The City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture and the San Antonio Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission invite you to attend more than 40 citywide events during Fiestas Patrias, a celebration marking Mexico's independence from Spain. Take a look at some of the events you can attend: 

FotoSeptiembre

September 5 - October 16, 2025
Centro Cultural Aztlan 

Photography has played an important role in San Antonio's Latino community, and "FotoSeptiembre – Celebrating Latino Culture and Community" at Centro Cultural Aztlan is a visual archive of photos capturing important events and cultural traditions, including social movements, migrations, and daily experiences of the community. 

You can attend the opening ceremony for this exhibit on September 5, 2025. 
 

El Grito San Antonio 2025

September 12, 2025

Head to Historic Market Square for one of the city’s most vibrant celebrations of Mexican independence. El Grito San Antonio kicks off on Friday evening with colorful performances, live music, and the powerful Grito de Independencia led by the Consul General of Mexico. The festivities continue all weekend long with mariachi, folklórico dance, artisan crafts, and authentic Mexican food filling the plaza. It’s a lively, family-friendly event that beautifully showcases San Antonio’s deep ties to Mexico and its enduring cultural traditions.

Diez y Seis de Septiembre Charreada 

September 20, 2025

If you're not familiar, a charreada is a traditional Mexican rodeo-style event featuring skilled horsemen and women (charros) competing in a series of ranching and equestrian challenges, celebrated with music, colorful attire, and cultural pageantry, and you can catch one right here in San Antonio, celebrating Mexico's Independence Day!
 

Nuestras Voces: Stories of Resilience

September 20, 2025
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Experience the power of culture during Hispanic Heritage Month at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. This vibrant production brings together the Guadalupe Dance Company, Mariachi Azteca de America, and Conjunto Guadalupe for an unforgettable evening of music and movement.

Blending traditional Folklorico with contemporary dance, it shines a spotlight on Mexican American leaders whose vision and courage shaped history.

Cisneros V. Corpus Christi ISD: The Long Fight to End School Segregation

Select days September 27 - November 26, 2025
MACRI Visitor Center

Discover a pivotal moment in Mexican American civil rights at MACRI’s new traveling exhibit, Cisneros v. Corpus Christi ISD: The Long Fight to End School Segregation.

This powerful showcase tells the story of José Cisneros and 25 fellow parents who, in 1968, challenged the illegal segregation of Mexican American students in Corpus Christi schools, leading to a landmark 1970 decision that extended the protections of Brown v. Board of Education to Mexican American students. 

Real Women Have Curves

September 4 - October 5, 2025

Live performances celebrating Hispanic Heritage are all around in San Antonio. Take the San Pedro Playhouse, for example. You can find performances of "Real Women Have Curves" from September 4 to October 5. 

"Real Women Have Curves" tells the story of a group of Latina women working in a small sewing factory in East Los Angeles. As they navigate the challenges of family expectations, cultural identity, and self-worth, they discover strength in their sisterhood, resilience, and shared dreams. 

Live Catrina Exhibit at The Shops at La Cantera

September 13, 2025

Celebrate fashion, heritage, and tradition at the Live Catrina Exhibit at The Shops at La Cantera.

This cultural showcase features Catrina Cantera, a striking new design by Araminta Romero, live mariachi music by Mariachi Vargas, and a special performance by tenor Kevin Arratia.

Then stay for sweet treats, DJ music, and limited photo ops with the beautifully dressed Catrinas.

Nuestras Voces: Stories of Resilience

September 20, 2025

Celebrate heritage through music and dance at Nuestras Voces: Stories of Resilience, a powerful performance from the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center on September 20, 2025 at the Buena Vista Theater.

Featuring the Guadalupe Dance Company and Mariachi Azteca de América, this one-night-only event honors influential Mexican American figures through movement, storytelling, and song.

For an immersive Hispanic cultural experience intertwined with shopping, Historic Market Square, or El Mercado, is a must-visit. Brimming with lively stalls, traditional music, and tempting aromas, this vibrant destination offers endless cultural encounters—did we mention it's the largest Mexican market in the country?

Explore the rich history of Hispanic artistry through handcrafted products, traditional instruments, and fabrics passed down through generations. On weekends, Historic Market Square bursts to life with performances, demonstrations, and more. Let the melodies of mariachi bands and the scent of freshly prepared tamales envelop you as you embrace the vibrant Hispanic culture.

Bonus

For even more shopping fun, check out Noche de Fiesta on Friday evenings at Hotel Contessa. You'll find live music, local vendors, and the festive sounds of Mariachi Azteca de America!