aims to raise awareness of the importance of poetry in our culture and honors the artistic influence of local poets in our community.

"Through the power and beauty of expression, poetry has the ability to bridge divides and connect communities”, said Department of Arts & Culture Executive Director Krystal Jones. “At Viva Poesía, we come together to kick off National Poetry Month, celebrating the transformative potential of the spoken word, inviting everyone to join us on a journey of discovery, reflection and creative inspiration."

In 2007, the City of San Antonio acquired the former Mission Drive-In property, which is nestled near the historic San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In June 2014, Mission Marquee Plaza officially opened its doors for the next generation of nearby Southside families and all of San Antonio residents and visitors to enjoy the site’s long tradition as a community gathering space.

The event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available onsite. For more information on Viva Poesía, other events at Mission Marquee Plaza, and vendor registration information, please visit www.MissionMarquee.com. Information on the World Heritage Office is available at www.SanAntonio.Gov/WorldHeritage.