San Jacinto Day – anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto April 21, 1836 which was the turning point for Texas independence from Mexico.  

Historical Update:  Archaeologists believe they have found the place where hundreds of Mexican soldiers surrendered to the Texas army during the Battle of San Jacinto 173 years ago.  Dallas News article   

I was born and raised in San Antonio.    

Field trips in school were certainly not boring.  Kids who live around Boston, Washington DC and those areas know what I mean.  We went to the Alamo, the Missions, the Governor’s Palace on school trips.  All smaller than you think they will be (or look on TV).  No zoo for us – how can you go to the zoo with all the historical sites to see?  History is imbedded in the city.  Kind of like living in a museum – at least downtown.

Fiesta…New Orleans has Mardi Gras and San Antonio has Fiesta (3^rd week of April every year – going on right now).  Fiesta is an 11 day non-stop party with 2 major parades and many minor ones.  Royalty is crowned.  Kids get a day off from school.  The Friday of the Battle of Flowers parade is a holiday for the area schools.  A new gorgeous poster each year.

Growing up, Fiesta was the coolest event all year.  We all wanted to be old enough to go to NIOSA (Night in Old San Antonio) in the evenings.  In HS, I finally attended and it was a blast – crowded, noisy, hot and fun.  As an adult, it’s crowded, noisy and hot – but I still go every few years for the great food.  

My favorite event is the King Williams parade and crafts fair on Saturday.  You can take tours of gorgeous Victorian homes.  Buy all manner of crafts (or just browse) and join in a parade.  The kids love it too. 

Oyster Bake at the St. Mary’s campus – good food, good music and good fun – is a must do.

Battle of Flowers is the big parade but the River Parade is my favorite.  Decorated boats travel the Riverwalk.  The best thing is to eat at one of the restaurants on the river and watch the show from your table.

This is the second year I’ve missed Fiesta.  I miss San Antonio and wish I was there now.