SAN ANTONIO -- Local Romanians are celebrating the life of a historical hero who happened to have a taste for blood.

Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, made an appearance at Saturday's Romanian Festival. The morbid nickname is a testament to the former Romanian prince's disposal of enemies in the 15th Century. Today his name is commonly associated with the fictional vampire, but during his life time he was a ruler.

The historical figure is known for defending his country against the Ottoman Empire.

"At the time the Ottoman Empire wanted to conquer Europe and Vlad was there to stop them so for us it's truly a hero,” said Festival Manager Adina Pasnicu.

Along with his appearance, visitors enjoyed Romanian food, music and dance.