I once proclaimed that Fiesta really isn’t my thing. Yes, right here on Alamo City Moms, I put this shocking news into the world – and as it turned out, many like-minded San Antonians agreed.
Since that post first appeared, the world has gone through *a lot*. And one of the things I knew then is much more important now: Fiesta draws people together.
And we need that.
At a time when so much of what is going on in the world polarizes us, Fiesta unites us. You can feel it in the air, see it on the streets, and recognize it in everyone’s attire. You may or may not be caught up in the revelry, but it’s hard to deny – or avoid – the festive atmosphere, colorful clothes, ubiquitous medals, cascarones and confetti.
Rooted in the city’s diverse history, Fiesta honors so much of what makes San Antonio what it is. From the indigenous peoples who first called this land home to the Spanish explorers and Mexican settlers, not to mention the vibrant mix of cultures that define modern-day San Antonio, Fiesta pays homage to the rich tapestry around us. Then it wraps it all up with confetti, paper flowers, and chicken on a stick.
Fiesta embodies the spirit of San Antonio, bringing together people from all walks of life. From the colorful floats of the Battle of Flowers Parade and the vibrant costumes of the Fiesta Flambeau to the quirky, anything-goes vibe of the King William Parade, Fiesta showcases the diversity and vibrancy of San Antonio culture like no other event. Even its name is a nod to the cultural heritage of our city.
That spirit of fiesta – note the lowercase – is woven into our DNA. I’m not a San Antonio native but in my years here – the city where my son was born, the city where this Army brat and military spouse has lived longer than anywhere else in my life – I have fallen for all things San Antonio. There’s a uniqueness, a sense of pride, a sense of belonging and a celebration of all things. And we’re cooler than many people give us credit for, earning accolades, visitors and new residents at a break-neck pace.
There is much more that unites us than divides us – and 11 days of events, food, fun and shoe-showing is a strong reminder of that. I was always OK with Fiesta fans having a blast. But since my last confession that Fiesta wasn’t my thing, it turns out that we’re not so great about adopting that “you do you” mentality anymore. Instead, we tend to judge, criticize, and shout down anything that doesn’t mirror our own preferences.
But Fiesta represents San Antonio being its true, authentic, Cascarone-crackin’, confetti-coated, medals jangling and hanging from anything that won’t sit still, papel picado paradise of a self. San Antonio is an unapologetic city that exists to be savored. We have our warts, but we love hard, and we celebrate even harder.
So it’s time for an updated confession: some Fiesta events have found their way on to our calendar this year. That infectious San Antonio spirit pulled us into Fiesta Arts Fair, an event that has become a family favorite. Do we go every year? No. But when we can fit it in, we always have a good time.
We also make the King William Parade an annual family affair because only in San Antonio does a parade feature drag queens, marching bands, roller derby, elected officials, a pig on a motorcycle, Spurs Jesus, Star Wars – and this year, even Alamo City Moms.
And while my Fiesta-ambivalent friends may not get it, I now have a small, but treasured, Fiesta medal collection. I buy medals to support the local organizations I care about. And I caved long ago to a Fiesta-inspired display on our front door.
So, I’m going on the record that I am Switzerland in the “yay or nay” battle of Fiesta. But no matter what side you’re on, you are welcome to come sit by me. Whether you’re ambivalent or an afficionado, Fiesta unites us, and that is a beautiful thing.
A reminder that it’s more than OK if Fiesta isn’t your thing – you can (and should!) do you. Keep in mind that Fiesta means closed streets, altered traffic patterns, and the city closing for anything but fun to honor and celebrate the Battle of Flowers. Check out my list of some things you can enjoy with your family while everyone else is jostling for a parade spot – and use that time not spent standing in line for Fiesta food to explore some more of our amazing city. I’m wholeheartedly cheering you on.
It’s equally acceptable if you’re on a quest to attend as many of the 100+ events that unfold during Fiesta as you can. I’m cheering you on, too. I salute your commitment and wish you the best of luck as you collect your medals, crack your cascarones, and stand in line for your favorite Fiesta flavors.
I’m not sure which culture influenced chicken on a stick, but it’s a sacred thing for many people. And you know what? Fiesta taught me that that’s OK, too.
