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Last Call for Spring Break Fun: Houston’s Ultimate Weekend Guide

Indira Zaldivar
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Last Call for Spring Break Fun: Houston’s Ultimate Weekend Guide

As Spring Break 2025 winds down, Houston is turning up the heat with an action-packed weekend filled with culture, music, film, and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of Tejano music, indie cinema, or outdoor fun, the city has something unforgettable in store. From Go Tejano Day at the Rodeo to the Houston Latino Film Festival and interactive activities at Discovery Green, here’s how to make the most of your last days of freedom before Monday rolls around.

Go Tejano Day: A Celebration of Heritage and Music (March 16, 2025)

Rodeo Houston features Mexican baile folkorico at NRG Park in honor of Go Tejano Day.

NRG Park will be buzzing with energy as Go Tejano Day brings the best of Mexican-American culture to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The day is packed with exciting events, including the Mariachi Invitational Finals inside the stadium before the highly anticipated concert. For a taste of tradition, don’t miss the Fiesta Charra at 2 p.m. inside NRG Center, where skilled horseback riders and folklórico dancers put on a stunning display of talent.

New this year is the Grito Competition, where kids and adults can compete to see who has the most powerful and passionate “grito”—the iconic Mexican celebratory yell. Winners will take home a sombrero and, for adults, a special prize from Miller Lite Ice House.

Music lovers can enjoy live performances throughout the day at the Junction Stage, featuring a stellar lineup including Grupo Vendangi, Los Hermano Lara, and Nortenos Internacional. The Hideout stage will keep the party going late into the night with DJ Rulow and Los Bohemios de Michoacán as the headlining act.

Houston Latino Film Festival: A Cinematic Journey Through Latin America (March 12-16, 2025)

For film buffs, the Houston Latino Film Festival at MATCH offers a deep dive into the rich storytelling traditions of Latin America. Over five days, attendees can watch award-winning narrative features, documentaries, and short films, many of which will include Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.

The festival, now in its 9th year, has become a cornerstone event for Latino filmmakers, giving them a platform to share powerful and diverse stories. This year’s lineup includes films from Houston’s own rising talent, as well as international hits that showcase the triumphs and struggles of Latino communities worldwide. The prestigious Jury’s “Ojo” Awards will be announced on Sunday, recognizing excellence in various categories, including Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary, and Best Texas Film.

For those who love art in all its forms, the festival will also feature poetry readings, live music, and visual art exhibitions, making it an immersive cultural experience.

Family-Friendly Fun at Discovery Green (March 15, 2025)

Skating rink at Discovery Green.

Houston’s beloved Discovery Green is the place to be for families looking for interactive and educational fun. On Saturday, the Little BIPOC Book Fest invites young readers (ages 3-10) to explore books that celebrate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color experiences. The event will feature special guests, including Mexican-American artist Mr. Pendlum, as well as the Harris County Public Library’s Curiosity Cruiser.

For those looking to give back to the planet, Recycling Saturdays runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing visitors to drop off sorted glass, paper, plastic, and aluminum for recycling.

Gamers of all ages can also enjoy Game Day at Discovery Green from noon to 3 p.m., featuring board games like chess and checkers, plus an UNO tournament hosted by the UH Clear Lake Board Game Association. It’s a perfect way to meet new friends and enjoy some friendly competition.

And for superhero fans, Superhero Saturdays at The Rink will feature a special Batman-themed skating session. Dress as your favorite comic book character and hit the rink for a fun-filled afternoon!

Bank of America’s Screen on the Green: Hidden Figures (March 15, 2025, 7-10 p.m.)

As the sun sets over Discovery Green, settle in for an outdoor movie screening of Hidden Figures as part of Bank of America’s Screen on the Green series. The Oscar-nominated film tells the inspiring true story of three African-American women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played a crucial role in NASA’s space program during the 1960s.

Grab a blanket, bring some snacks, and enjoy this empowering and entertaining film under the stars. Registration is required, so be sure to sign up in advance.

Don’t Let Spring Break End Without a Bang!

Houston is pulling out all the stops for the final days of Spring Break, offering a vibrant mix of cultural celebrations, entertainment, and community events. Whether you’re dancing at Go Tejano Day, watching thought-provoking films, or enjoying a day outdoors with the family, there’s no shortage of ways to make this weekend one to remember.

Make sure to grab your tickets, plan your schedule, and savor every last moment before reality kicks back in!

