This weekend kicks off Fiesta San Antonio, a 10-day city-wide, fun-filled, multi-cultural, family-oriented celebration. If you are planning your trip during Fiesta days in San Antonio, this guide from AllWomenStalk brings you everything you need to know about this massive party—with an estimated three and a half million people attending over 100 different events. Be sure to check our top picks like Pilgrimage to the Alamo and A Night in Old San Antonio before heading out!

The annual Fiesta honors the memory of heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, with origins tracing back to 1891 when a group of women decorated horse-drawn carriages and paraded in front of the Alamo, throwing flowers at one another. That historic gathering became a parade known as the Battle of Flowers Parade, which has grown to be the largest parade in Fiesta. Interestingly, it is the second largest floral parade in the country (behind the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena) and stands as the only parade in the United States to be planned and completely directed solely by women.

Early Fiesta events included street dancing, a separate children’s festival, and additional parades. Today, Fiesta events have expanded significantly to include a carnival, a court of Festival Royalty, parades, and a hierarchy of courts, organizations, and balls similar to the krewes of Mardi Gras.

Here are quick key facts to know about Fiesta days in San Antonio:

While you can find the full schedule of the over 100 events on the official Fiesta website, here are some of the standout highlights you should not miss:

| Event Name | Event Type | Key Highlight |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Battle of Flowers | Parade | Only major US parade directed solely by women |
| Texas Cavaliers | River Parade | Vibrant decorated barges floating down San Antonio River |
| NIOSA | Street Fair | 4 nights celebrating diverse cultural food & history |