Hundreds celebrate 19th annual SA Hanukkah event with a South Texas twist

SAN ANTONIO – Hundreds of people participated in the Hanukkah celebration downtown Wednesday evening.

"This is a public display of our culture and it's beautiful to be able to share it with everyone,” Alan Yancelson said.

There was even a Texas twist to the 19th annual event, a mariachi band playing traditional Jewish music such as Hava Nagila.

“Something about being Jewish in South Texas is really so special. You have young people, old people, all levels of observance it is just a beautiful thing,” Shari Leighton said.

Many in attendance said the event is a great way to bring people together.

People got the opportunity to ride on the river barges and sing. Hanukkah ends on Sunday.