Stands selling sizzling fajitas. Majorettes strutting as military bands march. Cascarones raining down like confetti. Extravagantly decorated floats. Music – mariachi, blues, jazz, rock, country – coming from everywhere. These are just some of the sights and sounds of San Antonio’s Fiesta, its flamboyant, 10-day, citywide party.

 
Of course, some may find it hard to believe that a group of people throwing flowers at one another could grow into such a massive, multi-faceted spring celebration drawing crowds from all over Texas and beyond. But in 1891, when San Antonio was a bustling trade center of just under 40,000 people, some prominent ladies decided to hold a lavish flower parade to honor the April 20 visit of President Benjamin Harrison – while also paying homage to the heroes of the Alamo and the victorious Battle of San Jacinto, which won Texas’ independence from Mexico on April 21, 1836.

 Patterned after flower festivals in Mexico, France and Spain, the parade featured horses, carriages, bicycles and floats festooned with fresh flowers. Once the parade reached Alamo Plaza, it divided into two lines circling in opposite directions so participants could pelt one another with blooms and bouquets as they passed. The event was so successful that everyone decided to hold the Battle of Flowers Parade every year – and Fiesta was born.

 Parades are still the heart of Fiesta, and the Battle of Flowers Parade is one of the biggest in the nation – second only to the Rose Bowl’s Tournament of Roses® Parade. Held on Friday afternoon, this extravaganza showcases the “royalty” of Fiesta, including a bevy of beautiful young “duchesses” in sumptuously beaded and bejeweled dresses with long trains spread out on floats.

 As Fiesta grew, it added the Flambeau Parade, so named because it was held at night and illuminated by torch-bearing brigades marching between the floats and bands. It may be the largest – and is certainly the most spectacular – night parade in the country.

 
Last, but obviously not least in this trio of over-the-top Fiesta processions, is the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. Spectators lining the River Walk cheer as gorgeously decorated barges become true floats twinkling with jillions of tiny lights as they carry festive bands, Fiesta’s royal court and other radiantly costumed participants along the San Antonio River. America’s armed forces play a part in most of Fiesta’s parades and events, which is no surprise considering the city’s four military bases: Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Brooks and Randolph Air Force Bases.

 Over the years, Fiesta traditions and events have evolved to reflect San Antonio’s colorful history and cultural diversity. Fiesta royalty, for instance, now includes representatives of the Latino and African-American communities. But royal traditions aren’t taken too seriously here: the brilliantly staged “Cornyation” hilariously lampoons not only the coronation of Fiesta kings and queens, but also well-known local, state and national figures with its edgy satire.

 The single Fiesta event that most fully portrays San Antonio’s history and diversity is Night in Old San Antonio, or NIOSA for short. Set in La Villita, a historic village above the river that began as quarters for Spanish soldiers in the 18^th century, NIOSA creates 15 different ethnic, historic or cultural neighborhoods, complete with typical foods and music for each one. Villa España, Irish Flat, Mexican Market, Sauerkraut Bend, Chinatown and French Quarter are just some of the places that entertain crowds as they gobble up a vast array of tasty treats sold at 250 booths. Here revelers also buy cascarones – hand-colored, hollow egg shells filled with confetti – to break over their friends’ heads. (All in good fun, of course.)

 Fiesta today includes so many events there’s truly something for everyone. It would be impossible to describe them all, but we’ve put together a few highlights:

 Food & Entertainment

• Seafood lovers will think they’ve died and gone to heaven at the St. Mary’s Oyster Bake, featuring more than enough of the delectable shellfish – raw, baked and fried – to satisfy every taste. But that’s not all. While enjoying five stages of continuous music ranging from country to jazz, you can also chow down on fajitas, fried chicken, turkey legs and other festival fare. Past headliners have included the Dixie Chicks, Pat Green, The Drifters, Los Lonely Boys and Robert Earl Keen. There’s even special entertainment for the kids, as well as a carnival area with rides and games.
• One of our nation’s other cities renowned for its unique food and music takes center stage at A Taste of New Orleans. Me-oh, my-oh, you’re sure to have big fun sampling gumbo, red beans and rice, shrimp Creole, crawfish etouffee, beignets and more as you listen to great New Orleans-style music at the Sunken Gardens in Brackenridge Park.
• At A Day in Old Mexico’s Charreada, mariachis and margaritas add to the festivities as skilled riders perform breathtaking feats on horseback. A favorite highlight is the exquisite precision horsemanship of the escaramuza, young women riding sidesaddle in flowing Mexican dresses. A Mexican ballet folklórico also performs.
• Gemütlichkeit and German oom-pah music fill the air at Fiesta Gartenfest. Patrons down stout German beer with their food as a 50-piece concert band and other performers entertain until midnight.

