Festivals and River Parades in San Antonio, Texas

River Parades
Only San Antonio Texas has parades held on a river, some at night. The San Antonio River, a man-made river that flows through downtown San Antonio was built in the 1920's under the influence of The Women's League as a tourist attraction. It still is.

Floats are built on barges that move gently downstream, giving a unique spectacle seen nowhere else in the United States. Each barge is unique, featuring groups, clubs, organizations, bands, even the San Antonio Spurs have their own barge. Several singing stars have taken part in the river parades of San Antonio. They are always a huge event to attend as well as watch on television.

Parking space is premium, but the municipal bus system, VIA, has special busses that will take people to parades and events for a special fee. These busses will leave from "park and rides" (park your car, leave it there for free, and take the bus), take passengers to the event and return to that particular park and ride. They pick up no other passengers or routes.

The Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony is held in November, in 2007 it will be on the 23rd. There are tens of thousands of lights that will be illuminated, forming a sparkling canopy over the river walk. The lights will be turned on each night through January 1st. Passing by on the bus at 6am, on my way to work, when there are no other people around, it appears as a myriad of multi-colored jewels on the water. Simply breathtaking. Over 150,000 people will be present to witness the parade, while millions will enjoy it on television. This is one of the only night time river parades in the United States.

The Texas Cavalier's River Parade
This is truly one of the most unique parades in America. Held during the daytime during Fiesta Week (mentioned later), over 250,000 people attend to witness all the brightly colored and well-decorated barges featuring bands, organizations, groups, The Texas Cavaliers, and The Rey Feo (The Ugly King- he's not really ugly, that's his title). Millions more watch on television.