Well back home in San Antonio, there's a party going on . ..

[Merryg]

AND I'M NOT THERE!!!


It's FIESTA time. If I inhale I can smell the gorditas, shishkabobs, puffy tacos. I can hear the sweet rhythms of the Tejano music. I can see the confetti falling out of the cascarones. I can hear the shouts to the parade queens and princesses to "show us your shoes!!" I can see El Rey Feo passing out his souvenir coins to the crowds.



<SIGH>


http://www.fiesta-sa.org/

[Jolie Rouge]

"show us your shoes!!"

What does this mean ?? I am used to New Orleans ... and the cry there is "Show Your Pretties"

[janelle]

MY BIL and family are there. It's a beautiful city. You mean they have fiesta after Lent?

[Merryg]

Originally posted by Jolie Rouge
What does this mean ?? I am used to New Orleans ... and the cry there is "Show Your Pretties"


It's tradition that on the parades . . . the floats carrying the beauties (queens, princess, etc) that underneath their lavish gowns they are not wearing heels. Most of them will be wearing decorated sneakers, slippers, sandals, etc.!! Something comfortable. So as they go by, people will yell at them to show us your shoes!! They gladly lift their gowns up just enough to show a little leg and their shoes!!

Fiesta lasts up to 13 days! There are several events that go on. I used to march in the parades a) when I was in Girl Scouts and joined the Shriners Clown Corp and b) in Highschool in the band!! There are 3 parades, The River Parade, The Battle of Flowers (which is tomorrow - no school for the city!!!) and the Flambeau which is the Night Parade. Other events can be the Fiesta Del Mercado (carnival and lots fo food and music), Taste of New Orleans, NIOSA - Night In Old San Antonio and soooooo much more!!!

Lots of food, music, WILD people, fun Fiesta fashions and tradition!!

[Merryg]

Originally posted by janelle
MY BIL and family are there. It's a beautiful city. You mean they have fiesta after Lent?


It's all about honoring the Battle of the Alamo and San Jacinto!!! Nothing to do with Lent!! ;)

In 1891, a group of ladies decorated horse-drawn carriages, paraded in front of the Alamo, and pelted each other with flower blossoms. The Parade was organized to honor the heroes from the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. That original "Battle of Flowers" parade became an annual event and has grown into a multi-cultural community celebration unlike any other in our country. From its small beginnings, Fiesta San Antonio has grown into an elaborate ten-day celebration featuring over 150 events, including a parade where floats really float down the San Antonio River.

[Jolie Rouge]

Sounds wonderful ! So sorry you have to miss out :( Now I wanna go !

[Ashlee]

I have always wanted to go to San Antonio during Fiesta! In the past, we always end up going in June or July when it's D*mn HOT! Maybe one of these days!!

[Merryg]

Originally posted by Ashlee
I have always wanted to go to San Antonio during Fiesta! In the past, we always end up going in June or July when it's D*mn HOT! Maybe one of these days!!

LOL!! After moving away to AZ, we hadn't been back there in a year. Then my sis-in-law decides to get married and have an outside wedding in JUNE!! So we go back there for the wedding. My husband and I are part of the bridal party. Man, we were dying there - he in his tux, and me in my fancy dress . . . trying to look all pretty. Yeah - right!!! After being in this "dry heat", all that humidity was TORTURE!!!

[Merryg]

Show us your shoes!!!

http://www.mysanantonio.com/specials/fiesta/2003/story.cfm?xla=saen&xlb=666&xlc=985698

[sadie01]

Man, I always forget about Fiesta time... And I live in TX.. LOL I have never been to S.A> during Fiesta.... Would love to go!!
Sound like so much fun!!

[janelle]

WOW--cool shoes!!!

http://www.mysanantonio.com/specials/fiesta/2003/images/0425shoes.jpg

http://www.mysanantonio.com/specials/fiesta/2003/images/0425shoes2.jpg

http://www.mysanantonio.com/specials/fiesta/2003/images/0425shoes3.jpg

http://www.mysanantonio.com/specials/fiesta/2003/images/0425shoes4.jpg

http://www.mysanantonio.com/specials/fiesta/2003/images/0425shoes5.jpg

http://www.mysanantonio.com/specials/fiesta/2003/images/0425shoes6.jpg

[Merryg]

Thanks Janelle!! There were so many pics I wanted to post - but am not good at computer stuff!!! LOL!!! Thanks!!!

[janelle]

You're welcome hon. What other pics did you want to show. Just call me and I'll be there. Oh wait, that's a song isn't it? Well you know, which one?

[Merryg]

Here's some pics from last year's Battle of Flower's Parade. This year's just finished so they don't have pics up yet - but I know it was VERY patriotic with all that has gone on this year!

http://www.battleofflowers.org/photo_gallery.htm

[janelle]

http://www.battleofflowers.org/banner_small.jpg

http://www.battleofflowers.org/Miss_Fiesta_small.jpg

http://www.battleofflowers.org/Clydesdales_small.jpg

http://www.battleofflowers.org/Flag_brigade_small.jpg

http://www.battleofflowers.org/Queen_small.jpg

http://www.battleofflowers.org/Escaramuza_small.jpg

http://www.battleofflowers.org/Float_small.jpg

Here are some neat ones. Looks like fun. Wish I was there too.

[janelle]

http://www.battleofflowers.org/Images/Floral_tribute2.jpg

I've been to the Alamo. I was surprised how small it was. Had a good time though learning about the history and watching the people on their soap boxes outside. One was really talking up a storm. Acually getting up on boxes and making a speech. Now that's free speech. lol

[Merryg]

Want to see some pretty gowns from the "royalty" of the Fiesta?

After clicking on the link, also click on the links to out of town and in town duchesses!

http://www.mysanantonio.com/specials/fiesta/2003/story.cfm?xla=saen&xlb=666&xlc=985110

[janelle]

Oh my stars, I hope those trains are detachable or they are going to be standing in one spot all day. lol

http://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/images/0425queen1b.jpg

http://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/images/0425princess1b.jpg

http://www.mysanantonio.com/multimedia/slideshows/SHOW_019/ITMoore.jpg This one is my fave. I guess cause of the headress. It's looks more exotic.