The Best Guide to Fiesta in San Antonio
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering what Fiesta is or how to Fiesta. Maybe I’m the base camp for your Fiesta plans? The point is I’m officially your tour guide to fall in love with Fiesta. I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of the iconic event, from medals to events and parades to the food you’ve got to eat. So, if you’re a first-timer because you recently moved or are just visiting during this time, this is the definitive guide to Fiesta San Antonio created just for you!
So strap in, get ready to show me your shoes, and let’s party with a purpose.
The Lyda Hill Texas Collection of Photographs in Carol M. Highsmith's America Project, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
Gift; The Lyda Hill Foundation; 2014; (DLC/PP-2014:054).
A Super Brief History of Fiesta
The history of why we celebrate Fiesta is something most people don’t even know. While we’ve celebrated it for over 100 years, did you know we celebrate it to commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto? And that the ladies that started this held the first ‘battle of flowers?’ The great thing about the annual event is that we’ve garnered some added traditions along the way to share with you guys.
Iconic Fiesta
There are so many things iconic to the celebration of Fiesta. If you were like me, you’d definitely have many questions to ask about these. Here in San Antonio, we take Fiesta extremely seriously. We collect medals and decorate hats. We’ve been wearing flower crowns way longer that Coachella has and we’re screaming ‘show me your shoes’ at the top of our lungs. Here’s a brief explanation of these goodies.
Fiesta Medals
The single most iconic item of Fiesta is the Fiesta Medal. People wear them on sashes, vests, pinned to their jackets, or even hats. Almost every business in San Antonio launches its Fiesta Medal, and some of our local celebrities have their own, too! But where did they start? And why do some people go to the ultimate lengths to collect them?
The origin of the fiesta medals started off as coins being thrown by King Antonio to the children. They decorated them and wore them. Soon, businesses started selling coin holders. By 1971- King Antonio XLIX Charles G. Orsinger gave out “the first medal” and that’s how it all began.
If only they knew this is how the obsession would begin. Now there are dedicated stores and events for fiesta medals- with people always searching for the most unique or collectible ones. While most medals average in price from $10-$12, occasionally you’ll be able to get some free medals, win some at events or even be gifted some by people.
“Show me your shoes”
You might hear this phrase, ‘show us your shoes,” at any one point during any parade during Fiesta and might be wondering, “why should we wanna see their shoes?” Let me explain: royalty went from wearing fancy shoes to more comfortable shoe choices, and, in true Texas Style, the choice of shoes: boots and flip-flops. Again, to keep in tradition with Texas, they began decorating them in all sorts of ways ‘since no one would see them,’ but then people got curious, so that’s where the phrase came from. Now, it’s a tradition to decorate your shoes in all sorts of wonderful ways so you can show them off.
Fiesta Flower Crowns
You might see these being worn around throughout the event. They come in a selection of various colors from patterns to the traditional multi-colored one.
Fiesta Wreaths
If you drive around some of the local neighborhoods in San Antonio, you might be able to glance at some of the decorations during Fiesta. Homes are decorated with giant, colorful wreaths and papel picado. If you’re a wreath fan, I definitely suggest you buy one.
Fiesta Hats
Probably my favorite thing about Fiesta is the hats. Expertly decorated and as high as the sky these hats are iconic. I’m sure you’ve seen the Selena Hat on the internet. I’ve searched everywhere but the closest thing to finding anything says the tradition started in the early 1900s. Now, they’re iconic!
Cascarones
Cascarones have been a Hispanic tradition for a long time. They’re eggshells filled with confetti and are the best way to get into the Fiesta spirit. Now, the controversy is whether you crack one on someone's head or smash it in your hand and then smear the confetti on their head. Either way, you’ve got to do it quickly, discreetly, and without getting caught.
