In 1891 citizens of San Antonio put together an event to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. This celebration included the first Battle of Flowers. Horse drawn carriages, bicycles and floats were covered and decorated with flowers to honor the fallen fighters of the battle just a few decades before. After this first parade a tradition was born that only was halted during the two World Wars in 1918 and 1942-1945. The Battle of Flowers Parade has always been planned and coordinated by women and is the second largest parade in the United States.
Fiesta Royalty has been a tradition since 1909 when the Order of the Alamo was founded, and this organization gets together every year to choose the Queen of Fiesta and her court. Many people try to guess the value of the Queen’s and court’s dresses which are extravagant and elegant. The Texas Cavaliers who pick King Antonio each year introduce His Highness at the River Parade. The River Parade features floating floats that drift along the River Walk and people come from all over to line the River Walk and take in the King and his court. In 1947 El Rey Feo was introduced as the king of the people. He and King Antonio do community outreach throughout the year as well as holding court at Fiesta.
A Night in Old San Antonio started in 1948 and is held by the San Antonio Conservation Society who work to preserve and save historical buildings and cultural heritage of San Antonio. Held at the La Villita Arts Village, A Night in Old San Antonio features food, music, and feature different cultural districts serving cuisine from regions around the world.
Each year, the events at Fiesta will have commemorative pins some outrageous, others elegant and demure. Blend in with the locals and wear a sash with pins from past years or different events.
A newer tradition is the Fiesta Soccer Tournament. People from all over Texas and the Unites States come to play each year in San Antonio. The tournament raises money to sponsor college and high school soccer teams and offers scholarships for league members. One of the teams playing has been competing since the first tournament 43 years ago.
Fiesta 2021 will also feature the Ford Mariachi Festival, an annual showcasing of Mariachi groups from local high schools and colleges. Folklorico dancers will also be part of the celebration. The three-day event is free and is best enjoyed by picking a spot along the River Walk sipping a cold margarita at one of the many restaurants or San Antonio Riverwalk hotels and watching the dancers and musicians float by. If you are lucky, you will be at a spot where one of the boats stops and you can have a private riverside concert or dance performance.
San Antonio has a long history of German settlers, so German beer and sausage is just as much part of the culture as tamales and margaritas. Part of Fiesta will be a three-day event celebrating everything German. Sponsored by the Beethoven Maennerchor, an organization dedicated to the preservation of German, music, heritage, and food. Gartenfest will feature traditional German foods and libations. Fiesta royalty will also be paying a visit Gartenfest, so you might be able to drink with a King or Queen.
If you like your partying to include lots of physical activity, don’t miss out on the only Fiesta bike ride, the Wildflower Ride. All bike types are welcome to join in on the 15th year the Wildflower Ride. Or if running is more up your alley, check out the 9th annual Fiesta Run to Remember or the Fiesta Especial Inclusion 5k and Parade. After the 5k, there will be small town Fiesta Parade. There will also be a kayaking event held by the San Antonio River Foundation. Wear your Fiesta pin sash and show off your Fiesta pride as you kayak past down the River along the River Walk.
To really get into the spirit of Fiesta, be sure to attend This Hallowed Ground: Alamo Plaza Historical walking Tour. Presented by the Sons of the Republic of Texas, this walking tour will feature living historians in costume, and a tour of the important sites in and around Alamo Plaza and Compound. This is a not to be missed event for any die-hard historian or first time San Antonio visitor.
Fiesta has something everybody, whether you bring the whole family who just a wild celebration with friends. For something that is 100% about the kids, this San Antonio family trips guide is a good start. Or looking to extend your Fiesta stay into something more romantic, click here for romantic weekend ideas. Many of the events take place at or round the River Walk, so be sure to check out this hotel and restaurant guide so you can get the best seat.
Fiesta: The Oldest and Wackiest Party in the Alamo City
/in Uncategorized /by dlbIn 1891 citizens of San Antonio put together an event to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. This celebration included the first Battle of Flowers. Horse drawn carriages, bicycles and floats were covered and decorated with flowers to honor the fallen fighters of the battle just a few decades before. After this first parade a tradition was born that only was halted during the two World Wars in 1918 and 1942-1945. The Battle of Flowers Parade has always been planned and coordinated by women and is the second largest parade in the United States.
Fiesta Royalty has been a tradition since 1909 when the Order of the Alamo was founded, and this organization gets together every year to choose the Queen of Fiesta and her court. Many people try to guess the value of the Queen’s and court’s dresses which are extravagant and elegant. The Texas Cavaliers who pick King Antonio each year introduce His Highness at the River Parade. The River Parade features floating floats that drift along the River Walk and people come from all over to line the River Walk and take in the King and his court. In 1947 El Rey Feo was introduced as the king of the people. He and King Antonio do community outreach throughout the year as well as holding court at Fiesta.
