NIOSA
Fiesta is San Antonios ultimate party.
Its very much a the more the merrier atmosphere.
Heres everything you better know.
Credit:NIOSA
How Did Fiesta Start?
What is now a 10-day festival with more than 100 events started as one parade.
The parade is still alive and well today and is one of the hallmarks of Fiesta.
Credit:NIOSA
Early expansion of the festivities included adding a queens court and coronation and a nighttime parade with illuminated floats.
Todays Fiesta celebrates history and tradition, community, and philanthropy.
Itsthesocial season in San Antonio.
Credit:Fiesta Commission
The person working the front desk at your hotel and your bartender are excellent sources of Fiesta information.
Listen to music, shop for Fiesta medals, and take your picture with Fiesta royalty.
Theres no shortage of food trucks and booths serving favorites like puffy tacos,funnel cakes, and more.
Credit:Fiesta Commission
Thisnighttime paradefeatures beautifully decorated barges that glide along the San Antonio River.
Restaurants along the River Walk will offer dining packages with premium seating during the river parade.
Its part of the fun.
Credit:Fiesta Commission
The parade begins at 9:55 a.m. and ends at approximately 1:00 p.m.
The starting point is East Locust Street and North Main Avenue.
The parade ends at West Martin and North Santa Rosa.
Credit:NIOSA
This event attracts about 1,000 people annually, with food booths, dog treat booths, and photo opportunities.
Fiesta is where on a stick style food shines.
is an ongoing topic of debate.
Credit:NIOSA Fiesta San Antonio
San Antonio sells between 30,000 and 40,000 chicks on a stick during Fiesta.
Many local breweries will release special-edition beers for Fiesta.
Almost as important as the drinks themselves are the highly collectible Fiesta signature cups.
Credit:Visit San Antonio
From confetti eggs to outrageous hats, heres how San Antonio celebrates.
You’ll seeCascaronescolorful, hollowed-out eggshells filled with confettieverywhere during Fiesta, even in local grocery stores.
Bright, bold attire
Many Fiesta traditions have to do with attire.
From flower crowns to outrageous hats towering with whimsical decorations, Fiesta headgear is definitely athingin San Antonio.
Fiesta Medals
Fiesta medals are commemorative pins sold, given away, or traded.
Each year brings new pins and new opportunities to show off ones pin collection.
Pins can be designed and distributed by non-profits, businesses, clubs, societies, or specific events.
Impressive collections of pins are usually displayed on a sash or vest.
Theyre sold at Fiesta events and in stores throughout the city.
Door Decorations
Colorful Fiesta home decor is nearly as common asChristmas decorationsin San Antonio.
as the floats pass by and wonder what thats all about.
Spectators got wind of the sensible footwear concealed by the Fiesta finery and began demanding to see the shoes.
The obliging royalty would lift their hems and give the crowd a glimpse of their sneakers and cowboy boots.
Visit San Antonio
Planning Pointers
Fiesta is an excellent time to plan a trip to San Antonio.
Late April and early May weather is pleasantly warm.
Try Southtown, Olmos Park, or Stone Oak.
The flip side to staying outside downtown is that parking will be more expensive and harder to find.
Ride shares are plentiful in San Antonio, but Fiesta events will bring surge pricing.
Plan for crowds and street closures.
Expect to sit in traffic and wait in lines everywhere.
Some streets are closed for parades and other events, so traffic is rerouted, causing extra delays.
People stake out their parade-watching spots hours before the parade starts.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Any Fiesta event involves walking or standing, so check that your shoes are up to the task.
Check bag regulations.
Each Fiesta event has its own bag and security screening policy, so check the website before heading out.
Not all vendors accept credit cards or electronic payments, so ensure to bring your folding money.
Plan for the weather.
Wear light, breathable fabrics, pack sunscreen, and hydrateand no, margaritas dont count.
Embrace the spirit.
The expression, Viva Fiesta!
is Spanish for Long live the party, so grab a flower crown and join the fun.
