A First-Timer’s Guide to Fiesta
How to navigate the biggest party of the year in San Antonio
For more than a century, San Antonians have been perfecting the art of the party.
In 1891, a group of local women got together to honor the fallen soldiers who fought to defend the Alamo and Goliad, and won Texas’ independence in San Jacinto. The result was a procession of blossom-covered floats and horse-drawn carriages that became the inaugural Battle of the Flowers Parade.
Today, the parade is just one of over 100 events that bring roughly 2.5 million attendees to the city-wide festival simply known as “Fiesta.”
Each spring, Fiesta washes over San Antonio in a rush of vivid colors and vibrant music, bringing locals and visitors together to partake in the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. It’s a celebration every Texan should experience, but with 11 days of parties, carnivals, mouthwatering food, and multiple parades (on land and on water), it can be overwhelming for first-timers.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of this year’s Fiesta, which kicks off April 24 and runs through May 4.
On the Schedule
The Main Events
Oyster Bake
April 25-26 | Tickets can be purchased here.
With 70,000 patrons, this fundraising event at St. Mary’s University goes through 100,000 baked, fried, and raw oysters each year. Proceeds go towardraising money for student scholarships and university programs.
Texas Cavaliers River Parade
April 28 | Tickets can be purchased here.
In 1941, a local group of civic and community leaders called the Texas Cavaliers introduced the city’s first floating parade on the newly-opened San Antonio River Walk.
NIOSA
April 29-May 2 | Tickets can be purchased here.
The “Night in Old San Antonio,” known as NIOSA, is a four-day celebration of San Antonio’s food and music held in historic La Villita. The event raises an estimated $1 million each year for the city’s conservation society. It’s where you can find some of Fiesta’s most famous delicacies (ie: “Chicken on a Stick”), and take a culinary tour of the city’s history in 14 themed areas (find your way around here). But be warned: NIOSA is not for the faint of heart. With large crowds, high temperatures, and a lot of alcohol, it’s best to pace yourself at your first NIOSA.
Battle of the Flowers Parade
May 2 | Tickets can be purchased here.
This is the event that started it all. The Battle of the Flowers Parade is one of the only parades in the country organized entirely by women. It remains one of Fiesta’s most popular events, and features roughly 4,500 marching band members, over 200 horses, giant helium balloons, and thousands of crepe paper flowers.
Fiesta Flambeau Parade
May 3 | Bleacher seating can be purchased here, and street chair tickets can be purchased here.
San Antonio has come a long way since the first Flambeau participants used torches and candlesticks to light up the city streets. Today, the parade brings an estimated 750,000 people downtown to watch 200 brightly-lit floats travel down a 3.1-mile route in what has come to be recognized as “America’s largest illuminated night parade.” Each year features a new theme, with this year’s being “Deep in the Arts of Texas.”
Like a Local
FIESTA 101
San Antonio’s Royal Family
There are nine individuals designated official “Fiesta Royalty” each year: the Queen of the Order of the Alamo, Miss Fiesta, San Antonio Charro Queen, King Antonio, Queen of Soul, Rey Feo, La Reina de la Feria de las Flores, Fiesta Teen Queen, and Miss San Antonio. And while they’re all key to the celebrations, there are a few standouts to look out for:
Queen of the Order of the Alamo
Appointed by the secretive all-male social club known as the “Order of the Alamo,” this royal is best-known for her intricate hand-stiched gowns that can cost as much as $60,000.
King Antonio
The Texas Cavaliers appoint one of their members “King Antonio” each year. In a group of Cavaliers sporting red and blue uniforms, he’ll be the one with a big red plume on his hat.
Rey Feo
The “Ugly King,” is one of Fiesta’s most distinguished figures. First established by members of the League of United Latin American Citizens Council (LULAC) in 1947, the Rey Feo title was meant to highlight a prominent Latino community member, and protest the lack of Latinos in Fiesta’s royal court. Today, the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation nominates two candidates who compete for the title by seeing who can raise the most scholarship funds for local students. He wears a cream suit, and can be spotted throughout Fiesta giving out medals.
“Show Us Your Shoes!”
After locals caught onto the fact that much of Fiesta’s royalty was hiding practical footwear underneath their elegant gowns throughout their long parade routes, they couldn’t let it go unacknowledged. Now, it’s impossible to attend any of Fiesta’s many parades without hearing, “Show us your shoes!” shouted out at every passing float. But since being found out, the parade participants have kept spectators on their toes, showing off anything from glittery cowboy boots to a pair of Jordans.
Collecting Medals
This time-honored Fiesta tradition began back in 1971, when King Antonio XLIX began handing out medals to festival-goers. Since then, the whole royal court, along with local businesses, foundations, and nonprofits across the city have gotten in on the fun, designing exclusive medals every year for people to collect. You can find them all Fiesta long, with some of the more serious collectors sporting theirs on sashes.
On the Menu
Food & Drinks
You haven’t truly experienced Fiesta until you’ve tried chicken on a stick. Though there are booths offering up the jalapeño-topped fried treat everywhere, NIOSA’s “Mr. Chicken” is known as the festival’s premiere purveyor, selling roughly 22,000 each year.
Also be on the lookout for corn in a cup—this highly-mobile snack features roasted corn slathered in butter and mixed with a seemingly endless combination of toppings, including chili powder, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and lime. Wash all of it down with a cold beer, or another San Antonio staple: the michelada (a Mexican cerveza dressed like a Bloody Mary).
Fiesta Fashion
What to Wear
Late April in Texas can be unpredictable, but be prepared for high temperatures, humidity, and the occasional scattered showers. Check with the individual event sites for specifics on what is/isn’t allowed inside, and play it safe by packing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Light, breezy clothing is recommended, along with sensible shoes for all the cobblestones along the River Walk and La Villita. And if you’re looking to really embrace the spirit of Fiesta, think about completing your look with a paper flower crown.
