Article by Sebastian Hernandez Soihit, Tour Guide at Amigo Walking Tours
If you are in San Antonio in late spring, you will notice a festive atmosphere: Tejano, mariachi, and jazz bands are in every corner, and food vendors are hurriedly serving the hungry (and likely thirsty) crowds. During the dates of April 24-May 4, Fiesta San Antonio is officially in session, and if you are visiting San Antonio during this exciting time, this article will help equip you with the knowledge to understand why we do Fiesta, what is going on around town during it and most importantly, what are the key things to know in order to have a blast!
Fiesta is a 10-day celebration where the city of San Antonio pauses to honor its history with over 100 events, most of which are fundraisers. Dubbed "party with a purpose", Fiesta draws in neighboring towns such as Boerne, Schertz, and Windcrest, with fun ranging from smashing cascarones on each others' heads to collecting colorful medals, this celebration brings everyone together
Here's how it all began: The first "Fiesta" dates back to 1891. At this time, San Antonio was the biggest city in the South, and Downtown was the heart of its commerce. Before malls came along, Houston St. was San Antonio's busiest mall!
Amidst all the shopping for clothes, shoes, and ties, something unusual was taking place at Alamo Plaza. Local women gathered to commemorate the Battle of The Alamo, which secured Texas independence from Mexico in 1836. But they put a twist on it: they arrived in decorated carriages filled with flowers, which they threw at one another.
Over the years, more events were added to this parade, like a ball and a carnival, gradually shaping the vibrant Fiesta Celebration we hold today. Fiesta now features over 100 events all around town, blending cultural and culinary traditions in a way unique to San Antonio.
With so much to do and see, navigating Fiesta can feel overwhelming. But don't stress—we’ve got a few tips to help you not just survive Fiesta, but to thrive like a true aficionado!
The Battle of the Flowers Parade is one of the most anticipated events during Fiesta. Organized by a dedicated team of volunteers, preparations begin well in advance to showcase universities, non-profits, and companies eager to participate. Many take part on uniquely decorated caravans, while others ride in grand style as part of a Fiesta royal court—a tradition dating back to 1909. The Queen and her Court dazzle the crowd in extravagant gowns, some with price tags reaching an astonishing $10,000.
As you can imagine, this spectacular event runs long and draws massive crowds. Most attendees purchase reserved seating along the parade route, but if you'd rather enjoy the view like royalty instead of navigating the packed streets, here’s a pro tip: find a vantage point. A rooftop restaurant, a parking garage with a clear sightline—anything that gives you a bird’s-eye view can completely transform your experience.
For inspiration, check out the 2025 parade route map below. Taking a moment to study the route can make all the difference in how you enjoy the show!
Fiesta medals are more than shiny, colorful tokens—they're a lively way to show others that you are both a Fiesta aficionado and quite a socialite. Part of the way San Antonio raises money for non-profits is through the sale of these shiny tokens, which once were small collectibles about the size of a half dollar. Fiesta tokens originally represented a donation to a nonprofit, traditionally fulfilling a commemorative role in the celebration.
...that was until people started pinning them to their shirts and showing them off as swag!
Since the 1990s, businesses have produced and distributed these tokens, allowing for a unique creative outlet and inspiring locals to design their Fiesta medals. So do not limit your Fiesta swag to colorful outfits—throw in some Fiesta pins! Not only do they represent an event, a place, a moment, or sometimes just a memory from San Antonio’s festivities, but they are highly collectible! So it’s never too late to start growing your collection as Fiesta comes around!
Iconic restaurants, bars, hotels, release their own fiesta tokens all year round
A common way locals style fiesta medals is by pairing them up with a sash and a colorful outfit!
This one’s key! You’ll want to travel as lightly as possible to enjoy Fiesta comfortably. Leave the heavy bags and fancy shoes at home—opt for comfortable footwear, a hand fan, or even a portable chair. And don’t forget to bring lots of water! The San Antonio weather heats up fast during Fiesta, so staying hydrated and cool is essential.
Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for being prepared!
Fiesta food is a true delight. From street tacos and crispy churros to the staple chicken-on-a-stick, there are options for every craving. There are events dedicated to every indulgence, both inside downtown and out. For example, "A Taste of New Orleans" by Alamo Heights lets you experience the food and entertainment of New Orleans right here in San Antonio. Or perhaps "Oyster Bake" at St. Mary's University, where you'll find hundreds of student volunteers, kiosks, dance floors, and the locally acclaimed "Oyster Shot" all trying to draw you in.
If you'd rather stay downtown, check out "A Night in Old San Antonio" (NIOSA), a celebration of San Antonio's oldest neighborhood, or Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square—the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico! Both feature not only live entertainment, including Tejano, Latin jazz, Country Western, and conjunto, but also plenty of delicious food. Expect everything from Mexican cuisine favorites to burgers, fruit drinks, and other local delights. Keep an eye out—you might even run into this year's Rey Feo!
Pro tip: If you're celebrating Fiesta Downtown, especially at NIOSA, bring cash with you! Many vendors are cash-only, so having cash on hand makes ordering faster and keeps the lines moving—those waiting behind you will thank you!
With well over 100 events to attend, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the ticket system, tricky parking, slow transportation, and limited seating. Our best tip? Show up with a plan! Know what you want to do and map it out.
Maybe you’ll start with a basket of churros and a drink at El Mercado as dusk sets in, then head to NIOSA at La Villita—all while having secured parking ahead of time. The devil’s in the details, so a little planning goes a long way!
An essential part of appreciating Fiesta is understanding its historical foundation and its place in Texas history. San Antonio is rich in cultural centers, from the historic King William District, filled with learning resources, to full-fledged Western museums like The Briscoe.
Walking tours are a great way to dive deeper, and Amigo Walking Tours makes exploring the city possible year-round, offering guided tours through San Antonio’s Historic Districts. A major perk? You’ll have a seasoned Fiesta attendee by your side, sharing insider tips and tricks to enhance your experience.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to an amazing Fiesta season!
Want to experience more of San Antonio beyond Fiesta? Join a walking tour with Free Tour Community and explore the city's rich history, culture, and hidden gems with expert local guides! Check out the tour here.
