Miles Jones

President of Centro San Antonio, Trish DeBerry enhanced security at Fiesta using AI security cameras, bag checks, as well as larger police presences monitoring the festivities at Fiesta.

Fiesta season is officially here in San Antonio, and this year’s 11-day celebration brings increased security measures and the integration of new technology aimed at keeping attendees safe.

Fiesta San Antonio 2025 runs from April 24 through May 4, and the annual event attracts an estimated 2.5 million attendees, with locals and visitors traveling to San Antonio to experience Fiesta. New enhanced safety protocols are being implemented at major event sites, like the Historic Market Square and Milam Park. Measures include perimeter fencing, controlled entry and exit points, metal detectors, bag checks and a larger police presence. Bags exceeding 12x12x6 inches will not be permitted.

“Major improvements to safety have been made,” said Trish DeBerry, president of Centro San Antonio. “There is fencing around the event. There are controlled entry and exit points. There will be a clear bag policy that’s been implemented, which is well overdue. And then there will be what they call one-gate technology. It’s the same technology that’s out at the Frost Center when you go to a Spurs game. So, you’re gonna have to walk through that, so they can detect if you possibly have a weapon on you.”

The installation of artificial intelligence-powered security cameras is a new addition. The AI surveillance system has been placed along West Commerce Street in efforts to address violent incidents and quality-of-life crimes.

“AI-powered cameras that are placed along West Commerce Street will be a proactive measure to try to prevent, whether it’s violence or just what they call quality-of-life crimes — whether it’s petty theft,” DeBerry said. “Those cameras will be monitored, which is probably the most important thing, because we’ve had cameras in Downtown before.”

The increased security is particularly visible at Market Square, which hosts “Fiesta de Los Reyes” throughout Fiesta’s duration to benefit the El Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation. The area is now fully fenced, and all visitors are required to pass through metal detectors. However, the screening process appears to move quickly, according to early attendees.

The new safety protocols come in the wake of past violence during Fiesta events. Shootings in both 2023 and 2024 — including a double fatality in 2024 — have prompted heightened concern among organizers and the community.

Market Square is one of the most popular Fiesta destinations due to its free entry, live music and extensive food and drink options. Like previous years, the San Antonio Police Department will maintain a strong presence throughout Fiesta, with additional officers deployed to crowded areas.

“There would be limited entry and access points,” said DeBerry. “I think folks have been concerned about that event for some time, and there’s a tipping point that comes. I think it influenced a lot of what we’re doing around this Fiesta, not to mention the two shootings that happened in Market Square, the double fatality.”

While the introduction of AI surveillance has raised privacy concerns, DeBerry emphasized the importance of a comprehensive safety strategy.

“I certainly think it’s going to make people feel safer. It’s a layered approach,” she said. “It’s the security cameras. It’s the heightened police presence on the street. It’s 130 of our ambassadors who are Downtown and within the urban core 24/7. I haven’t mentioned the fact that we now have retired or former police officers that are part of the ambassador operation, which has beefed up our presence in Downtown as well.”

Fiesta San Antonio continues through May 4, celebrating the city’s culture, heritage and community spirit while placing a renewed focus on public safety.