About 100 local organizations, more than 75,000 volunteers, and more than 100 events over 10 days make the Fiesta San Antonio a real Texas-sized festival. Countless parades on the streets or on the river attract thousands of people. The colors mainly used on the decorations and costumes are a symbol of spring. Women often wear colorful Mexican/Oaxacan-styled dresses with original designs and coronas, crowns made of paper flowers, also very bright. The festival was initially started to honor the memory of the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto.
Fiesta Highlights
San Antonio festivities usually start with an opening ceremony and Fiesta Kick-Off at Hemisfair. An iconic park housing Tower of the Americas, Hemisfair also hosts La Semana Alegre, a two-day music experience with several stages of entertainment, food, and craft vendors. Fiesta San Antonio is famous for its vibrant parades, a unique Texas Cavaliers River Parade, The Battle of Flowers Parade, and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. Other highlights include A Night in Old San Antonio, Fiesta Oyster Bake, the Taste of the Republic, the Ford Mariachi Festival, and more.
The Battle of Flowers Parade
The Battle of Flowers Parade is one of the main Fiesta events, attracting more than 550,000 spectators from around the US. Held on the second Friday of Fiesta, the parade was started as the crowning ceremony of the Carnival Queen in 1895. This parade is entirely organized by women. You can easily identify them on the parade day by yellow clothes and yellow hats.
The Fiesta Flambeau Parade
Known as one of the best parades in the United States, Fiesta Flambeau Parade is the illuminated night-time procession, held during the last weekend of the Fiesta. The parade features over 200 entries, including floats, music bands, dancers, and community groups, marching a 2.6-mile parade route in Downtown San Francisco. Over 750,000 street spectators and over 1.5 million viewers enjoy the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, which was named “Best in the World” by the International Festivals and Events Association.
Texas Cavaliers River Parade
Texas Cavaliers River Parade is one-of -a-kind experience. Attracting over 250,000 attendees, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade takes place on the first Monday of Fiesta, from 7 to 9 pm. Dozens of colorful floats glide on the San Antonio River, with its banks lined by thousands of spectators, musicians, and revelers. The historical parade dates back to 1941, when a group of Texas Cavaliers saw decorated floating gardens in Mexico City.
Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA)
Amazing fiesta hats and sombreros as well can be seen on almost every participant. After the day events, visit the Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) where you'll feel the real party atmosphere. These street parties are extremely busy and fun, with lots of loud music, dances, food, and drinks.
