SAN ANTONIO — As Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off, San Antonians can look forward to a festive weekend with events across the city organized in celebration of Dieciseis de Septiembre, or Mexican Independence Day.
You can find a list of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations happening across the Alamo City here. Meanwhile, there’s plenty going down this weekend that you won’t want to miss.
Dieciséis Charreada
The San Antonio Charro Association will hold its annual Dieciséis Mexican Charreada and Girls Escaramuza performance on Saturday in a celebration that will include food and drink booths.
Charros, or “gentlemen horsemen” have been credited as forerunners to the American rodeo, with escaramuzas expanding the boundaries of the male sport in the 1950s. Girls competing in escaramuzas wear stunning traditional outfits inspired by fearless women fighters in the Mexican Revolution. Ensembles follow strict guidelines to preserve historical and cultural authenticity.
Prior to the event, the day will kick off with the Avenida Guadalupe neighborhood Dieciséis de Septiembre Parade through San Antonio’s historic Mexican American district.
It will be a one-of-a-kind, all-day celebration of culture and heritage for the whole family to experience.
When: Saturday (parade at 10 a.m. / charreada at 5 p.m.)
Where: Parade at Heroes Plaza (1314 Guadalupe Street) / Charreada at Rancho del Charro (6126 Padre Drive)
Cost: Free parade; $15 admission to the charreada for adults, while children 13 and under get in free
2024 LULAC Diez y Seis Fiesta Patrias
A weekend-long event hosted by LULAC at the Historic Market Square will also celebrate Mexico’s independence with some free family-friendly fun.
The event will feature international and local mariachi and folklorico groups. Food vendors will be available with various delicious antojitos and many artisans on hand for two fun-filled days.
When: Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Historic Market Square (514 W. Commerce Street)
Cost: Free
El Grito
Experience live Mexican music, folkloric dancers and a variety of food and craft vendor booths at Historic Market Square for San Antonio’s annual El Grito celebration followed by the Civic Ceremony.
El Grito performers will include Ballet Folklorico Sol de San Antonio, Guadalupe Dance Company and Mateo Lopez.
The free, family-friendly event is open to the public.
When: Friday, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Historic Market Square (514 W. Commerce Street)
Cost: Free
Viva Dieciséis at the Pearl
Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month at the Pearl for Viva Dieciséis. The celebration will include live musical performances, a grito contest and family-friendly activities such as Loteria, guitar painting and more.
When: Sunday, September 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Pearl (312 Pearl Parkway)
Cost: Free
Viva Mexico!
More than 40 students from the San Antonio Parks and Recreation’s award-winning dance program will perform regional Mexican folklorico dances for a free event at Arneson River Theatre celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day.
When: Sunday, August 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Arneson River Theatre at La Villita (418 Villita Street)
Cost: Free
Plus…
Outside of all the Dieciséis de Septiembre festivities, you can also catch some other exciting events happening this weekend. Stable Hall will host Cumbiatron, a psychedelic cumbia dance party/rave on Saturday night.
And enjoy a day of Bavarian fun with a Texas twist at an Oktoberfest celebration hosted by Vista Brewing San Antonio on Saturday at 1 p.m. Attendees can enjoy German beer, food specials, games, music and more.
