San Antonio is known for its rich diversity, which celebrates all cultures. The same is true for DiwaliSA, the Indian festival of lights: each year, the sister cities of San Antonio and Chennai, India, partner for Diwali SA.

From vibrant cultural performances to delectable Indian cuisine, the Alamo City allows you to experience Indian culture like never before.

Here is everything you need to know to experience Indian food and culture at Diwali San Antonio:

Understanding Diwali, The Festival of Lights

Woman dancing dressed in traditional Indian attire

Diwali, also known as the Sanskrit word Deepavali (“row of lights”), is one of India’s most celebrated and time-honored festivals, primarily for Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Traditionally held from October to November, Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil and is generally a festivity to showcase humankind’s ability to overcome.

The festival is traditionally marked by the lighting of oil lamps, fireworks, and the exchange of Diwali sweets such as kalakand, rasgulla, ras malai, chum chum, and more. Indian dishes are also popular during this event.

 

Experience the Arts & Culture of Diwali

Diwali Banner

Diwali SA began in 2009 to celebrate and embrace the sister-city relationship between San Antonio, Texas, and Chennai, India. The festival typically includes food and merchant booths representing different parts of India. In addition, you can also expect authentic Indian attire to be adorned by participants of the festival and those who want to embrace Indian culture fully.

This year's DiwaliSA festival happens on November 2, 2024. You can also expect dancing, theatre performances, art exhibits, and various cultural activities. At DiwaliSA, one of the landmark activities is lighting candles, which are then floated down the San Antonio River Walk. The night is topped off with fireworks, making Diwali a breathtaking experience to remember.

2024 will mark the 16th year of Diwali SA, so we expect an exciting night that will surely be a highlight of your San Antonio vacation.

 

San Antonio Thrives on Diversity

Overhead view of San Antonio skyline at dusk

The Alamo City thrives on diversity, and the celebration of Diwali is a perfect example of San Antonio's welcoming and accepting nature. We honor cultural traditions from all over, and our culture is rooted in embracing the unique diversity seen throughout the city.

With DiwaliSA, you get to experience the richness of Indian culture without leaving the heart of Texas. The cultural scene is just one of many opportunities to experience San Antonio's heritage.

 

Come to the Alamo City for Cultural Delights Unlike Anywhere Else

River Walk Exterior Omni La Mansion

San Antonio is a city that celebrates diversity’s richness, which is apparent in the many opportunities to celebrate diversity in all its forms. From unique one-of-a-kind cultural events to culinary traditions, San Antonio is the place to be if you want a unique, immersive cultural experience. Start planning your trip and see what makes San Antonio different.