It’s the craziest time of the year in San Antonio, when the city explodes with non-stop parties for 11 unforgettable days.
If historical pictures are any indication, the proceedings weren’t always this wild. Late-1800s revelers seemed content with quaint luncheons, and parasol-shaded dandies patiently waited for parades. But over the course of its life, the citywide party has turned into a bacchanalian bender.
Fiesta isn’t just one thing, though. So whether you like the family-friendly side of Fiesta or you prefer things to get rowdy, there’s a flavor of Fiesta for you in these photos — and out in the streets.
All photos: UTSA Digital Collections
Will Rogers and his musicians posed on sidewalk playing instruments
Will Rogers, his musicians and a dancer roaming around town during Fiesta week.Rowdy the Roadrunner Holding Fiesta UTSA (OOTSA) Poster in Front of SombrillaMatt Edwards, Mr. Gay Fiesta, 1995 He has my vote.George Friedrich, King Antonio XXIII, and Mayor Maury MaverickKing Antonio’s horse on float in 1941 River Parade According to a newspaper article at the time, ”…people turned out to see King Antonio XXIII enter Fiesta kingdom behind a parade of 60 crisply be-flowered boats…in San Antonio’s first river fete…”Duchess in Cornyation, at Arneson River Theater, with theme “Sport of Sports,” the game of politics, 1959Alamo Business Council (ABC) at Fiesta Flambeau Some diva abolutely sashaying down the route.Harry Anthony DeYoung PaintingLadies grilling kabobs during Night in Old San AntonioAcrobat Monnette DeViney Performing
Monnette Deviney performing a handstand on canes.Taking in the scenery at Fiesta Block Party 1994Marcel Robin Working on a Parade FloatMini-Monorail Passes Fiesta Island at HemisFair’68Margaret ”Monnie” Barclay, Fiesta Queen
The Queen of the Court of the Old South rides upon her float in 1940.Mrs. Joe Lee Stands on Box to Watch 1937 Battle of Flowers ParadeHunky hangouts at Fiesta ’95 Avert your eyes!Duchess in Cornyation, at Arneson River Theater, with theme “Sport of Sports,” the game of politics, 1959Officials 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.Paddleboat in the 1941 Texas Cavaliers River Parade Fiesta Block Party 1994Pickup Truck with Load of Spinach Crates for the Battle of Flowers ParadeFiesta Flambeau: Pearl Brewing Company FloatRoy Lyons Working on Battle of Flowers Parade Float
Roy Lyons working hard to create the float representing Lohengrin.Sarah Garrahan Holding Fiesta UTSA (OOTSA) button“Save the Alamo” Float, sponsored by Joske’s, in the 1904 Battle of Flowers ParadeStreet Litter from the 1939 Fiesta ParadeStreet Vendors Unloading Cushions for the 1937 Battle of Flowers ParadeTown Club Party During Fiesta in Colonial Dining Room, Menger HotelUTSA Fest 1990Western Fiesta Band5th 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.King William residents on way to participate in Battle of Flowers Parade, San Antonio, Texas, ca. 1902
Albert Beckmann rides a decorated bicycle behind carriage, decorated with flowers. In front seat of the carriage are Helena Guenther (left) and her cousin Regina Beckmann.Maria Ochoa making handmade tortillas at Maria’s Tortillas booth at A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA), 1952.1940 Battle of Flowers Parade participants on Houston Street
An aerial view of the Battle of Flowers Parade coming down Houston Street.Belgian Gardeners Float in the 1910 Battle of Flowers Parade
This float went down the streets of San Antonio over 100 years ago.Alamo Business Council (ABC) at Fiesta Flambeau 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.Crowd lining Alamo Plaza for 1937 ParadeDr. 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.Fiesta ’95: Drinking at the Block Party
THOSE SHORTS!Fiesta Flambeau: Junior Division San Antonio Public Schools float, 1954
