As San Antonio Report photographers ventured into another year of Fiesta events, they asked revelers their thoughts on the beloved San Antonio tradition. Rolling in the deep of medals, confetti and halos, here is a sample of the humans who make Fiesta.
Ninfa Cortez, Market Square
“Fiesta is a family tradition. We all get together, and we all come at the same time, and we enjoy ourselves, and we just let loose away from work and frustrations. We just have fun. It’s just a family thing!”
Derick Garcia (center), dressing rooms at Cornyation
“Coming from L.A. I think I wasn’t ready for everything San Antonio does for Fiesta. It was a culture shock but in the best way. … Now I’m like “I get it, I’m one with it”. You don’t understand it until you experience it, and then it means something to you. Like a good old Huapango at the Market Square, that is life-changing! You know what I mean?”
Quintin, 8, Battle of Flowers Parade
What’s your favorite thing about Fiesta?
“There’s a lot of cars!”
Vanessa Garza, Market Square
“Fiesta means tradition, family tradition. I come with my family every year, take my kids to the parades, just eating and enjoying Fiesta.”
Irma Garcia, selling flower halos outside La Semana Alegre at Hemisfair
“I’ve been selling on Fiesta for 43 years. I like Fiesta because I get to see all the people and everything that’s going on; I love being among the people.”
Juliana, 6, who brought her own float to the Battle of Flowers Parade
“It has Belle on it, and a piñata!”
San Antonio Park Police Officer Ray Lujan, on patrol at Hemisfair
“Yesterday, I took the day off and we went to NIOSA because my wife likes to go to NIOSA. We had a really nice time there. During Fiesta I just love all the people. I mean, it’s great to see everybody having a good time. Once in a while people misbehave, but mostly they’re all having a good time.”
Lee Lipscomb, Battle of Flowers Parade, who has been participating in Fiesta parades for five years with Marshall High School
“I’m just enjoying it. The band, everything.”
Kayla Miculka, backstage at Cornyation
“Every year for me celebrating Fiesta is Cornyation. Cornyation is life. It’s a celebration of family and friends and just fun.”
Dana Stevens, dressing rooms at Cornyation
“I’ve been doing Cornyation every year for twelve years. Everybody becomes family and everybody helps each other. Everybody enjoys themselves.”
Dolores Gomez-Diaz, Market Square, first time at Fiesta
“Pos ‘ta bonito.” (It’s pretty)
