Whether you attend Fiesta in San Antonio every year, you if you will be enjoying it for the first time in 2020, there's a lot to know to ensure you have the best possible time. This event is an important tradition in this historic, south Texas city that has been happening for over a century.

You likely have many questions about this colossal event. You may be wondering about the origins of it, and you may be curious about all the things you can do there. You might want to know what things there are for families to do at Fiesta, or you may wonder about related nightlife. Perhaps you want to know where Fiesta's biggest events will take place, or maybe you simply want to know when is Fiesta in San Antonio.

Many of your questions about San Antonio Fiesta are answered below. Read on!

What is San Antonio Fiesta?

Fiesta in San Antonio is a long-standing tradition for anyone who loves the Mission City. It began in 1891. That year, local women got together and decorated baby carriages, wagons, and bicycles with flowers and met in front of the Alamo. They tossed the flowers at one another which began the Battle of Flowers tradition which is a primary focus of the Fiesta overall.

A few years later, in 1895, the Battle of Flowers Parade Association began crowning a queen, and princess, and twenty-four dutchesses. Twelve of the dutchesses are local to San Antonio; twelve are from out of town. This tradition has also continued since it began.

Today, this event is huge, and it gets bigger every year. Over three million people take part in it each year and it brings over $340 million dollars into the local economy. That's more than the Kentucky Derby or the Indianapolis 500 each bring to their respective locales.

The Battle of Flowers Parade alone attracts 350,000 spectators. It is also the only large-scale parade in the United States that is put on entirely by women, and all of them are volunteers. The day is considered a local holiday in San Antonio, and local school districts cancel classes so students can attend.

In fact, over 75,000 volunteers work together to make Fiesta happen each year. More than one hundred local non-profits help organize and promote over one hundred events during this festival.

What Other Events Can People Attend at Fiesta?

In addition to the Battle of Flowers Parade and the crowning of the royal court, there are so many other things to do during Fiesta. The Battle of Flowers Parade is one of three parades that happen during the event. The largest, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, which began in 1948, attracts 600,000 spectators; it occurs at night and the horses, dancers, band instruments and floats are illuminated by thousands of lights.

The third parade is rather unique; the Texas Cavaliers River Parade is a boat parade along the famous San Antonio River Walk features floats that actually float!  It began in 1941 and includes boats decorated by schools, local businesses, and civic organizations. Nearly 250,000 people come out to watch.

A Night in San Antonio is another popular event. This is a four-evening block party in La Villita Historic Arts Village downtown. It includes a wide variety of entertainment including music and dancers and a vast assortment of food and drink vendors for revelers.

The Fiesta in Blue is two nights of free concerts by the United States Air Force Band of the West. It features patriotic songs and is free to the public.

These are just a few of the biggest events during San Antonio Fiesta, but there are so many other smaller gatherings, pageants, exhibits, parties, ceremonies, sporting events, banquets, and performances to attend as well. There are events for all ages and for every interest. To see a complete calendar of events, visit the Official Fiesta Event Calendar on the Fiesta website.

When is Fiesta in San Antonio in 2020?

Now that we've told you so much about this wonderful and exciting event, you may be wondering, "When is Fiesta in San Antonio?"  Well, if you'd like to attend in 2020, there is still plenty of time to plan your visit and prepare for the events you would like to see. This year's Fiesta begins on April 16th and continues for ten glorious days before it wraps up on April 26th, 2020.

The Fiesta San Antonio Commission has also set dates for this event all the way until 2028. If you wish to attend in the future, you can check out those dates here.

What Kind of Souvenirs Does Fiesta Offer?

Of course, if you attend Fiesta in San Antonio, you will want to remember it forever!  There are a wide variety of souvenirs available that attendees love to collect from year to year. Apparel, art, accessories, and decorations for your home are available on the festival website for you to view and purchase, and you can buy many cool items to bring home at the festival itself as well.

One of the most exciting and collectible items offered at Fiesta in San Antonio are festival medals. These medals have been a tradition at the festival for decades. Some of the older ones have even sold to collectors for thousands of dollars.

Today, a number of different companies offer custom Fiesta medals. Many attendees design their own and then gift or trade them with their friends. This is just another fun part of Fiesta tradition and helps participants to create tangible memories they will keep with them forever.

Happy Fiesta

If you have never been to Fiesta in San Antonio before, you are going to have a great time. It's likely that your first Fiesta will not be your last; most attendees go back time and time again.

Now that you know all about it, and especially now that you know the answer to the question, "When is Fiesta in San Antonio?" - you should start planning right away! Fiesta awaits.

If you want to create your own Fiesta medals to commemorate your first trip to Fiesta, or, if you go every year and love souvenirs, give us a call. Our helpful and friendly staff are waiting to give you a hand.