Rey Feo LXXVII was crowned Friday evening in a public ceremony at Main Plaza.
Dr. Damaso A. Oliva, Jr., a native of Cuba who grew up in San Antonio, will reign as the “Ugly King” during Fiesta 2026, an 11-day party that includes over 100 events benefiting various non-profit organizations.
Each year, a Rey Feo is selected after a friendly fundraising competition that sees local business leaders raise money for the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation. The one who raises the highest amount — typically over $250,000 — is selected as Rey Feo, one of nine ambassadors recognized as official Fiesta royalty.
Fiesta, which marks its 135th anniversary this year, is often called a “party with a purpose” because of its fundraising component. Fiesta was first held in 1891 with a single parade – the Battle of Flowers honoring the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of Jacinto.
Fiesta 2026 kicked off Thursday and runs through April 26.