3 minute read
In the Enchanted Land of Citrus...
By Dr. Kimberly Selber | Photography by Nora Cuevas and Rio Creative Group
...where the air is sweet with the scent of oranges and the sun kisses the groves with warmth, a radiant Queen named Citrianna reigned. Beside her stood King Citrus, her noble consort, and together they were the guardians of all the citrus realms. Their court was a dazzling array of duchesses, each representing their land’s bountiful riches. Every year, a grand celebration would unfold, a festival so magnificent that tales of its splendor reached the farthest corners of the world.
But let me whisper a secret, dear reader, for in the town of Mission, Texas, this tale is not just a make-believe. Here, Kings and Queens of Citrus truly walk among us.
The Texas Citrus Fiesta, which began in 1932, is one of the oldest running festivals in the state—only pausing for a hurricane and World War II. This traditional celebration salutes the citrus industry in Texas, most notably in the Rio Grande Valley, and takes place to extend gratitude and pay homage to the men and women of the citrus industry who work together to develop, grow, and ship the world’s finest citrus. The first King Citrus was the father of Texas Citrus himself, John Shary.
This year’s Royal Coronation, “Noche de Carnaval,” marked the 87th season on January 25, 2024, at the Mission Event Center. The highlight of the evening was the crowning of King Citrus the 87th (Russon Holbrook), Queen Citrianna the 87th (Riza Renae Hernandez), and Princess Anna the 74th (Adeleide Rose de la Cruz), and the presentation of the 2024 Royal Court and Tangerine Court. Duchesses, each representative of the rich and valuable resources found throughout the Rio Grande Valley, took to the stage in their beautiful and elaborate, one-of-a-kind ball gowns, each representing their royal titles. The 16 lovely Duchesses were each vying for the title of Queen Citrianna, the 88th and her 2025 Royal Court.
While Queen Citrianna’s gown is no longer designed and stitched using real citrus by-products, the pageantry is no less stunning.
