Fiesta San Antonio: A Guide to the City’s Most Colorful Traditions

Enjoy the distinctive and vibrant traditions that make Fiesta San Antonio a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Each element—from the special foods to the festive attire—adds color and flair to the celebration, creating a mosaic of tradition and fun.

Fiesta Foods:

• Chicken on a Stick: A must-try Fiesta favorite, this simple yet delicious treat consists of a juicy piece of chicken fried to golden perfection and served on a skewer, often topped with a jalapeño.

• Gorditas: Handmade from corn dough, these stuffed delights are filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meats, and beans—a hearty snack that perfectly captures the local taste.

• Aguas Frescas: Refresh with a glass of sweet and fruity agua fresca. These beverages are made from fresh fruits, water, and sugar, and are essential to beat the heat.

• Churros and Buñuelos: No Fiesta is complete without these sweet treats. Churros, fried to a crisp and coated in sugar, and buñuelos, crispy fried cakes sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, provide a perfect end to any Fiesta feast.

  Fiesta Attire:

  • Flower Crowns: A beautiful and vibrant symbol of spring and festivity, flower crowns are worn by women and girls of all ages, adding a touch of natural elegance to their Fiesta outfits.

  • Fiesta Hats: From sombreros to elaborately decorated cowboy hats, headwear is taken to the next level during Fiesta. The more embellished and colorful, the better!

  • Medals and Sashes: Participants often wear sashes adorned with dozens of colorful and commemorative medals collected from various events, showcasing their Fiesta spirit and memories.

  Fiesta Paraphernalia:

  • Fiesta Cups at NIOSA (A Night in Old San Antonio): Collectible cups offered each year are a favorite among attendees. These cups not only serve as great souvenirs but are also used to enjoy beverages throughout the festival.

  • Pins and Ribbons: These items are often traded and collected during Fiesta. Each pin or ribbon usually signifies participation in or support of specific Fiesta events, adding to the communal spirit.

  Decorative Items:

  • Cascarones: Perhaps one of the most playful traditions of Fiesta, these hollowed-out eggshells, filled with confetti and brightly decorated, are cracked over the heads of friends and strangers alike, showering them with confetti and good luck.

  • Fiesta Wreaths: Many local residents decorate their homes with colorful wreaths made from flowers, ribbons, and other festive materials to show their Fiesta spirit.

Cultural Activities:

• Mariachi Competitions: Experience the rich sounds of traditional Mexican folk music through intense and joyous mariachi band competitions.

• Folklorico Dancing: Enjoy traditional Mexican dances, where dancers wear colorful costumes and perform with grace and passion

  Fiesta Medals:

  Fiesta Medals: A Treasured Tradition

  • Cherished Collectibles: Each year, Fiesta attendees look forward to collecting and exchanging Fiesta medals. These medals are more than just keepsakes; they are a vibrant market of exchange and camaraderie, with hundreds of designs ranging from official medals issued by event organizers to custom creations by local businesses and individuals. Collecting these medals has become a fervent activity likened to a treasure hunt, as enthusiasts seek to secure the most unique or significant medals of the year.

  • Symbolic Significance: The tradition of Fiesta medals began in 1946 when the Texas Cavaliers distributed coins to local children. Over the decades, this practice evolved into elaborate pins and medals that capture the themes of Fiesta events, local culture, history, and even personal stories. Today, medals are worn proudly on sashes, hats, and vests as display pieces that tell stories and celebrate connections.

  • Community and Creativity: Fiesta medals foster a sense of community and creativity. They are a means of expression and offer businesses and individuals the opportunity to contribute to the Fiesta spirit creatively and philanthropically. Many organizations also use medals as a way to raise funds for charitable causes during Fiesta.

  • Trading and Sharing: Medal trading is a popular activity during Fiesta, with special events dedicated to swapping these coveted items. It’s a wonderful way for attendees to interact, share stories, and create new friendships, all in the spirit of Fiesta's communal and inclusive celebrations.

  Tips for First-Time Collectors:

  • Start Early: Some of the most sought-after medals can be limited in quantity. Starting your collection early in the festival can give you a better chance to snag the more popular or unique medals.

  • Attend Medal Trading Events: These events are not only fun but are also opportunities to find medals that are rare or have personal significance.

  • Display Your Medals: Whether on a sash, vest, or hat, showing off your medals is a great way to share your Fiesta spirit and possibly trade with other attendees.

  • The St Anthony Medal this year is inspired by the beautiful birthday cake made by Pastry Chef Asheley for the Hotel’s 115th birthday!

  Collecting and trading Fiesta medals is a dynamic way to participate actively in Fiesta San Antonio, connecting with the community's history and culture in a personal and interactive manner. This tradition is a highlight for many and continues to grow each year, adding a layer of excitement and personal engagement to the festivities.

  Fiesta Royalty: A Regal Tradition

  • Kings and Queens of Fiesta: Each year, Fiesta San Antonio crowns royalty, an honored tradition that dates back over a century. This royalty, including kings, queens, princes, and princesses, play pivotal roles throughout the festivities. The most notable figures are the King Antonio, chosen by the Texas Cavaliers, and Rey Feo, the "Ugly King," selected by the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation. Both kings raise funds for educational scholarships, embodying the community spirit and philanthropic heart of Fiesta.

  • Lavish Coronations: The coronation of the Fiesta Queen, known as the Order of the Alamo, is a spectacle of elegance and history. Young women from prominent San Antonio families are presented at this opulent event, where intricate gowns and trains, often taking months to craft and weighing upwards of 70 pounds, tell the story of San Antonio’s heritage through expertly designed themes.

  • Role of Royalty: Fiesta royalty are not merely ceremonial; they actively participate in parades, charitable events, and educational outreach throughout Fiesta. They serve as ambassadors of goodwill and tradition, engaging with various communities to promote the culture and spirit of San Antonio.

  • Diverse Representations: Over the years, Fiesta Royalty has expanded to include various other monarchs such as La Reina de la Feria de las Flores, who represents the Hispanic community, and Miss Fiesta San Antonio, who is chosen based on her service, academic excellence, and personal interview. These roles highlight the diversity and cultural richness of Fiesta, celebrating inclusivity and community engagement.

  Engaging with Royalty:

  • Attend Royalty Events: The coronations and the numerous receptions are open to the public, allowing attendees to witness the grandeur of Fiesta royalty first-hand.

  • Watch the Parades: Royalty participate in all major Fiesta parades, providing spectators with the perfect opportunity to see the elaborate robes and gowns up close.

  • Learn the History: Each king and queen carries the legacy of their predecessors. Learning about the history of Fiesta royalty offers deeper insight into the cultural significance and evolution of this tradition.

  The tradition of Fiesta Royalty adds a regal dimension to the festivities, blending grandeur with community service and cultural celebration. This time-honored tradition not only honors the history of San Antonio but also looks to the future by supporting education and promoting unity and diversity within the community.

Each of these traditions not only adds to the fun and excitement but also serves as a bridge connecting the community and its diverse cultures. Fiesta San Antonio is a celebration of history, culture, and tradition, wrapped in eleven days of non-stop joy. It's an opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of San Antonio in a spectacle of colors and sounds that make Fiesta the city's most beloved event of the year.

So, adorn a flower crown, grab a chicken on a stick, and enjoy the parade of festivities that Fiesta San Antonio has to offer. Viva Fiesta!