Why go
The Battle of Flowers Parade connects the celebration to its nineteenth-century beginning, while the illuminated Fiesta Flambeau Parade shows a different side of the event. Fiesta also brings music and food gatherings to places such as La Villita and the River Walk, making it a citywide cultural experience rather than one venue.
The full story
Fiesta began in 1891 when San Antonio women decorated carriages, bicycles and baby buggies with flowers, met near the Alamo and tossed blossoms. That event became the Battle of Flowers Parade, originally held to remember the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. As more celebrations joined it, the festival changed names and eventually became Fiesta San Antonio. The older account describes several distinct experiences: the flower parade, the night-time Fiesta Flambeau Parade with lit floats and performers, and a river parade whose floats travel on the water. It also names A Night in Old San Antonio at La Villita, with food, music and street festivities. These events differ in setting and pace, so the best visit begins with a choice. Watch a parade for the public spectacle, or pick a smaller gathering for food and music. Specific dates, routes, admission rules and participating events change; check the current Fiesta program before building the rest of the day around one.