I as soon as proclaimed that Fiesta actually isn’t my factor. Sure, proper right here on Alamo Metropolis Mothers, I put this stunning information into the world – and because it turned out, many like-minded San Antonians agreed.
Since that submit first appeared, the world has gone by *rather a lot*. And one of many issues I knew then is way more necessary now: Fiesta attracts individuals collectively.
And we’d like that.
At a time when a lot of what’s going on on the earth polarizes us, Fiesta unites us. You possibly can really feel it within the air, see it on the streets, and acknowledge it in everybody’s apparel. Chances are you’ll or will not be caught up within the revelry, but it surely’s laborious to disclaim – or keep away from – the festive environment, colourful garments, ubiquitous medals, cascarones and confetti.
Rooted within the metropolis’s various historical past, Fiesta honors a lot of what makes San Antonio what it’s. From the indigenous peoples who first known as this land dwelling to the Spanish explorers and Mexican settlers, to not point out the colourful mixture of cultures that outline modern-day San Antonio, Fiesta pays homage to the wealthy tapestry round us. Then it wraps all of it up with confetti, paper flowers, and rooster on a stick.
Fiesta embodies the spirit of San Antonio, bringing collectively individuals from all walks of life. From the colourful floats of the Battle of Flowers Parade and the colourful costumes of the Fiesta Flambeau to the quirky, anything-goes vibe of the King William Parade, Fiesta showcases the range and vibrancy of San Antonio tradition like no different occasion. Even its title is a nod to the cultural heritage of our metropolis.
That spirit of fiesta – notice the lowercase – is woven into our DNA. I’m not a San Antonio native however in my years right here – the town the place my son was born, the town the place this Military brat and navy partner has lived longer than anyplace else in my life – I’ve fallen for all issues San Antonio. There’s a uniqueness, a way of satisfaction, a way of belonging and a celebration of all issues. And we’re cooler than many individuals give us credit score for, incomes accolades, guests and new residents at a break-neck tempo.
There may be way more that unites us than divides us – and 11 days of occasions, meals, enjoyable and shoe-showing is a robust reminder of that. I used to be all the time OK with Fiesta followers having a blast. However since my final confession that Fiesta wasn’t my factor, it seems that we’re not so nice about adopting that “you do you” mentality anymore. As a substitute, we have a tendency to evaluate, criticize, and shout down something that doesn’t mirror our personal preferences.
However Fiesta represents San Antonio being its true, genuine, Cascarone-crackin’, confetti-coated, medals jangling and hanging from something that received’t sit nonetheless, papel picado paradise of a self. San Antonio is an unapologetic metropolis that exists to be savored. Now we have our warts, however we love laborious, and we have fun even tougher.
So it’s time for an up to date confession: some Fiesta occasions have discovered their manner on to our calendar this yr. That infectious San Antonio spirit pulled us into Fiesta Arts Honest, an occasion that has turn out to be a household favourite. Will we go yearly? No. However once we can match it in, we all the time have time.
We additionally make the King William Parade an annual household affair as a result of solely in San Antonio does a parade characteristic drag queens, marching bands, curler derby, elected officers, a pig on a bike, Spurs Jesus, Star Wars – and this yr, even Alamo Metropolis Mothers.
And whereas my Fiesta-ambivalent associates could not get it, I now have a small, however treasured, Fiesta medal assortment. I purchase medals to assist the native organizations I care about. And I caved lengthy to a Fiesta-inspired show on our entrance door.
So, I’m occurring the document that I’m Switzerland within the “yay or nay” battle of Fiesta. However it doesn’t matter what facet you’re on, you might be welcome to come back sit by me. Whether or not you’re ambivalent or an afficionado, Fiesta unites us, and that could be a lovely factor.
A reminder that it’s greater than OK if Fiesta isn’t your factor – you’ll be able to (and may!) do you. Remember the fact that Fiesta means closed streets, altered site visitors patterns, and the town closing for something however enjoyable to honor and have fun the Battle of Flowers. Take a look at my checklist of some issues you’ll be able to take pleasure in with your loved ones whereas everybody else is jostling for a parade spot – and use that point not spent standing in line for Fiesta meals to discover some extra of our wonderful metropolis. I’m wholeheartedly cheering you on.
It’s equally acceptable in case you’re on a quest to attend as most of the 100+ occasions that unfold throughout Fiesta as you’ll be able to. I’m cheering you on, too. I salute your dedication and need you the most effective of luck as you gather your medals, crack your cascarones, and stand in line on your favourite Fiesta flavors.
I’m undecided which tradition influenced rooster on a stick, but it surely’s a sacred factor for many individuals. And you already know what? Fiesta taught me that that’s OK, too.
