Visual Traveler: Fiesta® San Antonio

With plenty of time before meeting the rest of my media group for dinner, I took a leisurely stroll along San Antonio River Walk. Everywhere I looked bright, papel picado fluttered in a warm breeze, celebrating the 11-day annual Fiesta® San Antonio. What began as the Battle of the Flowers to honor Texas heroes, in 1891, today's Fiesta incorporates more than 100 unique events that draw spectators from across the city, nation and globe. 

Along my walk, musicians played from a riverfront restaurant patio as visitors took selfies from an arched and decorated stone footbridge across the water. I then returned to my spacious room at historic and elegant The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, where I found fresh ingredients and a recipe for a margarita. 

Not long after enjoying my in-room cocktail, our group sat down to dinner as 2017 Texas Cavaliers King - Dr. Michael A. Casillas - regaled us with fun facts about their organization's annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade. We then attended this celebration the following night. Our parade evening food, festivities, and live music (see brief video, below) accompanied riverfront seats, where float lights sparkled across the water after sunset.

​During our multi-day visit we also learned to make paper flowers while admiring the expertise of craftspeople who created delicate and beautiful ​cascarones (hollowed-out, dyed chicken eggs filled with confetti). That's when we learned having a cascarone break on your head is considered good luck.

Delicious dining and exploring historic sites enhanced our San Antonio trip, but participating in Fiesta is what stole my heart! 

​​​​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.