¡Fiesta San Antonio!

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

In San Antonio, it’s the most wonderful time of year. No, it’s not Christmas. It’s Fiesta! From April 14th through the 24th you can party your faces off with the rest of the city in the biggest celebration of the year. Fiesta began all the way back in 1891 as a way of honoring the lives of the people who participated in the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. What began as just a single parade has exploded into a week long festival of celebration.

April 14th marks the beginning of San Antonio Fiesta and the opening ceremonies are not something you want to miss. Greet Fiesta royalty along with other special guests. Participate in Pin Pandemonium so you can buy, sell, and trade your Fiesta pins and medals. (Get your Residences at La Cantera medals from us at the front desk!) The festivities kick off at 5 PM with the annual shouts of “Viva Fiesta!” Celebrate the history, heritage, and culture of San Antonio at the Opening Ceremonies.

Throughout the entirety of Fiesta, you’ll be able to attend Fiesta Carnival, an exciting collection of thrilling rides, tasty food, and fun performances. Admission into the Carnival is free but you’ll have to pay to ride the carnival rides. Are you a daredevil or not?

In the heart of the city, you’ll find Fiesta de los Reyes. A showcase of live performances that will make you move and shake is what awaits you. Multiple stages will host the artists and performers so there won’t be a dull moment at any point during the week. Sample treats from over 30 different food vendors shelling out Cajun shrimp, Mexican cuisine, hamburgers, and fresh fruit drinks. Will you be dancing yourself dizzy or stuffing yourself full?

Fiesta isn’t complete without the amazing Oyster Bake! 2016 marks the Fiesta Oyster Bake’s 100th anniversary too so this year will be one for the books. With more than 100,000 oysters to taste how will you sample them all? Listen to musical acts serenade you and your oysters while you munch. Learn more about admission and ticket prices here. Funds from the Oyster Bake will go towards student scholarships at St. Mary’s University as well as to support the university and the alumni association.

The enormity of Fiesta can’t possibly be summed up in just a few paragraphs. You simply have to attend and soak up as much of it as you can. If you don’t get the opportunity to see everything, don’t worry: you always have next year! What are you most looking forward to this year for Fiesta? If you haven’t gotten your Fiesta medals yet, make sure you come see us!