Party with a Purpose!

As we stepped into the Texas heat from the crowded airport I could see 10 gallon hats and cowboy boots and I knew right away this was going to be fun! During the cab ride to the downtown riverwalk hotel I could see on the streets of San Antonio; history, culture, tradition and heritage giving me a big huge bear hug. We were there to be a part of the 100 year old tradition, a party they call Fiesta! This annual celebration started in 1891 which commemorated the battle of San Jacinto at the Alamo. Fiesta is eminent throughout the entire city of San Antonio. You will find Tejano (Spanish for Texan) food combined with Tejano music on just about every corner you turn.

The locals celebrate by decorating store fronts and dress their windows so that any visitor would know immediately by looking around that there is something fun going on. Picture Cinde de Mayo meets Rio Carnival injected with Taste of Colorado. Everywhere you look it seems that a rainbow of crape paper threw up - there are rainbows of colors that catch the eye. Even the people on the streets have decorated themselves by wearing flowers in their hair or wearing colorful garb that shows their Fiesta spirit.

You can see booths for at least one full mile lined up next to each other up and down the main street. Booths carry and sell everything from local artist jewelry to snow-cones. My favorites are the many variations the tacos del calle (street tacos) and fresh elotes (corn on the cob.) You never get sick of homemade tacos that are stuffed full of Tejano flavor. Not to be confused with Tex-Mex. Margaritas pair nicely with the tacos and these are easily found throughout the city as well. Similar to the tacos, it’s not hard to find a tequila, lime and salted rim cocktail. Take your pick on the rocks or frozen, they are everywhere.

The Fiesta celebration includes the coronation of a king and queen. They ride on a float in the colorful parade that fills the main street in front of the Alamo. Another opening day tradition includes an Oyster Bake that last only until late afternoon. Once the sun goes down, you can count on the city transforming to a Mardi Gras like celebration. There is a section of the city that is built mirroring the streets of the French Quarter in Louisiana where colorful beads are thrown to attendees of the passing carnival parade. During sun down festivities, the music is kicked-up quite a few disciples to a level that make it impossible to have a conversation. Many of the bands have familiar names and create a ton of excitement as they enter the stage to entertain the packed house and lined streets of this small Texas town. Whether you are familiar with Tejano music or have the pleasure of hearing it for the first time, the bands do not disappoint.

This is an all age event, even thought the sun is down, the children/family section is shut down only for the night. The rides sit empty and the fenced off from the current crowd anxiously awaiting the next round of lil’ rowdies that will be begging their parents to take them back once the sun rises.