A Night in Old San Antonio started in 1948 and is held by the San Antonio Conservation Society who work to preserve and save historical buildings and cultural heritage of San Antonio. Held at the La Villita Arts Village, A Night in Old San Antonio features food, music, and feature different cultural districts serving cuisine from regions around the world.
Each year, the events at Fiesta will have commemorative pins some outrageous, others elegant and demure. Blend in with the locals and wear a sash with pins from past years or different events.
A newer tradition is the Fiesta Soccer Tournament. People from all over Texas and the Unites States come to play each year in San Antonio. The tournament raises money to sponsor college and high school soccer teams and offers scholarships for league members. One of the teams playing has been competing since the first tournament 43 years ago.
Fiesta 2021 will also feature the Ford Mariachi Festival, an annual showcasing of Mariachi groups from local high schools and colleges. Folklorico dancers will also be part of the celebration. The three-day event is free and is best enjoyed by picking a spot along the River Walk sipping a cold margarita at one of the many restaurants or San Antonio Riverwalk hotels and watching the dancers and musicians float by. If you are lucky, you will be at a spot where one of the boats stops and you can have a private riverside concert or dance performance.
San Antonio has a long history of German settlers, so German beer and sausage is just as much part of the culture as tamales and margaritas. Part of Fiesta will be a three-day event celebrating everything German. Sponsored by the Beethoven Maennerchor, an organization dedicated to the preservation of German, music, heritage, and food. Gartenfest will feature traditional German foods and libations. Fiesta royalty will also be paying a visit Gartenfest, so you might be able to drink with a King or Queen.
If you like your partying to include lots of physical activity, don’t miss out on the only Fiesta bike ride, the Wildflower Ride. All bike types are welcome to join in on the 15th year the Wildflower Ride. Or if running is more up your alley, check out the 9th annual Fiesta Run to Remember or the Fiesta Especial Inclusion 5k and Parade. After the 5k, there will be small town Fiesta Parade. There will also be a kayaking event held by the San Antonio River Foundation. Wear your Fiesta pin sash and show off your Fiesta pride as you kayak past down the River along the River Walk.
To really get into the spirit of Fiesta, be sure to attend This Hallowed Ground: Alamo Plaza Historical walking Tour. Presented by the Sons of the Republic of Texas, this walking tour will feature living historians in costume, and a tour of the important sites in and around Alamo Plaza and Compound. This is a not to be missed event for any die-hard historian or first time San Antonio visitor.
Fiesta has something everybody, whether you bring the whole family who just a wild celebration with friends. For something that is 100% about the kids, this San Antonio family trips guide is a good start. Or looking to extend your Fiesta stay into something more romantic, click here for romantic weekend ideas. Many of the events take place at or round the River Walk, so be sure to check out this hotel and restaurant guide so you can get the best seat.
San Antonio Outdoor Activities
/in San Antonio Vacations /by Laurel PSea World Deals! River Walk Getaways!
/in Uncategorized /by dlbSea World Deals much cheaper now than they once were. Sea World Packages with deluxe lodging, theme park tickets, parking and meals now available for 1999 prices. Its crazy but great for the family visiting San Antonio for a mini-vacation or getaway. Also, great romantic, couple’s getaways available on the Historic River Walk that include breathtaking views of the river from 5 Star hotels with parking, breakfast and river boat cruise tickets for more than 70% off regular pricing. The Covid-19 issue has created lots of availability and cheap deals for a San Antonio Vacation.
If you are planning a San Antonio Vacation and are looking for a San Antonio hotel deal you wont have any problem and what is even better is that you will not have a problem getting a table at a restaurant on the river walk or getting into one of the bars or dance clubs. It is the best time ever to visit San Antonio. While you are enjoying your river walk package don’t forget to visit The Alamo, remove your hat or La Vallita, Guinness Book of Records or the Tomb Raider exhibit. Its all here for you. Plan ahead for large groups and get more discounts and coupons for local bars, restaurants and attractions including Hemisfair Plaza, The Alamo Dome and Araneson Theater.
If you need a getaway from Houston or a getaway from Dallas or just want a relaxing time in the cool, Texas Hill Country, then a River Walk Getaway is just for you. From your hotel its less than a one hour drive to Wimberley, Boerne or Fredericksburg where you can tour vineyards, play golf, go antiquing or just relax in small town Texas. Also, for gaming folks there are two, world class para-mutual horse tracks within 30 minutes of San Antonio where you can place a bet on live horse racing. So come see us. We need your business.
Top 10 Activities On The Riverwalk
/1 Comment/in Uncategorized /by uzoVOTED the TOP 10 activities on the San Antonio Riverwalk:
The Alamo has been around since the late 18th century. It is Texas’ most visited historic landmark and to many it is known as the heart of San Antonio! If you visit, please know cell phone use and photography is prohibited and because the Alamo is a shrine to those who died in the fighting men must remove their hats indoors. Read more about its history here.
