SAN ANTONIO - Covid-19 hit the annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner hard this year, but not hard enough to end the decades-long tradition. Despite the pandemic, thousands of San Antonio residents will receive a holiday meal for the 41st year in a row.

In this week’s edition of San Antonio’s Voice, Raul Jimenez III, grandson of the founder and namesake of the event, talks with Randy Beamer about the family tradition.

Jimenez tells Randy there will be 15,000 fewer meals than normal because of the pandemic. He also explains how the event has had to adapt this year, how 10,000 people will still get their food, and why Thursday’s meal serves as a glimmer of hope.

Plus, there are backstories, including some surprises about San Antonio’s Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner. For example, did you know it actually didn’t start in San Antonio?

And somewhere in there is a chorizo company. The nickname, Speedy. And a different kind of turkey. They’re all a part of a Thanksgiving celebration only San Antonio can throw. (Like a chancla?)

Jimenez III is a San Antonio native and graduate of the University of Incarnate Word. He is married to his middle school crush and the father to two girls. Jimenez is a Realtor in San Antonio.

Contact Randy Beamer