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How to Collect Fiesta Medals in San Antonio

June 12, 2020

San Antonio has a rich tradition of collecting and exchanging fiesta medals. Grow your collection with this guide to fiesta medals in San Antonio.

What do Baby Yoda and Topo Chico mineral water have in common in 2020? They are both being featured on new Fiesta medals!

If you've never been to Fiesta in San Antonio, you're missing out on quite a treat. Taking place in April each year, this springtime festival commemorates the fallen heroes of the Battle of the Alamo.

One very special part of Fiesta is the custom-designed medals that people collect and wear. You'll see them fastened to hats, sashes, and plenty of other tailor-made garments. Each year, medals become collector's items.

If you're curious about all things fiesta medals San Antonio, read on for our comprehensive guide to this phenomenon!

San Antonio Fiesta History

The San Antonio Fiesta is an amazing time to visit the city. It's an annual festival that takes place in April each year. But how did it start, and what is it for?

Fiesta was started in 1891 by Ellen Maury Slayden, wife of a Texas Congressman. She conceived of a flower parade to honor the soldiers who fought in the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto.

Parade participants would walk through the city and often throw flowers at one another. Famous people and politicians loved to attend the parade - President Harrison was present at the very first one!

By 1895 the parade had grown into a week-long festival, and the city started to name a Fiesta Queen and King. Some of the first royal names included Selamat (tamales spelled backward) and Omala (Alamo spelled backward.)

Today, Fiesta lasts for ten days and visitors travel from around the globe to attend.

What are Fiesta Medals?

Fiesta medals didn't start appearing until 1946 when Texas Cavaliers had special coins made for children in the hospital. They would bring these coins at Fiesta time to cheer the children. Eventually, manufacturers started punching holes in the medals so they could be worn around the neck.

The first-ever medal was introduced by a Lt. Col. Childers, an avid competitive walker. In 1980, he designed a military-style medal that was handed out to the public during Fiesta. By the early 1990s, businesses and other organizations were handing out their own custom-designed medals.

Since then, tens of thousands of medals have been produced. Some of them are celebratory, some are meaningful to the organization, some are just cool and funny. But people spend weeks, if not months, collecting as many medals as they can to wear during Fiesta.

The excitement around Fiesta medals is growing. This year, some medals reflect popular culture with the adorable Baby Yoda and trendy Flaming Cheetos. Who knows what other characters will make an appearance?

What is Fiesta Medals San Antonio Culture?

The culture around Fiesta medals in San Antonio is very special. While many cities toss beads or candy to parade watchers, the medals are particular to San Antonio and set it apart.

The thrill of collecting medals can also take hold of people. They will wear fifty pounds of medals to attend events in the city, proudly displaying their haul for the year.

Many people buy, sell and trade medals as well. On the first Friday of each Fiesta, an opening event called Fiesta Fiesta takes place.

Collectors set up tables and booths displaying all of the wonderful medals that they have on offer. Hundreds of people stroll the street, bartering for medals that catch their eye. By the end of the day, thousands of medals change hands.

Today, you can design your own Fiesta medals and buy them online!

How to Start Your Own Collection

If you're not already the inheritor of generations worth of Fiesta medals, don't worry! It's never too early (or too late) to start your own collection! There are plenty of ways to make your Fiesta medal collection the envy of all.

One of the best ways is to work with a trusted Fiesta medal company online. Fiestamedals.net has been in business for 17 years and has become a well-known source of high-quality medals. Our designers work with you to create the artwork that will perfectly capture the spirit of Fiesta.

Don't forget about Fiesta Fiesta! The official kick-off of Fiesta is a great place to buy a variety of beautiful new medals or special vintage ones.

Of course, there's always eBay if you're looking for a specific or hard-to-find medal for your collection.

Fiesta medals are fun and beautiful wearable art objects. Get in the spirit of Fiesta with your own collection!

Tips for Your Fiesta Medal

Are you thinking about creating your own custom design? Here are some tips to think about to create a special medal that captures San Antonio's vibrant energy.

Support a Cause

Fiesta medals are an excellent way to raise funds for a cause that is dear to your heart. From the cancer battle to food insecurity to AIDS awareness, Fiesta medals have represented important movements.

Join the Club

Are you a runner or avid Dungeons and Dragons player? Whatever your hobby, you can use imagery to make an alluring medal.

Honor San Antonio Culture or History

There is so much to love and honor about San Antonio, from the people to the music to the food and more. What is your favorite part of San Antonio culture? Design your medal around something that yells "San Antonio Rocks!"

Memorialize

Many people also choose to memorialize events or people with Fiesta medals. An anniversary, a loved one, or a piece of history can all serve as excellent motifs for special medals.

Come to the Fiesta Medal Experts

Our designers create beautiful pieces of artwork for your custom specifications. Look no further for all things Fiesta medals San Antonio! Fiestamedals.net is a one-stop-shop.

Before you know it, you'll be sporting fifty pounds of your own Fiesta medals. Contact us today to get started on your design!

Fiesta Medal Blogger
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