{"id":13000,"date":"2011-03-18T07:00:21","date_gmt":"2011-03-18T12:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=13000"},"modified":"2018-06-07T13:32:49","modified_gmt":"2018-06-07T18:32:49","slug":"san-antonio-hotels-spice-u-spring-break-with-fiesta-san-antonio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/03\/san-antonio-hotels-spice-u-spring-break-with-fiesta-san-antonio\/","title":{"rendered":"Spice up spring break with Fiesta San Antonio"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Fiesta San Antonio -- the city's own Mardi Gras -- kicks off with a peppy water parade. Credit: Larry Johnson.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/em>By Chris Hill
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\nSan Antonio<\/a> may be known for its famous River Walk, but each year in April, the River Walk area comes alive for Fiesta San Antonio<\/a>, celebrating the diverse history and culture of the Alamo city.\u00a0 This year Fiesta will take place from April 7 to 17, and if you have never visited San Antonio during this event, you are in for an incredible party.<\/p>\n

This 11-day festival features some of the finest food and art from the around the region.\u00a0 From flower shows to river parades, local music and regional foods, San Antonio lights up with colorful hats, local music, street fests and the infamous water parade.\u00a0 More than 100 events — more than half of which are free —\u00a0entertain the locals.<\/p>\n

The most popular of the events is NIOSA, or Night in Old San Antonio, the’s city’s own version of Mardi Gras. Festive costumes dot the streets, and when it comes to hats, the more embellished, the better. It’s common to see accents such as\u00a0cascarones (confetti eggs), pi\u00f1atas and maracas — and even the hometown team, the Spurs. Live music, dancing, food and drinks amp up the scene,making it one party that is definitely not recommended for children.<\/p>\n

If tots are in tow, don’t miss the\u00a0festival’s four parades.\u00a0 The most\u00a0popular: the\u00a0Texas Cavaliers River Parade.\u00a0 This unique event features\u00a0more than\u00a040 decorated river floats that travel the San Antonio River for all to view.\u00a0 The floats are adorned with flowers and lights, with many including local or well-known celebrities and musicians to entertain and electrify the crowd.<\/p>\n

Not much for water? \u00a0Then, check out the Battle of the Flowers Parade, the Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade, and the ever popular Fiesta Pooch Parade.\u00a0 Watch the parade where standing is allowed, or for those who prefer to sit and watch close by from the sidewalks, seating may be purchased in advance.<\/p>\n

If you want to stay close to the festivities, center your hotel search downtown, where many gems cater to\u00a0history buffs. Try the elegant Emily Morgan or the Crockett Hotel, one of the\u00a0oldest in the area. Both are\u00a0across the street from the historic Alamo.<\/p>\n

Because missing this local institution would be like going to Washington D.C. and not snapping a photo of the White House. It has to be done.<\/p>\n

Related resources<\/strong><\/p>\n