Fiestas Patrias San Antonio kicks off Wednesday

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — The City of San Antonio is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Fiestas Patrias San Antonio 2021.

The official month-long celebration by the city’s Department of Arts & Culture and Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission will kick off Wednesday. The Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission was established in 1994 to host cultural events, children and senior citizen programs, and educational endeavors that take place throughout the city as part of the official annual commemoration in San Antonio.

“Fiestas Patrias San Antonio is an important celebration of the many contributions and importance of Latinos in San Antonio and beyond,” said District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, the designated liaison to Monterrey, Mexico, and Regional Representative for North America. “This is a time to reflect on and honor the meaningful traditions and heritage that have long connected us to our neighbors, friends, and families in Mexico, while also shaping San Antonio into the culturally rich city it is today.”

Fiestas Patrias San Antonio 2021 will feature more than 20 events between September 15 and October 15 with a mix of virtual and in-person options. Events include music, dance, comedy, poetry readings, educational workshops, panels, and more. Some highlights include:

  • September 15 – The Consulate General of Mexico in San Antonio’s El Grito Civic Ceremony & Cultural Program, including Celebrando el 30 aniversario del Guadalupe Dance Company, on Facebook Live and/or at Historic Market Square
  • September 17 – 19: HA Festival – The Art of Comedy at five venues across San Antonio
  • September 18: Avenida Guadaupe’s 40th Annual Dieciséis de Septiembre Celebration on TVSA
  • September 18 – 19: LULAC’s El Grito Weekend at Historic Market Square
  • Esperanza Peace & Justice Center’s Noche Azul Concert: Los Caminos del Corrido on Facebook Live
  • September 21: San Antonio Museum of Art’s San Antonio Poetry Panel – Puro Chinanx: Writers of the 21st Century held online
  • September 22: URBAN-15 Group’s Autumnal Equinox: The Shadow of QuetzalCoatl held online
  • September 23: Briscoe Western Art Museum’s “The Making Of” Vaqueros Documentary Screening at Instituto Cultural de Mexico en San Antonio
  • September 24: Lonche y Arte at Say Sí
  • September 27: SOLI Chamber Ensemble’s Tableau in Frida Kahlo’s Oasis at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
  • October 1: The Guadalupe Dance Company’s Celebrando 30 Años at Plaza Avenida Guadalupe
  • October 5: San Antonio Public Library’s Conversación con María Amparo Escandón: “L.A. Weather” held online
  • October 9: Avenida Guadalupe’s Fiestas Alegria on Facebook Live

“Whether live or from the comfort of your home, Fiestas Patrias San Antonio is continuing to focus on the shared culture, friendship and solidarity that bind San Antonio and Mexico,” said Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission Chairwoman Mari Sandoval-Ayala. “Each event is created to promote an understanding of Hispanic heritage through arts and culture and the month of activities has something for every age and interest. We welcome San Antonio residents and visitors alike to join us in the festivities.”

The full event schedule is online at SanAntonio.gov/arts.

More about: