Viva Fiesta! The “party with a purpose” annual city event takes place March 31-April 10, 2022. With most festivities taking place downtown, streets are closed, parking can be expensive and hard to find, it will be a bit crowded, restrooms are limited and sometimes hard to get to, and you will do a lot of walking. Oh and if you plan on stacking up those beer cups, be safe by taking advantage of taxi or Uber/Lyft services. Here are 16 tips to help you survive Fiesta San Antonio:
- You will get carded when buying booze at the Fiesta booths; carry your ID always.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged; carry an extra battery or a mobile battery charger. (Don’t forget to use #FiestaSA or #FiestaSA2022 on your Facebook check-ins, tweets on Twitter, when posting a selfie on Instagram, and your TikToks.)
- If you’re a smoker, be courteous of others around you, you don’t want to burn anyone with your cigarette, especially if it’s a kid friendly event.
- Plan on buying souvenirs? Carry a tote bag or backpack that has extra room; it’s no fun trying to carry your chicken on a stick (Fiesta favorite), Fiesta swag, a beer, plus a bunch of shopping bags.
- If carrying a makeup bag, try not to carry cosmetics that will melt easily. Don’t forget to take care of your skin and apply your SPF and lip balm.
- Carry cash! Some booths only accept cash and why waste time searching for an ATM machine and wasting money on fees to pulse out your Fiesta funds.
- If the forecast mentions there are chances of rainstorms, take an umbrella with you. After all April showers bring May flowers! An umbrella also comes in handy if you burn easily; sunny or overcast, those UV rays will burn your skin.
- Tons of walking is unavoidable; don’t wear your highest stilettos, platform, or most uncomfortable shoes not matter how cute they are. If your prone to getting blisters on your feet, whether you wear comfy shoes or not, be sure to carry Band-Aids.
- Try not to wear your expensive bling (jewelry) downtown; you don’t want to attract anyone who has “sticky” fingers.
- If you plan on partying for days in a row, if affordable, do book a hotel room downtown. I’ve done this before and it is so much more fun and easier to enjoy yourself! Since the cost of hotel rooms go up in price during Fiesta time, you may want to share it with friends. Most rooms have double beds and a pull out sofa bed anyway. And if you go this route, don’t forget your hotel key!
- Carry antibacterial gel/wipes and for sure take cleansing cloths. Usually after the first couple of days of Fiesta, the restrooms quickly run out of toilet paper.
- Carry a bottle of water with you to keep hydrated when consuming alcohol and you never know when you may need to rinse your hands.
- If you want to take your children and/or pets, be sure you find out if they are allowed at the event, dress them comfortably, keep them hydrated, and make sure you pack snacks/treats for them. (Some kids are picky and may not like Fiesta food).
- A small flashlight is good to carry if you plan on attending night events; port-o-potties are dark and you never know when you’ll need light. Most smartphones have flashlight apps that you can download as well.
- Support your local businesses, by purchasing Fiesta medals, floral head pieces, glow in dark wands (you can use at the night parade), and hats (which can protect your face from getting sunburned during the day).
- Lastly, be smart and purchase tickets in advance to the events you plan on attending.
Calendar of Fiesta Events (kid & pet friendly events available): Fiesta Events 2022.
Image Courtesy of Fiesta San Antonio
