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Fiesta!

Fiesta began to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. But over the past century and more, Fiesta has grown into a celebration of San Antonio's rich and diverse cultures.

Fiesta Timeline

  • 1891: First Battle of Flowers Parade.
  • 1896: First Fiesta Queen chosen: Ida Archer of Austin; First Coronation Ball.
  • 1899: First jeweled crown worn by a Fiesta Queen was the gift of Eli Hertzburg.
  • 1901: First Battle of Flowers Parade with horseless vehicles.
  • 1905: Electric lights first used to light the parades and festivals at night.
  • 1909: Order of the Alamo founded. First coronation staged at Beethoven Hall.
  • 1913: Festival officially named Fiesta San Jacinto.
  • 1918: WWI causes Fiesta to be scaled back
  • 1926: Order of the Alamo coronation staged at new Municipal Auditorium.
  • 1927: King Antonio first installed by the Texas Cavaliers.
  • 1928: Texas Cavaliers first wear their distinctive red and blue uniforms in the parades.
  • 1931: The Court and gowns simplified due to the Great Depression.
  • 1935: Battle of the Bands becomes part of Fiesta.
  • 1941: First River Parade: Cavalier River Fete.
  • 1942-1945: No Fiesta due to WWII.
  • 1947: First El Rey Feo crowned.
  • 1948: First Fiesta Flambeau Parade and Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA).
  • 1949: First Miss Fiesta crowned.
  • 1951: First King Williams home tour.
  • 1958: NIOSA expanded to 4 nights.
  • 1962: Super Scoopers first participate in parades.
  • 1965: First Fiesta Charreada.
  • 1968: First King William Fair.
  • 1970: First Queen of Soul
  • 1971: First Miss Charo crowned.
  • 1975: First Fiesta Oyster Bake.
  • 1979: Battle of Flowers Parade marred by tragic sniper shooting.
  • 1980: El Rey Feo becomes official part of Fiesta royalty.
  • 1981: First Fiesta poster created, artist: Jesse Trevino.
  • 1982: Cornyation revived.
  • 1984: "Fiesta" and "Fiesta San Antonio" become registered trademarks.

 

Fiesta History

To learn more about the history of Fiesta, please visit History of Fiesta (fiestasanantonio.org).

SAPL's Fiesta Archive

Visit SAPL's Texana/Genealogy Dept., at the Central Library, where you can examine the Fiesta Archive, including:

  • Past copies of Fiesta programs, posters, postcards, invitations to Coronation Balls, etc...
  • Complete listings of all Fiesta royalty and parade themes through the years.
  • Extensive newspaper clipping files from the San Antonio Light and San Antonio Express News, including every major Fiesta story.
  • Winning essays from the Battle of Flowers Oratorical Contests.

Fiesta Picks

Check out these articles that highlight the best of Fiesta:

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