The Parades of Fiesta 2008

April is almost upon us, and that means one thing for San Antonio-Fiesta! While other cites have huge celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, or Mardi Gras, Fiesta is San Antonio's own unique celebration, and the multiple parades that spice up the city with their floats, colors, costumes, music, and host of cast of characters that participate, make these one of the best-loved parts of the whole affair.

The 2008 version of Fiesta presents three parades, each produced and sponsored by a different group of patrons.

The Texas Cavaliers were formed in 1926 and charged with choosing the King of Fiesta, and is one of the only parades in the United States in which floats actually live up to their names, as the parade takes place on and along the river. It is not unusual for up to a quarter of a million people to line the banks to see the festivities. Ticket prices range from $12-$24.

Another of Fiesta’s traditional parades is the Battle of Flowers Parade, which takes places this year on Friday, April 25th from 11:50 AM-12:45 PM. This year’s theme is “Broadway…All That Jazz”. Bleacher seating is the only kind that is available, and ticket prices range from $12-15. The Battle of Flowers parade is the only parade in the country that is planned and produced completely by women, and honors the heroes of the Alamo in a beautiful and pageant-filled way.

Finally, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade features Boy Scouts carrying the flames (flambeau is French for candlestick) that the parade is named after. In addition, colorful and lively floats, musical groups, and decorated horses and cars make their way along the 2.6 mile journey through downtown San Antonio after the sun goes down. Typically this parade is joined by half a million people, with perhaps another million watching on television. One of the most beautiful sights in all of Fiesta is seeing this parade, lit by torches, snaking its way through the city. Tickets for the Fiesta Flambeau Parade can be obtained the following ways:

Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association, c/o Parade Tickets
P.O. Box 15277
San Antonio, TX 78212
or calling:
Fiesta Flambeau Parade ticket line: (210) 735-6644.
or online:
Tickets may be purchased with a credit card online at www.fiestaflambeau.org

This year’s theme is “Celebrations of Cultures” and ticket prices are $12 and $15. The Fiesta Flambeau Parade takes place on Saturday, April 26th, from 7:45-10:30 PM. The Flambeau parade has been called by some the largest lighted night parade in the United States, and was started in 1948.