Kee up with Houston fun with us on Que Onda Magazine.

NASA scientist explains the upcoming total lunar eclipse: ‘Amazing celestial treat’

ABC13 Houston
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NASA scientist explains the upcoming total lunar eclipse: ‘Amazing celestial treat’

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — On Friday morning, on Pi Day, no less, take a moment to look up at the night sky.

Our moon, sun, and Earth will align, causing the moon to turn red.

NASA scientist Dr. Noah Petro joined Eyewitness News live on Thursday morning to discuss what will happen in our upper atmosphere.

“That glow is the projection of every sunrise and sunset on the earth onto the lunar surface,” he said. “So, when you’re out looking and see the moon turn that red color, you can thank the atmosphere, the moon, and the sun for this amazing celestial treat.”

RELATED: ‘Blood moon’ total lunar eclipse set to appear tonight: What to expect

NASA has a mission orbiting the moon right now, and one is operating on the moon’s surface.

Dr. Petro said the one in orbit uses solar power, so it will actually go into a low-power mode once the Earth’s shadow cuts it off from sunlight.

Blue Ghost Mission I, on the surface, will try to take pictures of the moon and the Earth during the eclipse.

Houston teachers’ union concerned about Department of Education cuts

ABC13 Houston
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Houston teachers’ union concerned about Department of Education cuts

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A judge ordering federal workers who’ve been let go by the Trump administration, to be reinstated. That includes the Department of Education.

The Trump administration laid off half the Education Department’s workforce on Tuesday night.

And the teachers’ union here in Houston says those workers are crucial when it comes to funding school districts.

Union president Jackie Anderson says many employees from the department are ones that help with funding that goes to school districts. Those funds go to things like pell grants, student loans, financial aid, speech & occupational therapy, and special education programs.

So how much do school districts rely on federal funding? Our ABC News team looked at some of the larger ones in the Houston area.

In the 2021-2022 school year, HISD received 23% of its revenue from the DOE, Cy-Fair ISD received 16%, and Fort Bend received 15%.

This is what President Trump said about education this week. “We want education to be moved back, where the states run education, where the parents of the children will be running education, where governors that are doing a very good job will be running education,” he said.

If layoffs go into effect and federal funding shrinks, schools, which critics say are already underfunded by the state, will feel long-term effects.

“I think the students are being set up for failure. The things that they would have gotten to ensure success or for teachers. Even professional development from teachers even comes from the DOE. And so, teachers can provide high-quality instruction. Who is going to provide that now?” Anderson said.

Senate works to avert partial government shutdown ahead of midnight deadline

ABC13 Houston
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Senate works to avert partial government shutdown ahead of midnight deadline

his story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

WASHINGTON — The Senate finds itself on Friday in a familiar position, working to avoid a partial government shutdown with just hours to spare as Democrats confront two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer gave members of his caucus days to vent their frustration about the options before them, but late Thursday made clear he will not allow a government shutdown. His move gives Democrats room to side with Republicans and allow the continuing resolution, often described as a CR, to come up for a vote as soon as Friday.

A procedural vote Friday will provide a first test of whether the package has the 60 votes needed to advance, ahead of final voting likely later in the day. At least eight Democrats will need to join with Republicans to move the funding package forward.

“While the CR still is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse,” Schumer said.

Congress has been unable to pass the annual appropriations bills designed to fund the government, so they’ve resorted to passing short-term extensions instead. The legislation before the Senate marks the third such continuing resolution for the current fiscal year, now nearly half over.

The legislation would fund the federal government through the end of September. It would trim non-defense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increase defense spending by about $6 billion, which are marginal changes when talking about a topline spending level of nearly $1.7 trillion.

The Republican-led House passed the spending bill on Tuesday and then adjourned. The move left senators with a decision to either take it or leave it. And while Democrats have been pushing for a vote on a fourth short-term extension, GOP leadership made clear that option was a non-starter.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and others used their floor time Thursday to make the case that any blame for a shutdown would fall squarely on Democrats.

“Democrats need to decide if they’re going to support funding legislation that came over from the House, or if they’re going to shut down the government,” Thune said when opening the chamber.

Progressive groups urged Democratic lawmakers to insist on the 30-day extension and oppose the spending bill, saying “business as usual must not continue” while Trump and ally Elon Musk dismantle critical agencies and programs.

But Schumer said Trump would seize more power during a shutdown, because it would give the administration the ability to deem whole agencies, programs and personnel non-essential, furloughing staff with no promise they would ever be rehired.

