NIOSA :)

For those of you who haven't been brave enough to venture downtown and experience Fiesta... probably aren't brave enough for this. NIOSA is Fiesta's most popular, longest, most fun, and craziest event. But no matter how crazy, everyone needs to experience NIOSA, (Night In Old San Antonio) at least once in their life. The event is so big it needs a blog all to itself. NIOSA is in the heart of San Antonio, downtown at the historic La Villita Plaza. What once started out as a festival to commemorate and remember San Antonio's Indian Heritage in 1937 with just a small group of people, has now turned into Fiesta's largest event with 85,000 people attending. The gates of NIOSA open Tuesday evening of Fiesta Week and run through Friday. Adult tickers are only $12 and for children $2 and can be bought at the gate or to avoid lengthy lines, at HEB or Tetco Gas Stations. For just $12 you can experience the many cultures of San Antonio. There is food, music, dancing, more food, alcoholic beverages (sorry 21 & up only!), and did I mention food! There is tons of food stands of in areas such as Chinatown, Irish Flat, the French Quarter, Main Street USA, the German Area, and last but certainly not least, Mexican Market. There are areas for the kids and areas for adults, tons of people to meet and lots of food to be eaten. For us college students, our night to attend is Thursday evening, infamously known as COLLEGE NIGHT! For those of you who hate standing in lines, walking shoulder to shoulder, waiting for restrooms, going home smelling like beer even if you did not drink, but meeting tons of new people and having some fun, then THURSDAY IS NOT FOR YOU! :) While each night is crowded, the ideal nights to attend are Tuesday and Wednesday evening, so that there is still crowds, but they are manageable. NIOSA is one of my favorite Fiesta Events just because of the experience. I believe only in San Antonio could you get to do something such as NIOSA and i believe that everyone should have to opportunity to go at least once. Even if you walk away loving it, hating it, vowing to never go back, or come back to SA just for NIOSA, you get to say that you've been to San Antonio's famous NIOSA!! :) 

FIESTA 2009!!!!!!

It's that time of year! FIESTA has arrived and it is coming in with a bang. If you don't know about San Antonio's annual Fiesta then you must not have been in San Antonio very long. It is a week long celebration with various events for people of all ages and interests. There is bound to be something that grabs your attention during this week long party San Antonio style. The majority of the events occur downtown at different locations, but there are events all over town from north to south, east to west. The celebrations starts of with pageants and competitions to name the Fiesta courts, but then kicks off big with the annual Oyster Bake open to everyone held at St. Mary University. It is weekend of fun, food, music and of course, oysters! Don't worry non oyster eaters, there is plenty of other fun foods to be enjoyed at this event. It is a fun way to spend an evening this opening weekend of Fiesta. 

There are plenty of other events in the Bake is not the scene for you. Tejano Festivals, Jazz concerts, art exhibits, and carnivals are also available through out the week. The infamous carnival is open from today, Wednesday 15th, all the way until the closing of Fiesta, next Sunday. It is open in the evenings during the weekdays  and all day on weekends. It is fun for the family equipped with rides and roller-coasters all located at the Alamodome. It is guaranteed fun for all ages.  

Of course, Fiesta can not truly be started without an opening parade.

The Texas Cavaliers Parade has been a tradition for years. It is the first of many parades of Fiesta, as decorated and lighted river barges travel down San Antonio's famous Riverwalk for onlookers. It is a very popular event as are all the Fiesta parades, Battle of Flowers, Flambeau, and King William's parade. 

It is a beautiful sight to see the lighted barges travel down the river and is a great event for visitors or experienced locals, either way it is highly enjoyed. But this parade is only the beginning. I will be bringing you the second half of Fiesta Events occurring. 

I invite you to step off campus this coming week and travel downtown for an experience which I believe you will truly enjoy and never be able to duplicate. San Antonio's pride and joy, FIESTA 2009!! :)

Hidden Treasures :)

The purpose of this blog was for me to highlight certain events happening in San Antonio. But what many don't realize is all that is occurring on a everyday basis in our lovely city. There are many things that are available often but are likely forgotten, I like to call these attractions San Antonio's hidden treasures! When ever anyone thinks of San Antonio the first thing that most likely comes to mind is most likely the Alamo or the Riverwalk. But besides being a hot tourist destination, there are many parts of it that are absolute favorites for the locals. The smaller restaurants towards the end of the river and the hidden ice cream place between a popular restaurant and the five and dime happen to be my favorite! There is so much beauty to see in the riverwalk and downtown. If you like taking pictures like me, you would love the Riverwalk on a weekday afternoon when the crowds are small and the beauty is its best. 

