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On The Cover: Viva Fiesta! y Sally KalosBSpring has arrived, bringing warm weather (most days, at least!), blooming flowers, and the long-awaited return of Fiesta! While many know Fiesta as an 11-day celebration filled with food, music, and fun, its history tells a much deeper story—one of honor, culture, and tradition.Originally created to pay tribute to thefallen heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, Fiesta has grown over the past 134 years into a vibrant celebration of San Antonio’s rich heritage and diversity.Today, we celebrate the spirit of the Alamo City by indulging in classic Fiesta favorites like chicken on a stick and refreshing mangonadas, cracking colorful cascarones, collecting unique medals, anddressing in festive hats and guayaberas. But beyond the festivities, Fiesta serves as a reminder of our city’s roots, its history, and the people who shaped it.So, as we revel in the joy of the season, let’s take a moment to honor our past— because there’s no better way to celebrate San Antonio than through the tradition of Fiesta!BAy Sally Kalospril is always an exciting time in San Antonio as the city comes alive for its most beloved event of theyear—Fiesta! This 11-day celebration unites the community in a vibrant showcase of culture, heritage, music, food, and festivities. While Fiesta is a cherished tradition, do you know its origins and how it has grown into the grand event it is today?The Birth of FiestaFiesta began in 1891, thanks to a group of passionate women who sought to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto with a “Battle of Flowers.” This one-day parade featured horse-drawn carriages and bicycles adorned with fresh flowers. Participants would joyfully toss flowers at one another, creating a spectacle of color and celebration.What started as a spirited flower fight evolved into today’s Battle of Flowers Parade—one of the largest parades in the country and the only one in the U.S. exclusively planned and directed by women. Fiesta TodayNow, 134 years later, Fiesta continues to honor the heroes of the Alamo and San Jacinto but has expanded into a grand celebration of San Antonio’s diverse culture. It has become one of the nation’s premier festivals, attracting over 2.5 million visitors from across the country.Each official Fiesta event is organized and hosted by a local non-profit that provides economic, cultural, or social services to the San Antonio community year-round. With an economic impact of more than $340.1134YearsofFiesta ~April24~May4Comprehensive Eye Care forthe Entire Family• Diabetic Eye Exams• Glaucoma Diagnosis/ Treatment • Pediatric Myopia Control• Emergency Eye Exams• Dry Eye Treatment• Glasses & ContactsDr. Chandler R Mann II 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 1104 San Antonio, TX 78258(830) 205-2420www.stoneoakvisionsource.comSpring Clean Frame Sale50% offSelect FramesExpires 4-30-25million, Fiesta embodies its motto: “Have Fun and Give Back.”Experience the History of FiestaLooking to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Fiesta? Here are some signature events that highlight its historical roots:• San Jacinto Victory Celebration | April 26, 10a.m.–4p.m.• 106th Annual Pilgrimage to the Alamo | April 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.• Texas Cavaliers River Parade | April 28, 7 – 9 p.m.• NIOSA (A Night in Old San Antonio) | April 29 – May 2, 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.• Battle of Flowers Parade | May 2, 10:30 a.m. •KingWilliamFair|May3,8a.m.–6p.m.• Fiesta Flambeau Parade | May 3, 7:45 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.• All Veterans Memorial Service | April 30, 1 –2p.m.In addition to military and patriotic observances that honor Fiesta’s roots, the festival features an array of unique events such as Cornyation, Fiesta Gartenfest, Alamo Heights Night, A Taste of New Orleans, Chanclas y Cervezas, and many more!For a full list of Fiesta events, including dates, times, and locations, visit www. fiestasanantonio.org/official-fiesta-event- calendar. With over 100 events spanning 11 days, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!Celebrate, honor, and experience the rich heritage of San Antonio—Viva Fiesta!The Significance Of Various SymbolsOf Easter6www.stoneoakhighlights.comsymbols of Easter and what they representEaster- continued on page 10 April 2025EBy StaffChrist. Data from the Pew Research Center indicates there are approximately 2.4 billion Christians across the globe, which accounts for nearly one-third of the global population.Though certain Christians groups do not celebrate Easter, many consider it the holiest day of the year. Given that significance, it’s no surprise Easter is steeped in symbolism. The following are some of the manyaster Sunday is a day when Christians across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Jesus