The city of San Antonio, in the Texas Hill Country, is gearing up to kick-off the famous annual Fiesta celebration, marking 126 years, and counting! Beginning in the 19th century, original Fiesta celebrations were held to honor the memories of the Battles of San Jacinto and the Alamo and the securing of Texas’ independence. Tying the cultural diversity of the Lone Star State with the celebration of the freedoms Texas continues to provide its residents, Fiesta is a 10-day celebration (this year taking place April 20-30) featuring three anchor parades (the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, the Cavaliers River Parade, and the Battle of Flowers Parade) and a number of complementing events in and around the city of San Antonio. A few of the festivities that help make Fiesta what it is are listed below. For full event details, please visit their website at www.fiesta-sa.org.
Things to Do
Fiesta® San Antonio Events: Hill Country History, Culture, & True Texas State Pride
Texas Cavaliers River Parade
Photo: Facebook/Texas Cavaliers River Parade
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade will be held on April 24 this year from 7-9 p.m., when visitors can line up along the beautiful banks of the San Antonio River Walk to watch approximately 40 decorated floats, literally “floating” down the river. The Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation was founded in 1926 with the goals of honoring the fallen heroes of the Alamo and raising funds for local children’s charities. Their Fiesta event began in 1941 when a group of Texas Cavaliers observed barges and boats decorated with flowers in the “floating gardens” of Mexico City, chose to bring the experience to San Antonio. It’s a wonderful spectacle to behold and a great time for family.
A Night in Old San Antonio
Photo: Facebook/Visit San Antonio
With a variety of culturally themed areas, musical entertainment ranging from Tejano to jazz, and classic rock to today’s hits, A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) is a four-night festival taking place in downtown San Antonio, in conjunction with Fiesta. This year’s event is happening April 25-28, from 5:30-10:30 p.m. and will feature more than 250 food and drink vendors which go nicely with the entertainment! From small beginnings in 1937, NIOSA has grown to become the top fundraiser of Fiesta, with proceeds going towards the San Antonio Conservation Society for the restoration and preservation of historical properties, as well as advocate and educate on such projects and programs.
Battle of Flowers Parade
Photo: Facebook/Battle of Flowers
On Friday, April 28, San Antonio will hold its annual Battle of Flowers Parade. The second largest day-parade in America, this event has been held annually since 1891 (with the exception of the years that World Wars I and II took place) with thousands of people lining the city’s streets to catch glimpses of the marching bands, drill teams, giant helium balloons, and of course, the beautifully decorated floats. This year’s theme will be “Blazing Trails”, honoring the “trailblazing people, events and ideas that have made our city, state and nation great.” This event will commence at 12:20 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online at the link provided here. The Battle of Flowers Association is the organization that started the events in San Antonio which are now recognized as Fiesta® San Antonio. They staged the very first Battle of Flowers Parade in patriotic celebration, honoring fallen heroes of the battles for Texas independence. Today they’re an organization of women volunteers, which visitors can recognize on parade day by their yellow dresses and hats, and their mission is to teach Texas state history and keep the patriotic traditions of both the city and the state alive.
