SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio's Fiesta is here, and we've got everything you need to know to make your 2024 Fiesta plans.
The 11-day festival runs from April 18-28, with more than 100 events across the city. The economic impact of Fiesta is estimated at more than $340 million. Funds raised by official Fiesta events benefit nonprofit organizations and provide services to San Antonio citizens throughout the year.
Parades
The Battle of Flowers parade has been around for more than 100 years. It began in 1891 as a celebration to honor the heroes of the Alamo, Goliad and the Battle of San Jacinto, according to the parade's website. The organization is an all-women volunteer organization with 400 members.
Fiesta Flambeau Parade got its start in 1948 after Fiesta entrepreneur Reynolds Andricks recommended a new parade take place, thus Fiesta Flambeau was born. The parade is inspired by the night parades of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, according to the parade's website.
It is free to watch the parade from anywhere along the route, but more comfortable seating is available at a cost, with proceeds going to charities. If you would like to buy tickets to the Battle of Flowers parade, click here. If you would like to buy Fiesta Flambeau tickets, click here.
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade is Fiesta's only floating boat parade. It's located on the San Antonio River Walk through the downtown area on Monday, April 24, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. All proceeds and donations benefit over 70 children’s charities every year.
Fan favorite events
Fiesta Carnival (Alamodome parking lot): Traditional carnival with tickets options and ride wristband options as well as classic Fiesta food booths. The carnival runs every day of Fiesta.
Fiesta Fiesta (H-E-B Plaza at the Alamodome): This event celebrates the Official Opening Ceremony to Fiesta and includes food and beverage favorites, live entertainment, a People’s Parade, Military Salute and a Fireworks Finale. Thursday, April 18, 4-11 p.m.
Oyster Bake (St. Mary's University): This music festival utilizes 7,000 plus volunteers and attracts more then 60,000 patrons to raise money for St. Mary’s University student scholarships and university and alumni programs. Friday, April 19, 5-11 p.m., and Saturday, April 20, Noon-11 p.m. Click here for tickets.
Fiesta De Los Reyes (Historic Market Square): This is one of the largest free admission Fiesta Events. The celebration features daily and nightly live performances, a wide variety of delicious cuisine and exciting family-friendly events. Click here for a full schedule.
Taste of New Orleans (Sunken Garden Theater): This three-day festival includes New Orleans-style food and music. The “Taste” menu includes assorted gumbos, red beans and rice, shrimp creole, etouffee, shrimp kabob, jambalaya, cajun catfish, soft shell crab, crab au gratin, crab rolls, fresh crawfish boil, boudin, alligator, beignets and a host of other tasty treats. Friday, April 19, 5 – 11 p.m., Saturday, April 20, Noon – 11 p.m., Sunday, April 21, Noon – 11 p.m. Click here for tickets.
A Night in Old San Antonio or NIOSA (La Villita):This four-day event pays homage to the city’s diverse culture with food, music and décor that transforms the village into 14 distinct areas. April 23-26.
Taste of the Northside (Security Service Event Center): This event includes unlimited food tastings from over 50+ of San Antonio’s top restaurants. Thursday, April 18, 6-11 p.m..
King William Fair (King William Historic District): The event has over 65 food and beverage vendors serving your favorite Fiesta flavors. It also includes 200+ arts and crafts vendor booths for handcrafted items from Texas and beyond. The Kids Kingdom area features a variety of creative activities, rides, and entertainment just for children and families. Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m. -6 p.m. Click here for tickets.
Fiesta history
San Antonio residents decided to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto by creating the first Battle of Flowers event in 1891.
The Battle of Flowers, the largest parade in Fiesta, used horse-drawn carriages and bicycles decorated with flowers in the first parade. There was also floats carrying children dressed as flowers with participants throwing blossoms at one another.
Fiesta royalty
After the success of Battle of the Flowers more events were added each year to include a carnival, balls and coronations of "royalty."
Fiesta San Antonio has nine Official Fiesta Royalty members. Each member is supported by her/his respective Participating Member Organization to support charitable activities benefitting the San Antonio community.
- Queen of the Order of the Alamo
- King San Antonio
- El Rey Feo
- Miss Fiesta San Antonio
- La Reina de la Feria de las Flores
- First Teenage Queen
- Charro Queen
- Queen of Soul
- Miss San Antonio
Fiesta endures
Since 1891, Fiesta San Antonio has only been canceled seven times.
- 1918-1919 during WWI
- 1942-1945 during WWII
- 2020 due to COVID-19
Years vary with the number of events available filled with free, family-friendly and even pet-friendly festivities. This year, Fiesta brings over 100 events.
Fiesta gowns
Fiesta is all about style. If you're looking for a runway show look no further than some fiesta coronation gowns. These show-stopping gowns will be worn by girls complete with crowns and intricate trains during the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau Parade.
Creation of the gowns take several months from August to February adding up to around 150,000 hours of work. in 2021, the gowns were displayed at the Witte Museum after the parades were canceled due to COVID-19.
