Who We Are

In 1954 a group of community minded women – at the request of the local Civitan Club – formed Las Doñas de la Corte to add a social component to Corpus Christi’s annual Buccaneer Days celebration. Since those early days, Las Doñas has continued its time-honored tradition of supporting and celebrating community and family throughout South Texas.

Each year Las Doñas – an organization comprised of 55 dedicated women – creates the pageantry of Corpus Christi’s annual Buccaneer Days Coronation, an event designed to pay homage to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand’s 16th century Spanish court and explorer Alonso De Pineda, discoverer of Corpus Christi Bay. In so doing, Las Doñas honors the past, present and future as it brings family, friends and community together, sharing joy and touching lives along the way.

For Las Doñas, community and celebration extend well beyond its annual Coronation, with participation in and support of Corpus Christi’s Buccaneer Days Illuminated Night Parade and the creation and installation of the annual Robes Display exhibit. The exhibit – an extraordinary show featuring the artistry of the Coronation – brings thousands of visitors each year to the Art Center of Corpus Christi to view the remarkable designs and the exceptional art form displayed in the stunning gowns and trains.

In addition, as part of the organization’s outreach to the community, Duchesses and Escorts in each year’s Coronation take time to visit Driscoll Children’s Hospital to bring a bit joy and laughter to the children and their families. And through the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, Las Doñas encourages giving in honor of Coronation participants.

Over the past five years – with the generosity of family and friends – donations to the Coastal Bend Community Foundation in honor of Coronation participants have totaled more than $50,000 — a number that has been matched by the Foundation, and given to support the needs of an extensive list of deserving charities. Areas of giving range from healthcare and human services to education, the environment and the arts, all of which serve the needs of children, adults and the elderly throughout South Texas.

Las Doñas is proud to be an integral part of Buccaneer Days and this time-honored Texas tradition, as we share our own touch of sparkle in celebration and support of family, friends and community.

Duchess and her Escort