Located on the world famous River Walk in downtown San Antonio, Rivercenter features more than 100 retailers. The River Walk actually flows into this mall in one area, so you can take a break to watch the River boats float by. Be sure to take some time while you’re in San Antonio to enjoy this beautiful environment with the perfect blend of
downtown energy and old world charm.
Go Rio Cruises offers an unforgettable way to experience the world-famous San Antonio River Walk. Available throughout the year, these excursions take you to some of the most interesting places in the River Walk area. Along the way, you’ll learn a thing or two about San Antonio’s culture and history.
Located on the southern bank of the famed San Antonio River Walk, La Villita occupies one artsy square block in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Visit a selection of galleries, shops, and restaurants, and take a journey through San Antonio’s history. The area’s background is a melting pot of different cultures as nearly 30 shops and galleries offer distinct handcrafted items by artists from San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Arneson River Theater is an outdoor performance theater located in the San Antonio River Walk. The venue is best known for its outdoor performances, where the river separates the stage from the audience. Above and behind the seating area is La Villita, so be sure to plan to stop by!
Explore 3 floors with over 500 unusual and fascinating exhibits collected by world-famous travel Robert Ripley. You will be amazed, you’ll be astounded and most of all, you’ll be entertained!
Market Square is composed of three blocks that contain over 100 shops between the indoor mall and the Farmers Market Plaza, making it the largest Mexican market north of the border. San Antonio’s historic Market Square is a vibrant, colorful, and authentic cultural experience that makes it truly one of a kind.
As one of the main Alamo Plaza attractions, the museum is just paces away from the many other things to do near the Alamo, an epicenter of adventure in San Antonio. Within this marvelous museum is a remarkable record of the most dazzling deeds, fantastic feats, and outright outlandish oddities from around the world. Check out the exhibits, challenge a friend to a game, and try to set a world record of your own.
Hemisfair Park (site of the 1968 World’s Fair) has always been an enjoyable little jaunt off the San Antonio River Walk but now that the park has opened the awe-inspiring Yanaguana Garden, it has become a must-go destination if you plan on visiting the Alamo City! It also features Tower of the America’s (the tallest building in town) and is a captivating tourist destination that’s fun for the whole family
The Alamodome is a 64,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in San Antonio, Texas. It is located on the southeastern fringe of downtown San Antonio. The multi-purpose facility was hosts the city’s convention traffic and collegiate football games, and there is plenty to explore, eat and do in the surrounding area!
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New Years: Celebrate San Antonio
/in Uncategorized /by uzoNew Years in San Antonio is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Celebrate SA! continues to draw in excess of 70,000 excited partygoers annually. Every year, the entire downtown area is vibrant with revelers enjoying the street party, Football fans headed to the Valero Alamobowl, and full arrays of family friendly activities and events. The night is capped with a communal countdown at midnight, followed by the spectacular fireworks show. Planning a New Years celebration in San Antonio is a great idea, and for a limited time San Antonio Destinations is offering family vacation packages and couples vacation packages for San Antonio getaways!
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Freedom Fest
/in Uncategorized /by uzoLooking for something to do on 4th of July? There is no shortage of events taking place all around San Antonio. Celebrate Independence Day with Market Square’s weeklong Freedom Fest event! Enjoy live music, kids activities, vendors, and food booths. The event is open to everyone of all ages.
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Dia de los Muertos
/in Uncategorized /by uzoDiscover magic. And, experience the unforgettable spectacle of San Antonio’s annual Día de los Muertos celebrations. Also known as “the Day of the Dead”, Día de los Muertos is the tradition of celebrating and sharing memories of loved ones who have passed.
The largest annual Day of the Dead celebration in Texas — Muertos Fest — is getting even bigger and includes a lineup of rich cultural entertainment. Visitors can experience the best parts of San Antonio culture through local art vendors, colorful ofrenda exhibitions, delicious food and refreshing drinks.
What is Día de los Muertos?
Also known as “the Day of the Dead”, Día de los Muertos is a tradition-filled day during which families remember the departed and share memories of loved ones. To celebrate their lives, they participate in a variety of activities including lively processions and parades, and traditional dress and altar building.
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Battle of the Alamo Commemoration
/in Uncategorized /by uzoFrom February 23 through March 6 every year, the Alamo hosts Commemoration. Commemoration honors the anniversary of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo with 13 days of special events and programming. All events take place at the Alamo or Alamo Plaza.
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Fiesta
/in Uncategorized /by uzoFiesta San Antonio started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. That historic commemoration still takes place, but today, Fiesta has grown into a celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse cultures. Start planning your Fiesta schedule with this year’s events, parades, and food / drink offerings by visiting the official Fiesta San Antonio website.
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St. Patrick’s Day
/in Uncategorized /by uzoSt. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated on the River Walk since 1968! This tradition continues today with festival & musical entertainment and other family friendly activities like the Tater Tot Eating Contest, Lucky Dog Parade, and more. This FREE event is made possible by the Irish-loving folks at Bud Light.
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