About AUEDA

Behind the fiesta.
Beside the artistas.

AUEDA is a San Antonio 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the artistic and entertainment community across ages and creative disciplines. Our mission includes educational scholarships and financial, legal, medical, and mental health assistance for artists facing serious hardship.

Piñatas in the Barrio is a major fundraising event for this larger mission. The celebration brings neighbors together; the funds it raises help create opportunities for artists beyond Fiesta.

AUEDA on Facebook
Official Fiesta listing ↗

Artist scholarships

Supporting aspiring artists as they pursue their education.

Artists in crisis

Helping artists and entertainers facing difficult circumstances.

Community celebration

Bringing music, culture, and neighbors together through Piñatas in the Barrio.

Our roots · Founder

Santos “Mr. U” Uriegas wearing the Senior King crown and sash at Piñatas in the Barrio
Mr. U reigned as Piñatas’ first Senior King

Santos B. “Mr. U” Uriegas1932 – 2025

A carpenter, organizer, and lifelong champion of San Antonio’s West Side, Mr. U founded AUEDA in retirement after his grandson Paul — son of entertainer Ledro Uriegas — was diagnosed with childhood cancer. From that family moment came a mission: no artist or creative family in crisis should stand alone.

Read Mr. U’s full story

  1. Built the skyline

    Helped build the Tower of the Americas for HemisFair ’68.

  2. Community organizer

    A founding organizer of the Loma Park Little League and the first Loma Park Parade.

  3. Friend to the music

    Booked a then-unknown Juan Gabriel and helped bring acts to Market Square with Nick Peña.

  4. West Side at Fiesta

    AUEDA became the first organization to represent the West Side on the Fiesta Commission — and Mr. U reigned as Piñatas’ first Senior King.

Impact

A celebration with a purpose

AUEDA connects a neighborhood tradition to real opportunities for aspiring artists. Piñatas in the Barrio helps fund that work while keeping Fiesta accessible to the community.

Education

Proceeds from the 2022 event funded scholarships for students from Edgewood ISD — a local example of the celebration’s impact.

Opportunity

A stage for entertainers and a gathering place for food, arts, and crafts vendors within a neighborhood celebration.

Free admission

An all-ages Fiesta event at Plaza Guadalupe, welcoming neighbors to enjoy music and culture together.

Meet AUEDA’s leadership →Support this work →