Parque Zaragoza
Austin’s Tejano (Mexican-American) population expanded substantially in the early 1900s, and racial segregation concentrated the growth in East Austin. Sustaining the community’s cultural identity became increasingly important. Recognizing the need for recreational space in which to celebrate their heritage, community leaders petitioned the City of Austin for a neighborhood park. In 1931, the city purchased land at this site for that purpose. The new park was named for Gen. Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza, the hero of the Battle of Puebla (Cinco de Mayo 1862), who was born in the Mexican village of Presidio de la Bahía del Espíritu Santo (present-day Goliad, Texas). The park soon emerged as a cultural hub.
Local Tejano business and civic leaders established a board to organize activities and celebrations held at the park. A Comité Patriotico formed to foster goodwill locally and internationally through celebrations centered on the park, including the Fiestas Patrias of Diez y Seis de Septiembre and Cinco de Mayo, which featured music, dancing, speeches and coronations. Conjunto, a native form of Tejano music, predominated at these gatherings, often serving as the embodiment of the community’s desire for greater acceptance through recognition of its own distinct culture and legacy.
Beginning in 1931, organized baseball games brought large crowds from surrounding communities. The local community treated each game as a cultural celebration, complete with food and music. Later, the community officially organized Sunday games in the park. In 1941, residents employed by the national youth administration built a recreation center. In 1996, at the Cinco de Mayo celebration, a new recreation center was dedicated. Today, Parque Zaragoza still serves as a reminder of a proud heritage.
(2015).