Because everything in bigger in Texas, Fiesta San Antonio is a “Party With A Purpose.’’ This year the Alamo City celebrates a “Fiesta Together,’’ April 16 to 26. This celebration, with more than one hundred official Fiesta events held throughout the city, started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of those who passed away in the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. That historic commemoration still takes place, but Fiesta has grown into a celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse cultures, and today, is one of this nation’s premier festivals.
Travelers are invited to join 2.5 million guests from San Antonio and around the world to enjoy a variety of events including parades, music festivals, cultural celebrations, arts and educational programs, athletic events and much more that support San Antonio area charities. Each of the more than 100 official Fiesta events, coordinated by nearly 100 San Antonio area non-profit organizations, is unique and special to the overall experience, and funds raised at these events provide services to San Antonio citizens throughout the year.
Fiesta will officially begin with Fiesta Fiesta on Thursday, April 16 in downtown San Antonio’s Travis Park. This free admission festival will feature an opening ceremony with the Mayor of San Antonio, a military salute, live music, Fiesta favorite Food including the iconic Chicken on a Stick, Pin Pandemonium (an area to buy and trade Fiesta Medals), and a People’s Parade.
Fiesta Medals
Every Fiesta San Antonio event is special, a few highlights include:
· Fiesta Oyster Bake brings together thousands of revelers, great dancing and music, and food and drinks on the campus of St. Mary’s University. More than 100,000 oysters are served! (April 17-18)
· Texas Cavaliers River Parade – a one-of-a-kind extravaganza on the San Antonio River Walk where dozens of brightly lit, highly decorated barges float and delight revelers lined up on either side of the river. (April 20)
· The 135th Battle of Flowers Parade – an amazing street parade (April 24) that this year features the theme “From Pages To Possibilities.” Celebrating literature and imagination, the theme showcases storybooks, fairy tales, and, notably, 10 school floats representing different book genres, including mystery, fantasy, and science fiction. The Battle of Flowers is one of the few parades in the United States produced entirely by women, all of whom are volunteers.
· King William Fair – takes over historic King William with great arts, crafts, food, music and dance performances, kids kingdom, a quirky parade and more! (April 25)
· Fiesta Flambeau Parade lights the night on the streets of San Antonio (April 25). It is a great way to light the way through the final weekend of Fiesta.
· For fun with food and drinks, do not miss NIOSA (A Night in Old San Antonio) in historic La Villita. Through the magic of more than 155food, drink and atmosphere booths and entertainment stages; continuous live music acts; decorations; souvenirs; and many dedicated volunteers, NIOSA brings the city’s heritage alive in its 14 cultural areas. (April 21-24)
· Explore distinctive cultures with deep roots at events like A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada (April 19 and 26), the Ford Mariachi Festival (April 22 and 23) and more.