Major Fiesta Events
So, the main purpose of all the Fiesta events is to be a huge fundraiser for many little organizations. This is probably the easiest way to explain it. That’s something to keep in mind when you’re headed out to all the events and wonder why they can get “expensive” quickly. Keep in mind that some of your money goes to scholarships for the San Antonio Aids Foundation or for conservation. These are the real reasons for the season so in my opinion- grab that extra chicken-on-a-stick (more on these later).
Fiesta Fiesta
Location: Hemisfair Park + S Alamo St (right in front of the park)
Date: First Thursday during Fiesta
Audience: Everyone
The kick-off event to Fiesta is Fiesta Fiesta. Held at Hemisfair Park, this event also takes over all of the S Alamo, making it the street party you can’t miss. You’ll find live music and medal trading, and the night ends with a beautiful fireworks display, kicking off the 10-day celebration.
Taste of the Republic
Location: Jack Guenther Pavilion at Briscoe Western Art Museum
Date: First Thursday during Fiesta
Audience: 21+
Right across the street from Fiesta Fiesta is the Taste of the Republic—a VIP-like experience side by side with Fiesta. There, you’ll be able to try foods from all around Texas’ different regions. This event was created by San Antonio Chef Brian West and features many other local and prominent San Antonio chefs.
Alamo Heights Night
Location: The University of the Incarnate Word
Date: First Friday of Fiesta (unless Easter Sunday falls during Fiesta)
Audience: Everyone
The Fiesta party in the 09 is held on the campus of UIW, and it's one you don’t want to miss. This evening is filled with food, fun, and lots of music. There’s plenty of family fun, too, so bring the kiddos to this event. Like most Fiesta events, you’ll purchase a ticket to enter and additional tickets to purchase food from various San Antonio restaurants.
Oyster Bake
Location: St. Mary’s University
Date: First Friday and Saturday during Fiesta (except when Easter Sunday falls during Fiesta)
Audience: Everyone
Held on the campus of St. Mary’s University, the Fiesta Oyster Bake is more than just a giant oyster bake. The two-day event is also a carnival and hosts some musical acts as well. Oyster Bake ticket sales benefit scholarships for students so you can trust that your money is going towards a good cause. Also, each booth is operated by all the different student organizations- meaning they get that money to use for their groups. Like most Fiesta events, you pay for admission and purchase tickets, which are then used to buy things throughout the event.
Taste of New Orleans
Location: Sunken Garden Theatre
Date: First Weekend of Fiesta
Audience: Everyone
This is the event if you’re a Cajun or Creole food fan! Complete with live music, the Taste of New Orleans benefits the San Antonio Zulu Association and, truth be told, some of the best food you’ll have. Bring your family and lawn chairs and be ready to hang out! Like most Fiesta events you pay to go in and purchase tickets for things inside the event.
Webb Party
Location: The Aztec Theatre
Date: Typically the First Friday of Fiesta
Audience: 21+
Benefiting the San Antonio Aids Foundation is the Webb Party- an iconic event for many reasons. It’s personally one of my favorite events. Attendees dress to the nines, and every year, the theme changes. In prior years, the event has been Disco, the Roaring 20s, and this upcoming year, Carnival. The party is all-inclusive, with plenty of food and an open bar- but bring cash to tip your bartenders.
Taste of the Northside
Location: The Club at Sonterra
Date: Typically the Wednesday During Fiesta
Audience: 21+
The Taste of Northside benefits the Brighton Center of San Antonio. It is literally held on the far North Side of San Antonio. This crowd favorite is a highlight for foodies all around the city, with over 60 local restaurants participating. The event is all-inclusive, so there is no need to buy tickets, though you do get limited drink tickets.
Fiesta de los Reyes
Location: Market Square
Date: Daily from the First Friday until Sunday
Audience: Everyone
If you’re curious about Fiesta and don’t really want to dive right in, the Fiesta de los Reyes is a great place to start. Admission is free, and you’ll have access to lots of live entertainment and food options. The event benefits the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation.
King William Fair
Location: The King William Neighborhood
Date: Last Saturday during Fiesta
Audience: Everyone
My favorite of all the events held during Fiesta is the King William Fair. The event is held on the last Saturday of Fiesta in the Historic King William Neighborhood, specifically, a few streets in the neighborhood. Money raised during this event goes back into preserving the historic neighborhood and funding several academic clubs, scholarships, and the arts. King William Fair also hosts its own parade, but what makes this my favorite of all the events is that it’s so zany. The parade is whimsical and laissez-faire (even though it’s organized and carefully planned), and there are plenty of art vendors and lots of different foods to try. Every nook and cranny of the event has something different to offer, from the kid’s section to live music and even a wine garden. I’ll tell you that, like most Fiesta events, you’ll pay for the admission and buy tickets for each stand. The individual art vendors where you can buy art or things from- they vary and can be cash or card.
NIOSA
Location: La Villita
Date: Starts Tuesday-Friday
Audience: Everyone
NIOSA stands for A Night in Old San Antonio, the event started in 1938 and it benefits the Conservation Society. Like most Fiesta events, you pay to get in and purchase tickets to buy food from various vendors throughout the event. Each section has a different name and granted- you can find a lot of exclusive must-try foods right here at NIOSA. Longest lines are going to be for Chicken-on-a-Stick and have been known to be up to 3 hours long so get in line as soon as you can. NIOSA is super popular so expect large crowds and hold on to hands or belt loops to avoid getting separated. Or do what I do and go on a Tuesday night.
Fiesta Cornyation
Location: Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
Date: Middle of the week during Fiesta
Audience: 18+
Satire fans, this is the event for you! Enjoy a cast of folx in this adult-oriented review of current events in politics and around the world.
A Day in Old Mexico + Charreada
Location: Rancho el Charro
Date: Both Sundays during Fiesta
Audience: Everyone
Are you curious about the customs of traditional Mexican Horsemanship? Then, adding this event to your calendar list is a must. With plenty of food, ballet Folklorico performances, and mariachi music, you’ll have a glimpse of the centuries-old tradition of charreria.
The Lyda Hill Texas Collection of Photographs in Carol M. Highsmith's America Project, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
Gift; The Lyda Hill Foundation; 2014; (DLC/PP-2014:054).
Fiesta Parades
In a 10-day period, there are 3 major parades. I count King William Fair’s parade, too, and if you disagree, we can talk about why you feel this way another time. Here’s the catch: the coolest thing about the parades is they each take place during a different element. The Battle of Flowers parade kicks off the festivities during the day. The Texas Cavaliers River Parade is just that- a river parade. Our barges get transformed into floats that literally float. And the Flambeau Parade is the largest night parade in the US to end Fiesta with a bang! You’ll have to get tickets to reserve your spot, so watch out. If now some places host viewing parties for a different price. If you’re not wanting to pay for reserved spots, you’ll have to camp out early to save your spot.
Here’s a map of the Fiesta Parade Routes!
Battle of Flowers Parade
Location: Downtown to the Historic Pearl Area
Date: Morning of the First Friday of Fiesta
Audience: Everyone
The kick-off parade to Fiesta, the Battle of Flowers parade hosts over half a million people to view the parade. Another cool fact is that the parade is entirely planned and produced by women. Grab your tickets as soon as possible to reserve your spot or get there early!
Texas Cavaliers River Parade
Location: Along the River Walk
Date:
Audience: Everyone
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade takes place on the River Walk in the heart of Downtown San Antonio. Tickets are purchased at different times. You can also reserve spots through different restaurants, so reach out to an establishment if you’re interested.
Fiesta Flambeau
Location: Downtown to the Historic Pearl Area
Date: Last Saturday during Fiesta in the Evening
Audience: Everyone
So, if you’ve never seen a night parade, then you can’t miss this one. It’s the largest illuminated parade in the US. Again- get your tickets early!
