San Antonio’s annual excuse to raise a glass — and some chicken on a stick — while benefitting local charities is now in full swing. Here’s a look back at how folks did things during past celebrations.

Photos: UTSA’s Digital Collections

5th U. S. Cavalry mounted band in Battle of Flowers Parade, San Antonio, Texas, 1897 Here comes the cavalry! This mounted band clopped down the streets of San Antonio over 120 years ago.
1940 Battle of Flowers Parade participants on Houston Street
An aerial view of the Battle of Flowers Parade coming down Houston Street.
Fiesta Island, rides and games area at HemisFair’68 Why don’t we have this anymore for Fiesta?
Acrobat Monnette DeViney Performing Monnette Deviney performing a handstand on canes.
Margaret ”Monnie” Barclay, Fiesta Queen The Queen of the Court of the Old South rides upon her float in 1940.
Paddleboat in the 1941 Texas Cavaliers River Parade
Bozo the Clown in the Fiesta San Jacinto River Pageant You’re forever in our hearts, Bozo.
Crowd lining Alamo Plaza for 1937 Parade
“Save the Alamo” Float, sponsored by Joske’s, in the 1904 Battle of Flowers Parade
Street Litter from the 1939 Fiesta Parade
Fiesta ’95: Drinking at the Block Party THOSE SHORTS!
Rowdy the Roadrunner Holding Fiesta UTSA (OOTSA) Poster in Front of Sombrilla
The Lagoon Cruise Approaches Fiesta Island at HemisFair’68 Again, why is this not a thing today?
Will Rogers and his musicians posed on sidewalk playing instruments Will Rogers, his musicians and a dancer roaming around town during Fiesta week.
King Antonio’s Horse on a Float in the 1941 River Parade The King’s horse looks like he either hates water or just realized he forgot to close the paddock door.
Betsy Smith at Fiesta Carnival Betsy Smith in her Fiesta best.
Betsy Smith on ferris wheel Our girl Betsy Smith also took a ride on the ferris wheel.
George Friedrich, King Antonio XXIII, and Mayor Maury Maverick
Marcel Robin Working on a Parade Float
Western Fiesta Band
Mini-Monorail Passes Fiesta Island at HemisFair’68
Bottle-feeding a baby at the 1940 Battle of Flowers Parade A mother feeding her child on one leg with a 5 cent sale in the shop behind them.
Mrs. Joe Lee Stands on Box to Watch 1937 Battle of Flowers Parade
1941 Battle of Flowers Parade Clean-Up The real MVPs after Fiesta.
UTSA Fest 1990
Fiesta Flambeau: Pearl Brewing Company Float
Dr. Dora Grossenbacher at the First Fiesta UTSA (OOTSA), April 14, 1978 Dr. Dora bravely awaits getting dunked in water, hoping the baseball team doesn’t show up.
Goliad Band Members Resting Before Performance Members of the Goliad Band taking a well-earned rest before performing for miles in the parade.
Street Vendors Unloading Cushions for the 1937 Battle of Flowers Parade
Threesome at Texas Cavaliers’ cocktail party The original Distracted Boyfriend meme.
Town Club Party During Fiesta in Colonial Dining Room, Menger Hotel
Ladies grilling kabobs during Night in Old San Antonio
Harry Anthony DeYoung Painting
Belgian Gardeners Float in the 1910 Battle of Flowers Parade This float went down the streets of San Antonio over 100 years ago.
Sarah Garrahan Holding Fiesta UTSA (OOTSA) button
“Fiesta Brava” (Gran Corrida de Toros), a bloodless bull fight in the HemisFair Arena, sponsored by Pearl Brewing Company and Lulac Council No. 2 Even if it’s “bloodless” a bull fight doesn’t sound like something that would fly nowadays.
Roy Lyons Working on Battle of Flowers Parade Float Roy Lyons working hard to create the float representing Lohengrin.
Pickup Truck with Load of Spinach Crates for the Battle of Flowers Parade
Officials on Reviewing Stand for the 1937 Battle of Flowers Parade Officials including the grand marshal, mayor and governor ready to view the parade coming by.