Queen Citrianna Scholarship Pageant

The Texas Citrus Fiesta proudly invites young women across the Rio Grande Valley to participate in the historic Queen Citrianna Scholarship Pageant—a celebration of tradition, leadership, and confidence. 

This program is designed to highlight not only beauty and presentation, but also the character, ambition, and individuality of each participant. As part of this long-standing Valley tradition, contestants will have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while representing their community with pride. 

Through this experience, participants will: 

• Build Confidence through public speaking and stage presence

• Develop Leadership Skills while serving as community representatives

• Create Lasting Connections with peers across the Rio Grande Valley

• Celebrate Tradition by honoring the rich heritage of the Texas Citrus Fiesta

We welcome young ladies of all backgrounds, passions, and aspirations to apply, as our mission is to create an inclusive environment where every participant can excel and become a part of a beautiful tradition. If you're ready to embark on this journey, we encourage you to sign up and be part of something truly transformative. The Queen Citrianna Pageant is more than a competition—it is an opportunity to grow, represent, and be part of something meaningful. 

For more information or to register, please call the office at (956)585-9724.

Warm regards, 

Amy Tijerina 

Texas Citrus Fiesta, Inc., Director 

KEY DETAILS:

• Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

• Eligibility: Must be a high school student in grades 10–12 during the 2026 - 2027 school year (more info below)

MANDATORY ORIENTATION:

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026 – Duchess Orientation 

1:00 p.m. - Mission Event Center located at 200 N. Shary Rd., Mission, Texas 78572 

• This is MANDATORY for all Duchesses. 

• An invitation will be mailed to you. Please ensure your address on the application is legible and where you receive your mail. 

• Traditional headshot photos for the Texas Citrus Fiesta Program book will be taken. 

• Orientation Attire:

  • A two-piece, Sunday’s Best outfit with a black camisole. 

  • Duchesses will wear pearl earrings and a pearl necklace for photos. This to be provided by the Texas Citrus Fiesta. 

• Duchess sashes will be available for purchase for $60.00. 

• Duchess & New Court contracts and dress color palettes will be issued. 

• Please do NOT wear crowns or any other sashes. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

To participate, candidates must meet the following criteria: 

• Candidate must be enrolled in and attending high school as a sophomore, junior, or senior. 

• Candidate must be a resident or citizen of the United States. 

• Candidate must be single, never married, or have an annulment of marriage. 

• Candidate must not be pregnant, have children, or have cohabited with a significant other. 

• Candidate must be a natural born female. 

• Candidate must be a good role model and not have been convicted of any crime. 

• Candidate must represent a title she has not held before as a duchess. 

• If chosen as a duchess, candidate must inform Texas Citrus Fiesta if planning to participate in any other pageants between September 2026- December 2027. 

WHAT TO EXPECT AS A DUCHESS 

Participants selected as Duchesses will take part in a multi-month program that prepares them for the Queen Citrianna Pageant and official Texas Citrus Fiesta events. This experience includes both personal development and community representation. 

As a Duchess, you can expect to: 

• Attend a mandatory orientation and photo session in September 

• Participate in scheduled activities such as: 

  • Team bonding events 

  • Community outings (including the Citrus Growers Tour) 

  • Mother/Daughter Royal Tea 

• Design and prepare a formal gown representing your assigned product, including required dress submissions and critiques 

• Complete in a timely fashion all required materials such as: 

  • Biography form 

  • Dress description and photos 

  • Program book advertisement sponsorships 

• Take part in interviews and stage events in January 

• Participate in official Fiesta events, including: 

  • Product Costume Show (mandatory)

  • Royal Coronation (mandatory)

  • Royal Ball (mandatory)

  • Parade of Oranges (mandatory)

  • Fun Fair (mandatory)

All selected participants are expected to attend mandatory events, meet all deadlines, and represent the Texas Citrus Fiesta with professionalism and pride throughout the duration of the program. 

All selected participants will begin team building and leadership activities in September 2026. Each member begins serving as her title on January 1, 2027, and her service under that title continues until Dec. 31, 2027. All Duchesses and Court members are expected to actively serve for the duration of their reign.

FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED IN FULL BY SEPTEMBER 23, 2026, WITH AN ENTRY FEE OF $150.00. WE ONLY ACCEPT MONEY ORDERS OR CHECKS MADE OUT TO TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA.