Friday, April 26
Vanguard steps off at 9:55 a.m.
Full parade steps off at 10:30 a.m.
Parade route through downtown
This is one of the oldest and BIGGEST Fiesta events, and it used to be one of the hottest, too, but organizers changed it to a morning start time a few years ago, and that really has helped parade-goers beat the heat!
The parade route will be the same as 2022 and 2023, which is different from what you might remember from years prior to that. If you've gone to the same spot every year, be sure to check out the map... You may be surprised to find out you aren't anywhere near this year's parade route!
You can get your tickets at the Fiesta Store on Broadway, arrive early and make sure to bring your sunscreen.
Also, get into the groove by donning your Fiesta pins and wacky hats. You'll find food and drinks aplenty supplied by street vendors. Cheap trinkets are hawked along the routes.
The parade sometimes runs a bit slow, so there are lots of opportunities to snap a few pics for your favorite social media account. You'll catch Escaramusa (traditionally-costumed women of the Mexican rodeo riding side-saddle), glamorous Fiesta beauty queens and princesses riding atop fanciful floats, horse-drawn carriages, antique cars, bands, clowns, drill teams... oh, you name it, this parade has it!
Remember to shout "Show us your shoes!" It's tradition!
Seats range from tiered bleachers to folding chairs.
You might want to park your car somewhere near the parade route downtown and walk in to find your seat. Leave plenty of time to find that elusive parking spot!
Many employers across town shut down on parade day, and schools are also on hiatus for this annual event. So parking can be intense.
Don't be in a hurry to leave after the parade is over, either. Take shelter in a cool restaurant with a view of the street. Now watch what happens next. Lickity-split the street crews come out to sweep up the discarded remains of the day. It's a phenomenon in itself.
OTHER POPULAR CHOICES:
Fiesta de los Reyes: Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St., 10 a.m. - midnight
Fiesta Carnival: Alamodome Parking Lot C, noon - midnight
A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA): La Villita, 418 Villita St., 5:30-10:30 p.m.
BONUS: The KENS 5 team will be attending the Battle of Flowers Parade on Friday. Look for us to ask for your free KENS 5 Fiesta medal! Limit one per person while supplies last!
MORE FIESTA BEST BETS:
Thursday 4/18 | Friday 4/19 | Saturday 4/20 | Sunday 4/21 | Monday 4/22 | Tuesday 4/23 | Wednesday 4/24 | Thursday 4/25 | Friday 4/26 | Saturday 4/27 | Sunday 4/28 | Full list of Fiesta events >>>
FIESTA GUIDE:
Are you brand new to Fiesta? If you've arrived in San Antonio in the past several years, you may never have been to a "normal" Fiesta event. Last year's Fiesta was the first time since April 2019 that Fiesta was held in its normal timeframe due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The KENS 5 Fiesta Guide has all the information you need to get up to speed. Check it out here >>>