Why Is It Important to Award Your Event Winners With San Antonio Fiesta Medals?
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If you go to Fiesta, you better head there with an empty stomach. Read on to learn the top foods to check out at San Antonio's Fiesta.
If food is life, then Fiesta foods represent the kind of life we want to live.
San Antonio is the home of the famous four-day Night in Old San Antonio. It's one of the largest historic preservation festivals in the US. But other than the great lineup of entertainment, we know NIOSA for one thing: food.
Fiesta has more fajitas than you can imagine, and they're all great. Walk a few feet and you'll find a great street vendor selling this staple dish.
But NIOSA doesn't only offer fajitas. You can get almost anything at Fiesta, from gorditas to chicken on a stick. If you're planning a gastronomic tour through Fiesta, keep reading. Just don't do it on an empty stomach!
Chicken on a stick is a simple meal. "Mr Chicken," aka J.J. Gonzalez, serves his breaded chicken on a stick with a jalapeno on top.
That doesn't sound too fancy. But it's a NOISA favorite because of its flavor and mobility. Grab a chicken on a stick before you head off to watch the Fiesta parades.
Bongo K-Bobs became a staple Fiesta food in 1992. They're named in honor of San Antonio's beloved Bongo Joe, a street percussionist.
These spicy kebabs are also a tribute to the food of the early African American settlers in San Antonio. You can make them at home, but they're never as good as they are at Fiesta.
NIOSA takes it's oysters very seriously. The Oyster Bake takes place every year on St. Mary's University campus.
You can get your oysters however you want, but most people order them fried. Don't forget to wash down those oysters with an ice cold beer!
Speaking of beers, NIOSA introduced craft beer to their line-up in 2017. That means you can sample the best San Antonio breweries have to offer in the Craft Beer Saloon.
There are plenty of craft beers on tap, from places like the Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling. So get adventurous and try the local flavors!
This is another Fiesta food you wouldn't think to write home about. But we dare you to walk past the vendors with that corn and butter smell in the air. Plus, it's less messy than an actual corn on the cob.
Coat it with butter, cayenne pepper, and lemon-pepper seasoning for that Fiesta taste.
Gorditas are another mobile-friendly food they do best at Fiesta. They make these pastries with masa and stuff them with almost anything you want.
But be careful when you eat them! Have plenty of napkins on hand, or else the filling might drip onto your special Fiesta fashion looks.
If you want something sweet to finish off the night, try a paleta. Paletas are frozen treats made from all natural ingredients. You can get flavors like pineapple, banana, or mango.
But if you're in the mood for something a little more adult, try the margarita paletas. It's refreshing like the drink, and you don't have to worry about spilling.
Fiesta foods aren't the only great thing about this event. There's so much history and tradition that's packed into NIOSA.
Check out our blog for more articles about Fiesta.
And if you want a custom medal contact us here. We've created beautiful custom Fiesta medals for ten years.
Fiesta medal culture is a colorful and exciting history that is rooted in San Antonio. Discover more about this exciting tradition with these incredible facts.
How many fiesta medals do you own? A couple? A hundred? Thousands?
San Antonio's Fiesta started in 1891 as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo. Rivaled only by New Orleans Mardi Gras, Fiesta is one of the largest celebrations in the South. Fiesta will take place during a week to two week period at the end of April.
Where New Orleans has beads, San Antonio has fiesta medals.
Fiesta medal culture has evolved over decades to become what it is today. We have five unique facts you may have not known about your long-standing tradition.
Years after the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, a group of women took it upon themselves to hold a parade of flowers celebrating Texas's Independence and the people who fought for it.
Residents enjoyed the ceremony so much they started the Battle of Flowers Parade. In 1946, King Antonio of the Texas Cavaliers began distributing coins to the local children.
Fast-forward to 1971 and Charles Orsinger, who was the reigning King Antonio at the time, continued this tradition but with his own flair. He began punching holes in the coins, enabling the children to wear them around their necks.
As time went on the coins became medals and medals became unique and a work of art.