“A shutdown would give Donald Trump the keys to the city, the state and the country,” Schumer said.

Democrats have been critical of the funding levels in the bill. They note that both defense and non-defense spending is lower than what was agreed to nearly two years ago when Congress passed legislation lifting the debt ceiling in return for spending restraints.

But they are even more worried about the discretion the bill gives the Trump administration on spending decisions. Many Democrats are referring to the measure as a “blank check” for Trump.

Spending bills typically come with specific funding directives for key programs, but hundreds of those directives fall away under the continuing resolution passed by the House. So the administration will have more leeway to decide where the money goes.

For example, a Democratic memo said the bill would allow the administration to steer money away from combating fentanyl and instead use it on mass deportation initiatives. At the Army Corps of Engineers, funding levels for more than 1,000 projects to enhance commerce, flood control and healthy ecosystems would be determined by the administration rather than Congress.

Democrats also object to the treatment of the District of Columbia, as the bill effectively repeals its current year budget and forces it to go back to the prior year’s levels, even though the district raises most of its own money. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the district would have to cut spending by $1.1 billion over just a few months.

Democrats also object to clawing back $20 billion in special IRS funding, on top of the $20 billion rescission approved the year before. The changes essentially cut in half the funding boost that Congress intended to give the agency through legislation passed by Democrats during Joe Biden’s presidency.

The spending bill before the Senate is separate from the GOP effort to extend tax cuts for individuals passed in Trump’s first term and to pay for those with spending cuts elsewhere in the budget.

That second package will be developed in the months ahead, but it was clearly part of the political calculus Democrats were considering as they argued against the six-month extension. Both efforts are designed to help the well-off at the expense of other Americans, they said.

“You’re looking at a one-two punch, a very bad CR, then a reconciliation bill coming down, which will be the final kick in the teeth for the American people,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said the Democratic arguments were hypocritical because they were essentially calling for shutting down the government to protect the government.

“Democrats are fighting to withhold the paychecks of air traffic controllers, our troops, federal custodial staff,” Cotton said. “They can’t be serious.”

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1320

Indira Zaldivar
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¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1320

Houston Latina Collaborative: Empowering Latinas Through Community and Collaboration

Indira Zaldivar
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Houston Latina Collaborative: Empowering Latinas Through Community and Collaboration

In Houston’s vast workforce, breaking into the job market as a Latina often requires overcoming language and cultural barriers, underrepresentation, and a lack of support. Created as a response to the glaring lack of representation for Latinas in the blogging and media space, the Houston Latina Collaborative (HLC) began as Houston Latina Bloggers in 2014. Over the last 11 years, it has evolved into a thriving community supporting Latina entrepreneurs, media professionals, fashion and makeup artists, and other creatives. Today, HLC continues to fill the gaps in access, support, and resources for Latinas, fostering collaboration and empowerment across industries.

A Vision Born from Exclusion

Connie Leon, a founding member of the HLC and of Mexican descent, recalls the moment the idea was born.

“We were at a conference, and it was a predominantly white female conference,” Leon said in an exclusive interview with Que Onda Magazine. “We realized that there weren’t a lot of people of color in general, and it was only about eight of us who were actually Latinas.”

Determined to create a space for Latina voices, Leon and her peers took immediate action.

“Literally sitting at that conference, we looked it up and thought, ‘THIS CAN’T BE RIGHT. WE ARE NOT THE ONLY LATINAS AT CONFERENCES,’” she recalled. “And there was nothing else. That’s crazy—so let’s create something.”

What began with a simple Twitter account, Facebook group, and Instagram page has now flourished into a thriving network. From an initial group of six to eight women, the HLC has grown to include over 800 members in its private Facebook group and 17,000 followers on Instagram.

“It’s work, but it’s a community effort, and so it’s definitely been something that we’ve grown and love to see grow,” Leon said.

A Space for Growth and Opportunity

Carolina “Caro” Rodriguez, a tech enthusiast of Salvadoran and Venezuelan descent, joined the Houston Latina Collaborative when she was searching for guidance in blogging and social media.

“I met Connie at a panel, and I kind of stalked her,” Rodriguez admitted with a laugh. “I wanted to be a blogger and work in social media. I reached out and got introduced to the community.”

Rodriguez quickly realized the impact of the HLC.