Fiesta Must Eats
San Antonio loves to eat- anyone who tells you otherwise must not really know us. Most of our huge events revolve around food and Fiesta is no different. That means we’ve created a great Fiesta foodie bucket list to make your tastebuds sing and dance. While they’re somewhat filled with the familiar carnival foods, Fiesta has some signature foods that people here in San Anto, go bananas for. So much so that we have clothing and jewelry made for the beloved chicken-on-a-stick. The best thing about this list is that you’ll be able to find a large majority of them at NIOSA, so make sure you come hungry. The following is the list of our faves!
Chicken-on-a-Stick
Availability: Everywhere during Fiesta
At first glance, this humble snack might seem weird to outsiders. What’s so great about a fried chicken patty on a stick that may or may not have jalapeno and may or may not include a bread roll? When the real question is what’s not great about a fried chicken patty with jalapeno and the possibility of bread? This is the snack to get a FIESTA, and this is a hill I will die on. They’re cute, savory, and totally Instagrammable. Pro-tip: get it dipped in Jalapeno juice- it’ll make your experience 10 times better.
Gorditas
Availability: Everywhere
Gorditas are a must-have during Fiesta. If you’re unfamiliar with gorditas, they’re made of a thick masa dough (same thing as corn tortilla) cut in half and stuffed with meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. While they’re meant to be eaten with your hands- sometimes they can get messy. This is also one of the foods you can get outside of Fiesta at places like Lala’s Gorditas.
Funnel Cake
Availability: Everywhere
No carnival is complete without funnel cake and Fiesta is no exception. Sweets are aplenty for these 10 days of celebration but funnel cake takes the hat. You can get it with just powdered sugar or with strawberry topping.
Turkey Legs
Availability: Everywhere
Are there any turkey leg fans out there? Fiesta is your place to get your fix of this delicious snack outside of Thanksgiving. They’re found virtually everywhere so you’ll be able to take advantage of them at each event.
Stacking Cups at NIOSA
Availability: NIOSA Exclusive
I’m not sure how this tradition started but stacking your beer cups at NIOSA is a right of passage. Seeing people with their stacks is an art.
Steer-on-a-Stick
Availability: NIOSA Exclusive
So you’ve heard of Chicken on a Stick, but what about Steer on a Stick? Before you’re like, uh, it’s basically meat on a stick, listen up—it is tasty meat on a stick. Grab this steer on a stick at Frontier Town and tell me about this experience.
Bongo K-Bobs
Availability: NIOSA Exclusive
You’ll probably expect to wait several minutes in line for most of the foods on this list. Rumor has it that Mr. Chicken at NIOSA can get up to a two-hour wait. Talk about Disney-level wait times, am I right? The great thing about Bongo-K-Bobs is that you can walk right up, hand them your tickets, and get more meat on a stick.
Oysters
Availability: FIESTA Oyster Bake Exclusive
If you’re an oyster fan then this is the event for you! With a selection of various preparations of oysters- fried, baked, or raw. You’re sure to have a field day enjoying them. Not to mention, they go through over 100,000 oysters in just under two days.
Anticuchos
Availability: NIOSA Exclusive
If you haven’t figured it out yet, there’s a lot of food on a stick throughout Fiesta, and Anticuchos are something you can’t miss out on. This marinated shish-kebab is one of the oldest snacks you can get during NIOSA, so grab one for each hand so you can eat one immediately. The latter is to be consumed while waiting 1 hour in line.
Sausage Sampler
Availability: NIOSA Exclusive
Just like it sounds, a sausage sampler is a selection of sausages you can get. Also, enjoy the polka while you eat them.!
Maria’s Tortillas
Availability: NIOSA Exclusive
So you might be wondering what’s so special about a tortilla? You can literally get a tortilla anywhere. That’s the thing- there’s something magical about a freshly made tortilla, stuffed with cheese and topped with salsa. It's so good, and you’ll wonder if you could buy so much more to take home. Rumor has it that you can buy them outside of NIOSA, but it’s not really the same. The tortilla is much more than a humble tortilla. It goes back to the story of the woman behind the tortilla and our culture.
