By Norma Martinez – TPR.org – Photo: Norma Martinez / Texas Public Radio.
Photo: This large illustration of a woman in traditional Mexican dress greets visitors at the entrance to the Alameda Theater.
One of the last classic Mexican movie palaces in San Antonio still stands. Built in 1949, for three decades, the Alameda Theatre played host not only to films, but variety shows known as “variedades.” Stars of Mexico’s golden age, including Pedro Infante, Maria Félix, and Cantinflas graced the stage. But what set the Alameda apart from other nearby theaters, was it offered desegregated seating.
