The Southside ISD Losoya and Matthey Middle School students in the Ballet Folklorico Cardenales danced the entire route of the 2022 Fiesta Battle of Flowers Parade on April 8, 2022. The young women in white blouses and bright red skirts stood out as they tapped and twirled around during the three-mile long parade in downtown San Antonio. “At first, it was intimidating,” said one of the dancers. “There were so many people.” However, the applause and shouts of, “Go Southside!” and “Southside! Southside!” calmed their nerves. This was the group’s first parade under the direction of new folklorico instructor Ms. Elizabeth Herrera. In the end, the Battle of Flowers Association recognized the girls’ talent and awarded the Ballet Folklorico its 1st Place Blue Ribbon in the amusement/crowd category. Association representative Dawn Gorman said the folklorico did a beautiful job and represented the District and San Antonio with distinction.