Why visit San Antonio during Fiesta

Market Square, San Antonio, Texas — Photo by Christy Ash on Unsplash

Every Spring, the people of San Antonio come together to honor a nearly 40-year tradition, Fiesta®. What grew from a parade honoring those that served in the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto is now a 10-day celebration with more than 100 free or inexpensive events across the city.

Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, visiting San Antonio during Fiesta is a great way to experience the local culture. The city comes alive with decades of tradition and celebrates what makes it unique.

Unexpected Tradition

Walking through the crowds, you will hear the clanking of medals adorned by visitors and locals. The tradition originated back to 1946 when commemorative coins were given out at parades and other events. Children began to wear coins like badges and the first official Fiesta medal was distributed in 1971.

Since then, the tradition has grown immensely with hundreds of new designs released each year by local organizations, businesses, and individuals. The popularity of the medals led to the creation of the event, Pin Pandemonium, where medal enthusiasts gather to trade and haggle pins.

Pins are worn on sashes, hats, scarves and even as jewelry with no limit to how many you can wear. While the tradition of collecting medals is more popular for locals, the ornaments make great keepsakes for visitors.

Can’t miss events

There are so many events, it can be hard to choose which to attend or even plan your trip around. Consider these top events when planning your visit to Fiesta San Antonio:

• Fiesta Carnival®: This free event runs from April 16–24 and features rides like the Super Cyclone roller coaster, delicious carnival foods, and fun games.
• Fiesta Couture: Art and Artistry Exhibition: Take a look behind-the-scenes of the Coronation of the Queen of the Order of the Alamo and more San Antonio royalty with this exhibition of stunning gowns, crowns, sketches and artist renderings at the Witte Museum from April 17–26.
• The Texas Cavaliers River Parade: The parade held on April 20 passes through the Riverwalk and features more than 50 decorated floats with live music and lights. Tickets start at $14 and support local children’s charities.
• A Night in Old San Antonio® (NIOSA): Four nights (April 21–24) in the heart of downtown San Antonio celebrating the city’s culture with 200-plus food and drink booths, live music and festive decorations. Admission is $15 for adults and free for children aged 12 when accompanied by an adult.
• Battle of Flowers Parade®: The founding event of Fiesta, the Battle of Flowers Parade, honors the patriots of the Alamo and celebrates the victories of San Jacinto and Goliad as well as the diversity and heritage of Texas. Admission for the one-day event (April 24) starts at $16 and available for purchase online.
• King William Fair: A family affair with five stages of live music and dance, food and drink booths, a kid’s play area and a quirky parade on the streets of San Antonio’s historic district. The event is one-day only (April 25) and admission is $15.

Where to stay

The Adults Only Topaz Pool at La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas.

If you’re planning a trip to San Antonio during Fiesta, book now! Visitors are flocking to Alamo City for the festivities. Look for hotels and vacation homes near the Riverwalk or downtown for easy proximity to all of the events.

For an upscale getaway, consider La Cantera Resort & Spa where you can enjoy amenities like five sparkling heated pools, state of the art fitness center and more. Make sure to book a massage at Loma de Vida Spa in a Sky Loft for the best views of the Texas Hill Country, and make reservations for a meal at Signature, Inspired by Andrew Weissman where you can stand on San Antonio history. Literally. The restaurant features reclaimed floors from Joske’s, one of the original department stores in downtown San Antonio.

Other must-sees

Did you know that San Antonio is home to not one UNESCO World Heritage site, but two? The Alamo (no surprise there), but also San Antonio Missions National Historical Park that features the city’s four southernmost Spanish colonial missions. The park has free admission and free parking near the city’s top attraction, San Antonio Riverwalk for shopping, eating and drinking along the river.

Other attractions to consider for a trip to San Antonio include the Pearl Brewery, The Witte Museum, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Natural Bridge Caverns, and Japanese Tea Gardens.