San Antonio's annual Fiesta spectacle is in full swing, offering a cultural kaleidoscope that seamlessly blends fun, education, and community - and Palo Alto College's PACFEST is leading the charge on the Southside. Mark your calendars for a party that's more than just a good time; PACFEST kicked off on Thursday, inviting a throng of thousands to partake in festivities that not only entertain but also enlighten, according to FOX San Antonio. Alleviating a commonly held notion, PACFEST Queen Jasmine Hill expressed, "Palo Alto is a lot more than that. You know, we offer so much here, like, look at what we're doing right now. You know, like, we are literally a San Antonio event for Fiesta."

Returning for another year, PACFEST is wearing its educational purpose on its sleeve. In a movement dubbed 'Educate South,' Palo Alto College President Robert Garza emphasized the school's mission, stating, "We want to be part of the solution," according to FOX San Antonio. A mother attending the event, Dalia Garces highlighted the potential such occasions have in shaping young minds, "I want them to see, know what other options there are for them... you know, college." PACFEST is more than just a Fiesta; it's a beacon for future scholars.

But PACFEST isn't the lone attraction in town. The Fiesta calendar is brimful of events that span the gamut from the Senior Fiesta at Wonderland of the Americas Mall to the electrifying Ford Mariachi Festival along the San Antonio River Walk, as KSAT reported. The entire city is transformed into a veritable showcase of heritage, gusto, and of course, a little Texas-sized razzle-dazzle.

With educational booths and music that echoes throughout the college premises, PACFEST also boasts a new nursing program queued for an August commencement, PACFEST King Logan Martinez tossing wisdom to the Fiesta-goers, "The one thing we want to push is... students take opportunities. You know, go out there and then do everything you can and be willing to put yourself in uncomfortable positions, because that's how we grow as people," FOX San Antonio relayed. Palo Alto doesn't just educate; it also gears its students toward high-wage, in-demand careers with programs like welding and manufacturing.

Let's not forget the Fiesta essentials - the mouth-watering spread of food, where PACFEST holds its own with all the fan-favorite dishes. "Like, we bring people together. We all have so much fun, and we celebrate, you know, the culture of San Antonio," said Hill in a heartwarming testament to the event's spirit, summed up by the PACFEST Queen in a chat with FOX San Antonio. So if you're in San Antonio, get out there and soak in the vibrant amalgam of culture, education, and Fiesta fervor that makes this city's heartbeat.