TX Visionary, Creator of ‘Viva! El Paso’ Dies on Christmas Eve Cruise

El Paso Mourns Hector Serrano, Creator of “Viva! El Paso” and Beloved Educator

If you’ve ever been captivated by the history of the Borderland through song and dance at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater’s ‘Viva! El Paso’ then you have Hector Serrano to thank.

El Paso has lost one of its most cherished visionaries. Hector Serrano, the 83-year-old mastermind behind the iconic production Viva! El Paso, passed away on Christmas Eve while on a Caribbean cruise, this is according to an article that broke the news first on elpasomatters.org. 

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The article went on to say that Serrano’s friend, Ouisa Davis, shared that Serrano suffered a heart attack on Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant as the musical pageant he brought to life.

Since its debut in 1978, Viva! El Paso has celebrated the multicultural essence of the region

‘Viva! El Paso’ drew tens of thousands of attendees each year. Davis, an El Paso attorney and dance teacher, reflected on Serrano’s mission: 

“He wanted people to understand how we became this beautiful binational community and to take pride in it.”

 

I have nothing but fond memories of ‘Viva! El Paso.’ I remember heading to the show with my family and being mesmerized by the beauty of McKelligon Canyon and then once the show started I was even more mesmerized by the beauty that the show had to offer.

The music, the costumes, the lights, the acting, THE STORY TELLING! It was all so magical and it was the true essence of what El Paso is all about. 

Hector was a mentor for many in our community

Hector was A longtime teacher at El Paso high schools, EPCC, and UTEP, Serrano’s passion for education and the arts went hand in hand. His creativity and dedication touched the lives of countless students and theatergoers.

According to Elpasomatters.org, Serrano was traveling with his close friend and collaborator David Mills and Mills’ family when he passed. Davis urged the community to give Mills privacy as arrangements are made.

While details about Serrano’s final arrangements remain pending, one thing is certain: his legacy as a storyteller, educator, and cultural ambassador will continue to resonate in the hearts of El Pasoans. 

Gracias, Hector.