After 1971, the patrons of Fiesta took the idea of medallions and transformed them into what we see today.
Medals increased in popularity during the 90's where medallions were made to look like figures, characters, or logos from pop culture.
Now, people make their own unique medals to showcase their interests, personality, and businesses.
Medals became so popular, Fiesta organizers created the Pin Pandemonium.
This event takes place on the first night of Fiesta and is set-up by area organizations, businesses, or medal collectors as a way to buy, trade, or sell medals.
Thousands of medals are made for the event in preparation for the large crowds that come through. All searching for the perfect medal.
Oh, you bet there is a contest. Dozens of them!
Every year, organizations like the San Antonio Express-News, Business Journal and more hold contests to see who can create the best fiesta medal.
Medal competitions have grown more competitive as additions such as spinners, sliding or dangling pieces, or glow-in-the dark paint have been added on.
The more elaborate a medal the more likely it is to take home the crown.
You have dozens of medals but how do you wear them?
Traditionally, they are worn on a sash or necklace, but there are no set rules stating you have to follow tradition. Fiesta-goers get creative and are seen wearing them on sombreros or as other forms of jewelry.
The greatest part of fiesta medal culture is that it is open to your own interpretation.
Getting involved in Fiesta medal culture means one day trying to create your own!
Here at FiestaMedal.Net, we are committed to making sure your medal making experience is enjoyable! Get a free quote from us to start the process today!
The Battle of Flowers parade happens every year in San Antonio, and attracts hundreds of thousands of onlookers. If you want to go to the parade this year, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Are you familiar with the Battle of Flowers Parade?
If you're not, then you have to turn your attention to the city of San Antonio. Each year, San Antonio hosts the event. If you want to learn more about this parade, we have all the details.
Let's begin.
The Battle of Flowers Parade has become a San Antonio staple. It is the oldest parade in the city of San Antonio and marks the official start of Fiesta San Antonio.
This parade carries the tradition of honoring the heroes of the Alamo. They honor the heroes by bringing floral tributes when they pass in front of the Alamo.
Over 350,000 people attend this parade each spring.
This large production is only possible because of the volunteers dedicated to the project. We also must mention that the production of this parade is by women only.
You will be able to recognize these great women because on parade day, they dress in yellow, including their famous yellow hats.
The Texas Army National Guard also works hard to aid these women on parade day to direct the operations.
Since this is a citywide effort, the Battle of Flowers Association allows nine city high schools to participate on the parade on a rotating basis.
It all started in 1891 when a group of women from San Antonio decided to honor the heroes of the Alamo by hosting an event.
The idea of the hosting a flower parade originated with the president of Texas National Bank, J.S. Alexander. He had seen other flower parades when he traveled to Europe.
Ellen Maury Slayden liked his idea and the parade was born.
The parade takes place in April each year. While 2019 dates aren't released yet, it usually takes place in late April.
Battle of Flowers Parade goes from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm central time. So if you want to participate, make sure you arrive at the parade route early in the morning to secure a spot.
However, if you want to have one of the best spots, you can buy a parade route seat.
The organization sells 45,000 parade seats, and the money raised benefits local charities.
The tickets run from $12 to $25 and they sell out fast.
As mentioned before, the Battle of Flowers Parade symbolizes the kick off of Fiesta San Antonio.
Over the years, this celebration has grown from just a parade to a full 10-day celebration in the city of San Antonio.
Visitors can pick from over 100 events all over the city offering live music, pageantry contests, exhibits, food and more parades.
There you have it, everything you need to know about the Battle of Flower Parade. A once a year event when the city of San Antiono comes together to honor the heroes of the Alamo.
What better way to honor the people who participate in the Battle of Flowers Parade than with a medal. If you want to browse our selection, start here.
Fiesta medals are a big part of San Antonio's culture. 2018 has proven to be a great year for some amazing fiesta medals. Click here for the winning fiesta medals 2018.
The judges of the San Antonio Express-News Fiesta Medals Contest chose the Fiesta Medals 2018 winners this past April.
