Fiesta de HUG
What do you get when you mix a Chipotle burrito bar, a live mariachi band, 105 joyful people, and spicy salsa dance lessons? Only the most vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebration of the year, Fiesta de HUG, where the energy is electric and rhythm ignites every corner of the room, bringing together laughter, movement, and flavor in a dazzling tribute to culture and community.
Fiesta de HUG, hosted by the Friends of HUG Social Group, was a night full of unforgettable
moments at Studio 131 Weddings and Events- a space generously donated and decked out in
authentic Cinco de Mayo fashion.
The evening fired off with a burst of flavor, rhythm, and gifted Cinco swag items upon entrance.
Greeted by the HUG team and volunteers, many HUG friends rolled in rocking traditional Mexican reds, greens, and whites. Others took things cinco steps further, dancing into the event capped with sombreros and embroidered serapes that added a splash of authenticity and flair, setting the tone for the rest of the night.
Mingling around the Chipotle burrito bar quickly turned into spontaneous congo lines, partners dancing around the room, and a strut contest through the aisles as the anticipation built for the arrival of Fiesta De Hug’s very own mariachi band.
Every corner of Studio 131 buzzed with the sound of maracas shaking while our friends took over the photo booth and chose unique stencils at the tattoo station. As you can imagine, the room roared upon the first sound of a Mariachi trumpet.
Later in the evening, the fiesta paraded its way outside for a spicy dance lesson from HUG’s very own salsa Sara, who was dawned in traditional salsa-dancing attire and a trained dance background. While most friends continued to dance the night away, many challenged each other to the feistiest limbo competition Clearwater has ever witnessed. A guest appearance from Nacho the Donkey (AKA HUG’s Ash dressed in a donkey costume) concluded the competition by clumsily knocking the poles over, a scene that inspired laughter you could hear for miles and feel in your bones.
In true Cinco de Mayo spirit, a colorful piñata was unveiled to the cheers of the crowd, but the rope never stood a chance, and our friends brought some serious strength. Within moments, the rope snapped, and the group wasted no time reverting to good
old-fashioned piñata punching. Naturally, fiesta time outside concluded with candy flying in every direction, inspiring sweet treat o’clock inside where our friends wrapped up the night enjoying Mexican delicacies ranging from rice pudding to churros.
Whether our friends came for the tacos or stayed for Salsa Sara’s fiery footwork, everyone left
having gained a community that goes beyond the confetti and celebratory activities.
Fiesta De HUG was the party of the year- one where culture, joy, and community came together to create something truly special. As always, HUG doesn’t just make space at the table; we encourage our friends to dance on it.
Written by Sarah Bryan
