San Antonio is ready to kick off its famous annual Fiesta celebration. This year marks the 125th Anniversary of Fiesta! Starting back in the 19th Century, Fiesta celebrations were held in honor of the memory of the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, the two major battles that secured Texas’s independence. Fiesta ties the cultural diversity of this great state and brings it together all in one 10-day celebration (April 14-April 24, 2016). During this celebration three major parades will take place: the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, the Cavaliers River Parade, and the Battle of Flowers Parade. An expected 3.8 million people will line the parade outskirts and or attend Fiesta events around the city. Besides the parades there are tons of events you don’t want to miss!
www.fiesta-sa.org
Things to Do
San Antonio Celebrates 125th Anniversary of Fiesta
St. Mary’s Oyster Bake
Photo: www.mysanantonio.com
The annual St. Mary’s Oyster Bake will be held on Friday April 15, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and again on Saturday April 16, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the beautiful St. Mary’s University Campus. This year will be the 100th Anniversary of the St. Mary’s Oyster Bake. At this event there will be many loved foods for Fiesta-goers to enjoy: turkey legs, funnel cakes, hamburgers, tacos, fajitas, and don’t forget those all famous baked and fried oysters. Don’t forget those beverages you enjoy to go along with all that food: frozen lemonade, soda, beer, and wine. While you are eating to your heart’s content, there will be plenty of live entertainment: greatest hits, country, and Tejano just to name a few.
Cavaliers River Parade
Photo: www.mysanantonio.com
The annual Fiesta Cavaliers River Parade will be held on April 18, 2016 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the beautiful downtown banks of the San Antonio River Walk. Floating down the river will be approximately 40 beautifully decorated floats. Founded in 1926, the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation supports this great event with two purposes: (1) to honor the memory of fallen heroes at the Alamo and (2) to raise money for children’s charities in the Bexar County area.
A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA)
Photo: Iris Dimmick
With a variety of musical entertainment such as jazz, classic rock, Tejano, 80s, 90s and today’s hits, La Villita is the place to be on April 19-22, 2016. This event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Along with that great musical entertainment there will be over 250 drink and food booths to enjoy. Starting out as a small event in 1937, NIOSA has grown to be the number one fundraiser of Fiesta. The proceeds from NIOSA go towards the San Antonio Conservation Society to preserve and educate historical museums of San Antonio.
Battle of Flowers Parade
Photo: Cathy L. Kozub
On April 22, 2016, San Antonio will kick off its annual Battle of Flowers Parade along the streets of this historical and beautiful city. This year’s theme will be “Texas Traditions….125 years”. The Battle of Flowers Parade is the 2nd largest day parade in the U.S., and you don’t want to miss it! Since 1891, this parade has been held each year except during WWI and WWII. Thousands of people line the streets each year to see the beautiful floats, the marching bands, drill teams and clowns. This event will start at 12:40 and continue until 4 p.m.
For a full listing of Fiesta events visit www.fiesta-sa.org.
