Visit San Antonio for Fiesta

Fiesta San Antonio is one of the premier festivals in the United States and takes place over 11 days in April. Every year hundreds of thousands of people travel to San Antonio to join the city's residents in the huge party. Fiesta's more than 100 events, held all over town, are a celebration of the history, diverse heritage, culture and spirit that make up good ol' San Antone. If you like festivals and if you like to party, book a vacation trip down to San Antonio and you're sure to have a good time. Here are some of the biggest and most popular events that take place during Fiesta.

Recognized as the founding event of Fiesta, the first Battle of Flowers Parade took place in 1891 when a group of San Antonio women gathered on Alamo Plaza for a colorful "Flower Battle" to honor the heroes of the Alamo and to commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836, where Texas won it's independence from Mexico. Today, it's the only parade in the United States produced entirely by women, all of whom are volunteers. It's a great event for all ages, especially kids, who will be thrilled by the spectacular floats, flower-bedecked antique cars, giant helium balloons flying through the air, marching bands and more.

Sponsored by the St. Mary's University Alumni Association, this popular event takes place on that school's leafy campus. Patrons enjoy five entertainment stages, a children's area with games, food and beverage booths withs favorites such as fajitas, egg rolls and sausage on a stick. And of course there's the stars of the show ... over 100,000 oysters, served raw, fried or baked.

On the Monday of Fiesta week, spectators party up and down the famed, picturesque River Walk to the accompaniment of singers, musicians and live bands. They are there to enjoy an evening of fun and pageantry as they watch flowery floats drift down the San Antonio River in the Texas Cavaliers River Parade! Highlighting the parade are the floats carrying Fiesta royalty, with the young ladies wearing their spectacular gowns with huge, opulently decorated trains.

One of the largest free-admission events takes place in downtown's historic Market Square. All throughout Fiesta you can enjoy folkloric dancers and a variety of music featuring Tejano, Conjunto, Latin, jazz and country-western, as well as all kinds of food booths. Market Square, otherwise known as El Mercado, is itself a unique shopping experience. And you won't have to go far to find one of SA's oldest and best Mexican restaurants. Mi Tierra is located there and is open 24 hours!

This parade streams through the streets of downtown San Antonio, following the same route as The Battle of Flowers Parade held the day before. So what makes this one different? The magic happens when the sun goes down and the parade is illuminated by thousands of lights on the floats, dancers, horses, cars and bands. The Fiesta Flambeau Parade is one of the largest of it's kind in the country and over 500,000 people line it's route to take in the spectacle.

King William is a  25-block area just south of downtown that was designated the first Historic Neighborhood District in Texas. The King William Fair is a chance to stroll past stately Victorian mansions as you enjoy a wide variety of drink and fine ethnic cuisine. Lovingly restored homes provide the background for many of Texas' best artisans as they offer their creations and demonstrate their artistry. There's live music, a small parade and a kid's area with rides and games. If you like art, architecture and a more laid-back atmosphere, this is a must-do event.

And now my favorite. La Villita National Historic District - the 18th century Spanish neighborhood set on the banks of the San Antonio River in the heart of downtown San Antonio and just a few blocks from the Alamo - is the venue for NIOSA. For four nights, the "little village" becomes a giant buffet of food, drink and entertainment. There are 15 heritage-themed areas such as Irish, German, French, Frontier, Southern, etc. and there are 250 booths. The choices are extensive but I recommend a NIOSA exclusive found in the Mexican Market section, Anticuchos, which are marinated steak shish-k-bobs. In the Haymarket, you should try the gorditas, which is absolutely authentic San Antonio Tex-Mex and nothing like what you may have had at Taco Bell. Also the puffy tacos! After that, feel free to try escargot, apple strudel, fried green tomatoes, baklava or whatever else smells good as you pass by. A few warnings though about NIOSA: it gets intensely crowded, mostly one long, intertwined snake of people, most of whom are carrying a beer in hand. So wear a shirt that you won't mind getting sloshed upon and go with the flow. Also, there are cascarones, as in the photo. These are confetti-filled egg shells and a major tradition. Don't be surprised if a good-natured reveler smashes one on top of your head. Just carry your own cascarones and return the favor!

There are dozens upon dozens more events. For full information on all the fun things to see and do, visit the official Fiesta website.