Diadeloso Moves to Fifth Street

The annual event's activities are usually held on the intramural fields, but due to the Student Life Complex construction all activities will take place at central locations on campus, mainly on Fifth Street.
"We really want to stress that the activities have been moved to Fifth Street," said Roxanne Wilson, Diadeloso chairman.
Wilson said the Baylor Chamber of Commerce, the student organization responsible for Diadeloso, is excited about the events planned for this year.
Amanda Hyde, a San Antonio sophomore, said, "I really enjoyed Diadeloso last year and I hope it will be as fun on Fifth Street as it was at the intramural fields."
For the second year, Baylor staff will be released from work to attend Diadeloso activities Thursday afternoon, although some campus offices will need to remain open during that time.
Diadeloso originated in 1934 as a day to "bring smiles to the faces of students" by giving them a break from classes. Chamber took responsibility of organizing the spring holiday in 1935 and it quickly became an annual event. The name of the occasion has changed through the years from "All University Day" to "Physical Fitness Day" to "May Day." Finally, in 1966, the title "Diadeloso" or "The Day of the Bear" stuck.
This year's 64th annual Diadeloso will commemorate the Diadeloso themes from 1988 to 1998. Probably the most unforgettable Diadeloso is from the 1996 theme, "International," when the "Miracle on 5th Street" happened. That year, Baylor University's first dance on campus was kicked off by Baylor President Robert B. Sloan Jr.
Highlighting the entertainment acts this year is Little Foster and the Unknown Blues Band. Several other entertainers will perform throughout the day on either the main stage, located on Fifth Street near Burleson Quadrangle, or the Bill Daniel Student Center (BDSC) Bowl stage.
Hypnotist Terry Stokes will be back this year to amaze students with his power of hypnosis in three 45-minute shows. A satirical comedy act, The Mud Show, will perform four times during the day. Two more musical groups will perform and the National Pan-Hellenic Council will provide their annual Step Show at 3 p.m.
Yelda Batur, a sophomore from Saudi Arabia, said, "last year's hypnotist act seemed so real and it is was really fun. I'm glad they got him to come back this year."
Tournaments have been scheduled for the day and various student organizations will sponsor booths in the Fifth Street area. A meal will be served by Aramark from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Founders Mall. Student meal plans can be used or $5 tickets are available for the lunch.
Tournaments include three-on-three basketball, taboo, tennis, golf, homerun derby, tug-of-war, paintball, ultimate Frisbee, mountain bike, volleyball, canoeing and a 5K run. Each tournament has a fee ranging from $5 per person to $40 per team. Students can sign up and pay to participate at the Chamber office in the BDSC.
For more information about Diadeloso, go to https://www.baylor.edu/~Diadeloso/ .