These judges considered each medal's cleverness and the professionalism of the manufacturing. However, the beauty of a Fiesta medal is the object's most important and influential characteristic.
The widest selection of medals typically comes from businesses and law enforcement.
However, the 2018 contest's medals fell into 21 different categories in total. These groups included entertainment, religion, and bars and restaurants.
Read on for a list of the major winners in some of the biggest categories at the Fiesta Medals 2018 Contest.
So when did the tradition of Fiesta medals actually begin?
The origin of the medals can be traced back to Texas Cavaliers in 1946. They would make their own coins and give them to children in the hospital.
But it is Charles G. Orsinger, known as King Antonio XLIX, who is credited with creating the first true Fiesta medal.
In 1971, Orsinger took the coins that were typically presented to King Antonio and punched holes in them. He then added ribbons and pins to the coins, inventing what people now call Fiesta medals.
In a way, the Texas Cavaliers can be considered the first Fiesta medal artists.
However, nowadays, major businesses, city departments, and individual artists create their own medals.
Each Fiesta medal is about two to three inches in size.
Collecting medals became more popular in the 1990s. Collectors have accumulated thousands of them over the past two-plus decades.
Palo Alto College's PACfest Fiesta medal won first place in the Best-in-Show category. It also got top honors in the Education category.
La Familia Cortez's medal came in second place in the Best-in-Show group. It also finished first place in the Medal Series category.
Lastly, UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures' medal received third place for Best in Show. It took the number-one spot in the Arts and Culture category.
The Texas Provencio's "Ay Te Dego en San Antonio" accordion Fiesta medal won first place in the First-Time category.
Meanwhile, Gavin Heath's "Fruit Cup Caterpillar" medal came in second.
Lastly, Pick-n-Pull Self-Service Auto & Truck Dismantlers' Fiesta medal received the honor of third place out of the First-Time group.
First place in the Individuals category went to Amanda Lynn Infante for her "Don't Be Self Conchas" medal.
David Durbin came in second place for his Fiesta medal, "Skyride over Sunken Gardens."
Lastly, Eddy and Stella De La Garza received third place for their "Joske's of Texas" medal.
There were many winners during this year's San Antonio Express-News Fiesta Medals Contest in over twenty different categories.
Which Fiesta medal from 2018 was your favorite? What do you hope to see from Fiesta medal artists for the 2019 contest?
Do you have a question we haven't answered yet on our FAQ page? If so, be sure to contact us so we can assist you, or we can provide you with a free quote.
If you're thinking of attending Fiesta in San Antonio, check out this article for the 5 most amazing events to attend at Fiesta San Antonio 2019.
San Antonio, Texas ranked #18 on a worldwide list of the 50 best places to visit in 2016. You're lucky if you live there.
There's so much to see in San Antonio. From the famed 15-mile riverwalk to the historic St. Anthony Hotel. If you live in San Antonio or are making plans to visit, why not enjoy the fun-filled Fiesta San Antonio 2019?
Read on to learn some fiesta history and the five most amazing Fiesta San Antonio 2019 events to attend.
In honor of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto a parade was given in 1891 in San Antonio. This parade became the yearly festival known as the Fiesta San Antonio.
Impacting the city economically to the tune of $340 million dollars a year, the Fiesta is a celebration of the diversity of cultures in San Antonio.
There are so many events happening at the Fiesta, it's impossible to see them all. While deciding which events to attend, be sure to put the following five amazing events on your list.
No visit to the Fiesta San Antonio would be complete without seeing the Battle of the Flowers Parade.
This parade has the special distinction of being the only parade in the U.S. that's planning and direction is completed by women. It's the Fiesta's biggest parade, and it's only rival in size in the nation is from the Tournament of Roses.
Historically, those participating in the parade threw flowers at each other in mock battle. Thus was born the Battle of the Flowers.
Civic and community leaders make up the Texas Cavaliers Organization. They support local charitable organizations with their time and financial contributions.
This wonderful organization puts on the Texas Cavaliers River Parade at the Fiesta San Antonio every year. You won't want to miss this colorful and vibrant parade.