“What Connie created was something great because a lot of people would come up to us at events and ask, ‘How do I get started? Where do I go? What do I do?’” she said.

HLC became that launching pad.

“The goal is to get as many people as we can not just involved, but to just know that the community exists and that you can be a part of it,” Leon said.

Representation and Collaboration

Desiree Klaus, a Mexican American entrepreneur and founder of Let’s Vámonos Network, has played an instrumental role in expanding HLC’s reach. She currently serves as the Chief Collaborative Officer, leading partnerships and brand initiatives.

“Once the community started to grow, that representation also started to grow,” Klaus said. “Cultivating future bloggers to create their own audiences and platforms grew immensely because Houston Latina Bloggers was that first step for so many.”

Klaus, who produces two shows—Let’s Vámonos Live and Mornings with Madre—leverages her expertise in media and community advocacy to uplift Latina entrepreneurs. She believes in the power of collaboration.

“There’s growth in our community,” Klaus said. “It’s not just me being the marketing manager or social media manager. There’s opportunity for me to grow and bring in other people to fill in the gaps.”

Challenges and Triumphs

Running a large-scale collaborative effort isn’t without its difficulties.

Leon reflected on HLC’s evolution.

“Where it has come from—from being a small group of six or seven people that we didn’t know what it was going to turn into—to now, it has been huge,” she said.

Before the pandemic, HLC hosted numerous workshops, panels, and networking events. COVID-19 forced a shift to virtual engagement, but it also reinforced the group’s resilience.

“During COVID, our team kind of disintegrated, but we kept going. We all have our own platforms now,” Leon said. “Wherever there is a need to fill in that space, we can pull from a lot of different places.”

HLC’s adaptability allows it to remain a central hub for Latina professionals and entrepreneurs. Members actively post about needs, job opportunities, and collaborative projects, ensuring those seeking support can find it.

Standing for the Community

Beyond business and networking, HLC has taken a stance on social issues.

“Over the last two years, we’ve found ourselves in controversial moments,” Klaus said. “We needed to let the community know where we stand. We are here for the immigrant community; we are families of immigrants. We are a collaborative community of immigrants.”

Speaking out has strengthened the community’s trust in HLC.

“When people know where you stand and that you’re willing to speak out for them, it creates a sense of unity and a bond that some of these other platforms might not do because they’re too scared,” Klaus said. “But we are not just about the pretty pictures—we want to make sure our voices are heard.”

Balancing Growth and Self-Care

For many involved, particularly working mothers, balancing personal and professional responsibilities is a constant challenge.

“Something’s always going to be sacrificed,” Leon said. “It’s really important for me to be present in every single space. When I have my kids, I disconnect from work and everything else.”

Rodriguez, who once burned out from overcommitting, learned to set boundaries.

“I started being available 24/7, and I burned out,” Rodriguez said. “Now, I know how to delegate, say no, and recognize what I can handle.”

Impact and Future Plans

For Klaus, the impact of HLC is clear.

“Without HLC, I don’t think it would’ve pushed me to where I am now with my own business,” she said. “I am a product of being able to show what opportunities and growth can happen when you work with the right people.”

Rodriguez takes pride in watching members flourish.

“I still follow women who were just starting, and now they’re huge,” she said. “It makes me happy because they found what they loved and are thriving.”

Moving forward, HLC aims to assess community needs and form strategic partnerships.

“We’ve learned that we can’t be everything for everybody,” Klaus said. “So, we will continue to be more purposeful and authentic in our collaborations.”

Get Involved

Those interested in joining HLC can connect via:

As HLC continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to uplift, connect, and empower Latinas in Houston and beyond.

Keep up with the stories of Houston’s vibrant Hispanic community with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Comcast Boosts Xfinity Speeds for Southeast Texas Customers at No Extra Cost

Que Onda Editorial
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Comcast Boosts Xfinity Speeds for Southeast Texas Customers at No Extra Cost

Xfinity Customers Have Faster Speeds at Home and Gig Speeds on the Go to Power Their Digital Lives

New and Existing Xfinity Internet Customers Can Now Get a Line of Unlimited on Xfinity Mobile Included for a Year

Comcast has announced that it has upgraded Xfinity Internet speeds for more than 20 million customers, including hundreds of thousands of customers in Southeast Texas for no additional cost. Xfinity Internet tiers, and the NOW branded prepaid products, will benefit from 50 to 100 percent faster upload speeds than before, helping customers upload large files in a flash when working from home or posting videos to social media in seconds. Download speeds will also increase for most Internet tiers.