 Music & Dance

• One of the world’s great mariachi groups, Mariachi Compañas de America, and the Guadalupe Dance Company take the stage with the San Antonio Symphony at Fiesta Pops at the Majestic. This musical extravaganza captures the heady spirit of Fiesta, while the opulently ornate interior of the historic Majestic Theatre is a show in itself that’s worth the price of admission.
•  If you like the idea of savoring margaritas and delicious food on the River Walk as mariachis serenade you, don’t miss the Mariachi Festival!
•  Local, regional and national jazz musicians show off their talents at the annual Fiesta World Class Jazz Concert. Among the outstanding performers at past concerts were Kenny Garrett, Maynard Ferguson, George Garzone, Paquito D’Rivera and Terence Blanchard. Best of all, this amazing jazz event is free.
•  Singing the blues will never be more enthralling than it is when musicians weave their spells at the Fiesta Blues Heritage Series at historic Sunset Station, offering possibly the perfect finale to Fiesta fun.
•  The San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet performs both classical and contemporary dance pieces at Dance Kaleidoscope.
•  Glimpse one of our national cultural treasures at the Celebrations of Traditions Pow Wow, where Native Americans perform gourd and other intertribal dances. Booths at the show sell Native American arts, and admission is free.

 Culture, Arts & Crafts

•  Considering that Fiesta began more than a century ago, have you ever wondered about the opulent gowns of previous Fiesta queens? You’ll learn more at the Witte Museum’s “Queens and Crowns: Fiesta’s Royal Traditions.” The exhibit includes the cream silk dress and blue velvet train worn by the Queen of the Court of Carnival Flowers in 1911 – the oldest of the “royal robes” in the Witte Museum’s outstanding costume and textiles collection.
•  Art and fine crafts by artists of local, regional and national fame dazzle onlookers at many Fiesta events, including the Fiesta Arts Fair at the Southwest School of Art and Craft, the Fiesta River Art Show on the River Walk and the King William Fair & Parade. Patrons enjoy live music and festival food at many of these shows as they browse items for purchase.

• Art from paintings to pottery and fine crafts festoon Alamo Plaza during the Randolph Art League’s Annual Exhibit and Sale, which was launched in 1964 at Randolph Air Force Base.

 Children & Family Fun

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• The majority of Fiesta events include entertainment, games or activities for kids, but a big favorite with the younger set is always the Fiesta Carnival at the Alamodome. Rides and entertainment can easily fill the better part of a day here, and admission is free.

Military

• When you remember that Fiesta began as a tribute to the heroes of the two most famous battles for Texas’ independence, it seems fitting that the military plays a large role in Fiesta. Besides participating in parades, America’s armed forces showcase their talented bands and special skills at many entertaining events. San Antonio has one of the nation’s largest active-duty and retired military populations.
• Step back with America’s “Greatest Generation” to a re-created Army canteen of World War II as a big band and singers take you on a sentimental journey with Glen Miller hits and other 1940s favorites. There will also be boogie-woogie licks, in case you want to practice your jitterbug moves at this exciting Fort Sam Houston event.  
• For the Fort Sam Houston Fiesta Ceremony & Fireworks Extravaganza, families arrive early to get bleacher seats for the explosive grand finale at the end of the evening. During the day on the base, entertainment includes a Fiesta Country Fair, military parade and stirring music by Fort Sam Houston’s Army Medical Command Band.
• Air Force at the Alamo, Navy Day at the Alamo and Marines at the Alamo feature mesmerizing music and performances by military bands on Alamo Plaza. Air Force at the Alamo also wows spectators with a demonstration of the remarkable skills of military working dogs. The Navy and Marines events include outstanding military bands from New Orleans. Fiesta in Blue is a crowd-pleaser, too, because the renowned United States Air Force Band of the West from Lackland Air Force Base – which has played for several U.S. presidents – is the star.

 Sports

•  Whether you’re a participant or cheering spectator, you’ll enjoy an engaging variety of sports events at Fiesta, ranging from runs and rugby to croquet and lacrosse tournaments.

 For a complete list of Fiesta events with descriptions, visit www.fiesta-sa.org.