Lines of attendees form behind vendors doing giveaways as the Fort Sam 323d Army Band’s “35 to Nowhere” reverberates throughout the air. Festivalgoers adorning fiesta medals, comically large hats and flower crowns wander in search of rare Fiesta medals and their next drink. Travis Park hosts Fiesta Fiesta presented by Toyota on April 24. The event marks the beginning of San Antonio’s Fiesta 2025.
The event begins at 4 p.m., but the grounds do not become crowded until the sun begins to set.
A parade consisting of festival royalty, local organizations and the Sam Houston High School Marching Band invites festivalgoers to holler and dance along. Grand Marshal Michael Quintanilla leads the procession, ecstatically dancing to the rhythm of the Sam Houston Marching Band. The Fiesta royal courts follow closely behind the marching band, and they pass out medallions to guests crowding the parade line.
The perimeter of Travis Park is lined with small businesses and project management offices. Businesses sell Huipil-style dresses, guayaberas, flower crowns and Fiesta paraphernalia. The project management offices, including the League of United Latin American Citizens and Battle of Flowers Association, advertise their causes while selling Fiesta medals.
“It’s the community. It’s a part with a purpose,” commented Elder Eats Host David Elder with a “Chick-fil-A on a stick” in hand. “There are so many nonprofits here. It serves a huge economic purpose. Without the Final Four, [Fiesta] would have the largest economic injection this year. It’s bringing people from all over the world. It’s the food, the culture and the people.”
At the celebration, Chick-fil-A unveils its chicken on a stick, which is available at two San Antonio Chick-fil-A restaurants until May 3. Introduced to the Fiesta scene at A Night in Old San Antonio, chicken on a stick has become a fan favorite and Fiesta staple. Chick-fil-A’s iteration leaves much to be desired, particularly with the chicken. A classic version of the Fiesta food has a flaky, crunchy crust that Chick-fil-A’s interpretation lacks. The chicken’s texture is vital. Chick-fil-A offers two options: spicy and original. However, since the chicken pairs with jalapenos on the stick, there is no need for the spicy option. Stick to the local option when grabbing a chicken on a stick this Fiesta.
Once attendees began to fill up on drinks and food, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, along with Fiesta President David Christian, King Antonio CII Paul Rohlfs Jr. and Rey Feo LXXVI Fabian Castillo Sr., took the stage to usher in the 2025 Fiesta season.
The e7 band follows the mayor and Fiesta royalty to close out the night’s festivities. Attendees lit up the park with glow sticks and light-up hats until the event’s end at 10 p.m., but Downtown San Antonio’s streets continue to tremble under the weight of celebration long past Fiesta Fiesta’s end.