As the demand for connectivity continues to skyrocket in hyper-connected households, today’s increases will provide even faster download and upload speeds to ensure customers can do more of what they love online – stream, game, chat, surf, and more – on all their devices, all at the same time.

With 94 percent of devices connecting to the Internet via WiFi, fast speeds are only as good as the WiFi that connects them. At home, the Xfinity’s WiFi Gateways and WiFi extenders create a fast, reliable and secure connection to every corner of the house. Outside of the home, Comcast’s Xfinity Internet customers have access to the nation’s largest network of WiFi hotspots to connect on the go.

In addition to faster speeds, new and existing Xfinity Internet customers now can add a line of Unlimited on Xfinity Mobile included for a year with a subscription of 400 Mbps or faster. And with WiFi PowerBoost, Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers seamlessly receive WiFi speeds up to 1 Gbps no matter what Internet speed tier they subscribe to, in and out of the home, on the nation’s largest and fastest WiFi network.

“We want and need seamless connectivity for everything,” Comcast Texas’ Regional Senior Vice President Jose Espinel said. “Our faster download and upload speeds, combined with our world-class WiFi equipment, ultra-low-lag Internet experience, and WiFi PowerBoost that delivers speeds up to a gig, are providing a converged connectivity experience that we believe is unmatched in the industry.”

Today’s speed increases are made possible by Comcast’s fiber-based network, which has been built to deliver an exceptional Internet experience to the more than 64 million homes and businesses and across more than 23 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Comcast’s footprint, including thousands of WiFi hotspots throughout Southeast Texas. It is a culmination of years of research, technological breakthroughs, and massive investments, including more than $80 billion over last decade to build the nation’s largest converged wireless and wireline network.

Fast download and upload speeds are an important feature of a comprehensive connectivity experience that delivers incredible benefits to consumers, including:

  • Reliability: Xfinity has greater than 99 percent reliability, and the Xfinity network utilizes artificial intelligence to keep customers connected by fixing issues before customers know they happened.
  • Ultra-Low-Lag: Comcast recently introduced the first customers in the world to a pioneering new feature of Xfinity Internet that dramatically reduces latency when using interactive applications like gaming, videoconferencing and virtual reality. Customers will have less delay, and a smoother, more responsive end-to-end online experience.
  • Great WiFi in and out of the home: Next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver advanced WiFi capacity to power hundreds of devices in homes and more than a billion devices each year across Comcast’s network. WiFi PowerBoost delivers Xfinity Mobile customers speeds up to 1 Gbps over WiFi at home or at millions of WiFi hotspots across the country. 
  • Digital Security: xFi Advanced Security, included for free for customers who lease an Xfinity gateway, protects connected devices from malware and other threats at the gateway before they reach connected household devices. Since launching xFi Advanced Security, Xfinity has stopped more than 10 billion cyber security threats.

Customers can take advantage of the unlimited mobile line offer via their account on Xfinity.com, in the Xfinity app, or by calling 1-800-XFINITY. For more information, visit www.xfinity.com. 

A taste of summer with record warmth to round out Spring Break

ABC13 Houston
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A taste of summer with record warmth to round out Spring Break

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Southeast Texas welcomes a taste of summer to round out Spring Break with the chance for record warmth Thursday and Friday.

It’s a warm and muggy morning with temperatures in the mid-upper 60s. A few pockets of fog will develop early Thursday morning and could slow down your morning commute. That fog will begin to lift after sunrise, and then the sunshine will help temperatures soar into the upper 80s. We’re forecasting a high temperature of 89 degrees for Houston whcich would break the daily record high temperature for March 13th. The current record is 88 degrees and was set back on the date in 1942.

How’s the weekend shaping up?

The next big storm system to impact the country will develop and move through heading into the weekend. By Friday an upper-level low will begin traverse east of the Rocky Mountains. Southeast Texas is on the warmer and breezy side, but we’ll be watching for the weather system’s strong cold front to move through Saturday. That could bring a few showers Saturday morning and a breezy day for the rest of the day. Cooler temperatures arrive for Sunday with morning lows in the 50s and afternoon highs only in the low 70s.

Are we done with freezes now?

It sure looks that way! On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know! Otherwise, it’s generally considered safe to put plants into the ground if you haven’t done so already.

Speaking of spring, what’s the latest on pollen?