Attendees line the shores of the river to take part in this giant floating party.
Don't forget to bring home some medals as souvenirs from the parade and fiesta. The city sells and gives away some 30,000 medals!
If you love oysters and live music, then you won't want to miss the Fiesta Oyster Bake.
You'll experience 30 bands on five stages. The Oyster Bake features over 100,000 oysters. There's so much food, music, and fun you won't know what to do first.
The Oyster Bake is the kick-off event for the two-week long Fiesta San Antonio. You won't want to miss it!
You might think if you've seen one parade you've seen them all. But, if you haven't seen the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, you're missing out.
The Fiesta Flambeau is the biggest illuminated night parade in the United States.
You'll see marching bands, dancers, drill teams and more. And everything takes place under a spectacular array of lights.
Don't forget to spend some time at this festival within the fiesta. A Night in San Antonio is a four-night event put on by the San Antonio Conservation Society.
It features 15 different themed areas, such as the French Quarter and Clown Alley.
The proceeds for this part of the Fiesta help with historic preservation throughout the city.
Now that you know what not to miss at Fiesta San Antonio 2019, it's time to start making your plans!
You won't want to miss out on this fun-filled fiesta and city-wide party. Want some commemorative medals to bring, sell or give away? Click here.
Want to rock your look this year? We've got you covered so you'll be prepared. Click here for the ultimate guide to mastering fashion for fiesta.
The 2018 Fiesta San Antonio has begun. This eleven-day party usually attracts 3.5 million people, all celebrating the history and culture of San Antonio.
If you are planning on attending the celebration this year, you have the perfect excuse to go clothes shopping. After all, you need to look stylish while attending the many daytime parades or A Night in Old San Antonio.
Maybe your thing is traditional fiesta clothing, and you want to sport an outfit with fiesta flair. Or, you might be more interested in a look based on 2018 fashion trends.
No matter what your taste, we've got you covered. Let's look at some of the best fashion for fiesta ideas below. Read on!
The mood during Fiesta San Antonio is bright and cheerful, and your clothes can be too. Fashion for fiesta clothing makes use of vivid colors, delicate embroidery, and confident patterns.
Although you wouldn't be out-of-place wearing the brightest colors in your closet, a more subtle look is also possible. Try pairing a traditional Puebla blouse with skinny jeans or even shorts.
The bright colors of the shirt contrast with the neutral hues of the jeans, providing a more sophisticated look. Putting it all together can show off your creative and unique style.
You can glamorize your fashion for fiesta outfits with hats and other eye-catching accessories. Alternatively, flip-flops or other casual shoes can be worn during daytime events.
Whatever you choose to wear, make sure it can accommodate large amounts of confetti. And don't forget your colorful sash. You're going to need it for all your medals!
The Fiesta royalty aren't the only people who get to shine. One of the biggest trends for spring and summer 2018 are sequins. They can glam up your Fiesta outfits so you look royal too.
Surprisingly, sequins are now meant to be worn during the day. Sparkling shirts or jackets can be paired with more casual items like jeans or even sweatpants.
Sparkling Cinderella shoes are also very popular this year, although they are most likely not very good walking shoes. You can wear bejeweled pumps to nighttime parties instead of daytime Fiesta treks.
Maybe bright colors are just not your thing, Fiesta or no. Then you are in luck because one of the biggest fashion trends of 2018 is pastel colors.
Pink seems to be the it-color right now, but lavender and ice cream colors are also popular. These soft, warm shades are ideal for warmer temperatures and so would be a good choice for the Fiesta.
You could also combine them with any of the other 2018 fashion trends, such as wide-legged pants, ruffles, or fringes.
There you have it! Everything you need to know about dressing for Fiesta San Antonio 2018. From traditional Fiesta-inspired pieces to sequins to pastels, you have lots of fashion choices!
If you are looking to pair a medal (or two!) with your outfit, we've got you covered! Why not contact us today for a quote? We'd love to make your custom Fiesta medal.