FESTIVAL FOOTPRINT Organizers call Fiesta San Antonio “a party with a purpose,” because events raise money for local causes.
CARRYINGON TRADITION This year, Fiesta returns for its first full festival since the pandemic began, bringing back a tradition spanning 130 years.
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World War I and World War II, com- mission officials said. Pandemic safety measures were in place for fewer than 40 Fiesta events last June. Now, officials said San Anto- nians can look forward to a “normal” Fiesta with nearly 100 events and a heightened awareness of COVID-19. “People are ready to get out, enjoy themselves and feel a little normal,” Fiesta Commission Member Norma McClelland said. Fiesta-goers can expect to see small changes this year, officials said. Road construction on Broadway Street in downtown meant a new route from East Locust Street to Com- merce Street for the Fiesta Flambeau and Battle of Flowers parades—two of the most popular events, officials said. The two parades attract millions of people and raise money for various local causes and nonprofits. “This year’s theme of resilience is no better demonstrated than through our street parade organizations, the Battle of Flowers Association and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association,” Fiesta CommissionPresident JonFristoe said. Community, economic effects According to Fiesta officials and analysts, the festival yields a variety of benefits in addition to carrying on over 130 years of tradition. A 2017 study from The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Community and Business Research showed Fiesta 2016 attracted 2.51 million attendees. It generated $340.1 million in sales to area businesses, $3.6 million in sales tax revenue and $188 million in nonlocal visitor spending. In 2019—the last full Fiesta—the commission gave nearly $600,000 to member organizations that spon- sored events, and another $900,000 in street chair sales for parades was collected to benefit groups, such as scout troops and PTAs, officials said. The authors of the Fiesta study said dollar and attendance figures are not the only indicators of how Fiesta helps to boost local charities. “It is a community celebration where individuals and non-profit and for-profit organizations partici- pate to share not only a tradition but also to share the optimism of a bet- ter future for all San Antonians,” the authors said.
2016 Economic effects
1918-19 Fiesta is not held due to World War I. 1941 The first River Parade is held. 1948 The first Fiesta Flambeau Parade is held. 1991 Fiesta marks its centennial year. 2021 An abbreviated version of Fiesta is held in June. 1891 Citizens organize the first Battle of Flowers parade to honor heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto.
2.51M total event attendees $340M in sales generated by residents and nonresidents for local businesses $3.6M in sales tax revenue for local governments $206.3M total economic effect to San Antonio area
1909 The Order of the Alamo, one of the oldest Fiesta organizations, is founded.
1926 The Texas Cavaliers
2022 The full festival returns with a full event lineup. Fiesta is canceled for the first time in decades due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 1959 The Fiesta San Antonio Commission is formed. 2020 are founded. 1942-45 Fiesta is not held due to World War II.
Fiesta event attendance
Flambeau, Battle of Flowers, River, King William Fair parades: 1.17M Carnival and Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square: 850,000 Night In Old San Antonio: 85,700 Oyster Bake: 70,000 Taste of New Orleans: 8,500
Combined total: 2.18M
NOTE: FIGURES ARE BASED ON 2016 FIESTA.
Getting a boost In 2019, the Fiesta Commission allocated nearly $600,000 to participating member organizations. The money comes from membership dues, Fiesta Store sales and corporate sponsorships.
ANEW ROUTE A new parade route for Battle of Flowers and the Fiesta Flambeau parades is in place this year due to construction along Broadway Street. The new route begins on East Locust Street and ends on Commerce Street near the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center.
Parade start/forming line (East Locust Street at North Main Avenue)
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April 8: Battle of the Flowers 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., downtown San Antonio Free admission for most spectators; $16.50-$35 (reserved seating) www.battleofflowers.org April 9: Fiesta Flambeau 7-10:30 p.m., downtown San Antonio Free admission for most spectators; contact parade orga- nizers for reserved seating. www.flambeau.org/buy-tickets Parade ends (East Commerce Street at North Saint Mary’s Street) April 4: Texas Cavaliers River Parade 7-9:30 p.m. , San Antonio River Walk Free for most spectators along the river route; $18-$28 (reserved seating in various spots). 210-227- 4837. www.texascavaliers.org/river-parade/tickets Many parade-goers bring their own chairs and secure a spot along the route usually on a publicly-owned sidewalk. Just be sure to check parade websites for rules and avoid privately owned property.
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Getting to “the partywith a purpose” Residents traveling to events are encouraged to use public transit and ridesharing to avoid traffic. VIA Metropolitan Transit plans to offer special fares, with citywide pickup and drop-off sites. Per federal order, VIA riders must wear a mask. Details can be found at www.viainfo.net and www.fiestasanantonio.org , or by calling VIA at 210-362-2020 .
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
SOURCES: FIESTA COMMISSION; VIA METROPOLITAN TRANSIT; FIESTA SAN ANTONIO; THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO CENTER FOR COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS RESEARCH/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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