While these recent cold fronts have brought an uptick in Cedar pollen, the first few counts of Oak pollen have started to show up locally. Oak pollen counts more than quadrupled last weekend and will only go up from here. So if you haven’t already, now’s the time to begin to do what you need to do to take care of your seasonal allergies!

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Explosion at Texas Tech Triggers Fires, Power Outages, and Campus Evacuations

Que Onda Editorial
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Explosion at Texas Tech Triggers Fires, Power Outages, and Campus Evacuations

LUBBOCK, Texas – A powerful explosion inside a maintenance hole at Texas Tech University on Wednesday evening led to fires, widespread power outages, and the evacuation of several buildings, prompting officials to cancel classes for the remainder of the week, according to university police.

The explosion occurred in the Engineering Key section of campus, sending a smoke ring high into the air. “I heard an explosion and then saw a smoke ring, almost like a cartoon or something,” doctoral student Robert Gauthreaux III told KCBD-TV. “It traveled about 200 feet in the air.”

Gauthreaux, who was inside the architecture building at the time, reported that power was lost in the area. He and others attempted to assist an individual trapped inside an elevator due to the outage.

University police spokesperson Caitlynn Jeffries stated that power was being shut down across the entire campus as repairs were conducted. She urged all non-essential personnel to stay away and advised students to leave early for spring break.

“You can go ahead and go home for spring break. We are closing school down for the next couple of days,” Jeffries said during a media briefing.

Lubbock Fire Rescue responded to a possible gas leak at approximately 7 p.m., according to Fire Captain Jon Tunnell. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered multiple maintenance hole covers with fire and smoke actively emerging from them. Despite the severity of the situation, no injuries were reported.

A university alert initially described the explosion as occurring at a substation. Social media and news footage captured extensive emergency personnel on-site and smoke billowing from maintenance holes.

Officials have not yet determined the cause of the explosion. Texas Tech University, home to over 40,000 students, spans 1,800 acres in West Texas. The incident has raised concerns about campus infrastructure and safety as investigations continue.

Keep up with all things education with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Disney Scales Back Hollywood Premiere for Snow White Remake Amid Controversies

Indira Zaldivar
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Disney Scales Back Hollywood Premiere for Snow White Remake Amid Controversies

Disney has opted for a scaled-down Hollywood premiere for its live-action Snow White remake following a series of controversies that have overshadowed the film’s promotional campaign.

The studio has restricted media access, allowing only photographers and an in-house production crew at the event. Journalists will not have the opportunity to interview the film’s cast and creators on the red carpet, a stark contrast to previous Disney marketing strategies.

The film, set to premiere in Los Angeles on Saturday, has faced multiple challenges, including publicized disagreements between lead actresses Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen, has been vocal in her support of Israel, having previously served in the Israel Defense Forces. Meanwhile, Zegler, who plays Snow White, has expressed her pro-Palestinian stance on social media, a position she has maintained since 2021.

Gal Gadot plays the Evil Queen in Disney’s “Snow White” remake.

Additional controversies have surrounded the film’s casting choices, changes to the depiction of the seven dwarfs, and Zegler’s remarks about the movie’s feminist reinterpretation of the classic tale. The actress previously described the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as “extremely dated” and criticized the prince’s actions as reminiscent of a “stalker.”

The $269 million production, directed by Marc Webb, will be celebrated with a pre-party and screening at the El Capitan Theatre, with both Zegler and Gadot expected to attend. However, the film’s promotional approach stands in stark contrast to past live-action adaptations, such as The Little Mermaid (2023), which featured an extensive media campaign.

Zegler’s interpretation of the character has also drawn criticism, particularly her assertion that the name Snow White is derived from the princess’s resilience rather than her fair complexion, a departure from both the Brothers Grimm fairy tale and Disney’s 1937 animated classic. When faced with backlash, the actress defended her casting on social media, stating that she would not be “bleaching” her skin for the role.

Further debates have arisen over Disney’s decision to use CGI in place of actors with dwarfism for the seven dwarfs. Peter Dinklage, known for his role in Game of Thrones, criticized the remake for perpetuating outdated stereotypes, while David Hand, son of the original film’s director, called the changes “insulting” and accused Disney of undermining the classic film’s legacy.

The film, which has faced a tumultuous reception even before its release, is scheduled to hit theaters on March 21. Whether Disney’s more subdued approach to promotion will impact box office performance remains to be seen.

Keep up with entertainment news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

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