It’s time for Fiesta San Antonio (April 19-29)! Come celebrate San Antonio’s rich history and eclectic heritage with 11 days of parades, carnivals, balls, art fairs, concerts and amazing food. For the past 120 years, Fiesta San Antonio has honored the memory of heroes from the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. In recent years, Fiesta has grown to celebrate San Antonio's diverse cultures. Now with more than 100 official events, Fiesta is the ideal time to experience the warmth, beauty and unique story of San Antonio.

Here is a small sampling of Fiesta's many authentic events:

The River Walk is always a San Antonio favorite, but come Fiesta, it’s also the best place to sit back and enjoy the Texas Cavaliers’ River Parade (April 23), as illuminated floats light up a majestic spring evening. And don’t miss the Battle of Flowers Parade (April 27), this event kicked off the first Fiesta in 1891, and is still a family favorite. The Battle of Flowers draws in crowds of more than 350,000 with beautifully decorated floats and musical performances. Want more? The Fiesta Flambeau Parade (April 28), one of the largest illuminated parades in the nation, is a colorful evening event filled with dancers, bands, horses and light-adorned floats. And we can’t forget about the Fiesta Pooch Parade (April 28). Dog lovers from all over bring their best friends to this family oriented event, which winds its way through the lovely tree-lined streets of Alamo Heights in a 5K. There’s even a canine costume contest.

From April 24-27, San Antonio’s cultural roots take center stage at A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). La Villita, San Antonio’s original settlement established by Spanish soldiers stationed at the Alamo, is the site of this four-night festival celebrating the city’s heritage with 15 cultural zones, comprised of over 240 food and drink booths and more than a dozen entertainment stages.

The music and dance of Brazil and the Caribbean color Incognito (April 20), an adventurous “carnaval-style” masked ball that takes place on the first evening of Fiesta. Attendees can enter San Antonio’s most imaginative costume contest, with winners crowned "Fiesta Royalty" and rewarded with cash prizes. There are also many other elegant affairs during Fiesta celebrating the event’s more official royalty, including the Investiture of King Antonio XC (April 21) and the Coronation of the Queen of The Order of the Alamo (April 25).

The enchanting Mariachi Festival  fills the evenings of April 24-27 with high school, college and professional mariachi groups as they serenade River Walk guests from colorful floats cruising along the Paseo del Rio.

Immerse yourself in the lyrical art of the region where each stroke tells a story. From ethnically influenced pieces to modern creations, local masterpieces will be on display throughout the city at a variety of exhibits and events, including the King William Fair & Parade (April 28) held in San Antonio’s first historic neighborhood. Take in the work of some of Texas’ best artisans, enjoy live music and dance performances, and let your kids explore the rides and games at the Kids’ Kingdom.

This is only the beginning; go to www.fiesta-sa.org for a complete list of events. Also see www.visitsanantonio.com for your complimentary San Antonio Travel & Leisure Guide or call 800-ALAMO-07.

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The San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, a department of the City of San Antonio, is funded through the hotel/motel occupancy tax. The bureau is a marketing, sales and service organization dedicated to the promotion of San Antonio as a meetings and visitor destination for the purpose of positively affecting the city's economy.