Another hidden treasure of San Antonio, has to be its parks. As the weather gets cooler and spring sets it, there are many parks in San Antonio which are perfect for picnics and family outings. One park fairly close to Trinity is Brakenridge Park. There are many shady spots, basketball courts, baseball fields, fire pits, playgrounds and a river running through it equipped with ducks, all the essentials for a great day at the park! :) 

Right next door to the park there are several attractions such as the Witte museum and the San Antonio Zoo. There are also the Botanical and Japanese Tea Gardens not to far away and are all perfect for just a nice relaxing day away. To have fun its not always necessary to travel all over and spend lots of money on a once a year event. A lot of these attractions are free and only several minutes away from Trinity. With these, a fun day is possible when you like and can do it anyway you want! Its perfect for a San Antonio Spring Day! :) 

Holy Week

This week marks the end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week for those you Catholics reading this blog. Most people believe that the only important part of holy week is Easter Sunday with mass and picnics and celebration. But many don't realize that there is an important celebration occurring many days before Easter Sunday. San Fernando Cathedral is one of San Antonio's oldest and most cherished landmarks. It is a beautiful Cathedral recently refurbished and is a amazing site to see for anyone, no matter their religion. 

Each year to mark the beginning of the end of Lent, San Fernando puts on their annual passion play starting thursday with the last supper and the arresting of Jesus in the garden. These play is not your average reenactment. The costumes and acting of those is so realistic, it is possible to get lost in the play. The play continues the following day with the elaborate demonstration of Jesus' crucifixion. The reenactment starts at the church and is moved around the area full of shouting crowds of condemners and the struggle of Jesus' walk, almost so that you feel that you are back in the streets on that day thousands of years ago. The reenactment concludes with the nailing of Jesus to the cross and the somber attitude of the meaning of this holiday, leaving you to reflect.

Two days later you would have never guessed that the same somber reenactment had occurred two days previous as the cathedral is filled to the brim of little girls in their nicest easter dresses and families brought together by the holiday and an overall joy feels the area. The celebration beginnings as the area is filled with happiness, food, and cascarones, a Mexican tradition of confetti filled eggs, as if just in time for San Antonio's Annual Fiesta! 

This Holy week is an amazing time to go and see the beauty, tradition and cultures of this city. Maybe it will help you learn your way around downtown for next weekends infamous Fiesta celebrations!! 

Sweet Sunday :)

Although San Antonio is not your typical small town with farms and county fairs, it is possible to find that setting once a year at the annual Poteet Strawberry Festival! Poteet is a small rural town outside of San Antonio, that is known for their annual fair that brings in people from all over the area. It is perfect for children of all ages, looking to have a little fun for the day. It has been going on since Friday the 3rd and runs until Sunday in the evening. $10 is enough to get you in and children 12 and under get in free. With 13 stages there is always something to watch. The carnival is what draws most people in and the food is just another reason for them to stay! There are petting zoos, arts and crafts booths, classic fair food and every evening a concert by an up and coming country star! From Magicians to Gun Shows and Petting Zoos to Nightly Dances, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy :) Approximately 20 miles outside of San Antonio, The festival can make a fun day trip with friends or the whole family. Its something different and only comes once a year so get out there to the sweetest spot in Texas! 

TGIF :)

Everybody counts down the days until Friday comes around. Its the perfect time to relax listen to music, just get a good start to the weekend. Its the perfect time to unwind from all the work and learning of the week and just be happy. San Antonio, on the first friday of every month knows exactly what to do to help the relaxing process.

First Friday takes place in the King Williams Area of Downtown San Antonio, starts on Presa St. and continues through the smaller streets of the area. The event highlights different people from the city presenting their different forms of art. The area offices which function during the day, turn in to art galleries for different artist. Street corners turn into stages for musicians, and the streets become markets when different sellers come with original products turning the event into a fun event for all ages. Not only does the art here at this event draw in crowds, but the food is something to rave about as well. There are several food stands through out the streets which serve food like funnel cakes, roasted corn, sausage and authentic San Antonio Tacos! 

If your looking for a more formal meal rather than walk and dine approach, there are several well known restaurants in the area. Rosario's is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in the city and with its fun atmosphere, it is a great place to grab dinner on First Friday. On the occasion of First Friday, the place is filled with live music, latin dancing, drink specials( for those 21 and older sorry) and a great dinner menu. The aesthetic of the restaurant with its Latin Art filled walls, will help set the mood for the rest of the evening and the art to be experienced throughout First Friday. 

If your not looking for a full meal and maybe just a sweet treat, Bubblehead Tea Lounge is the place to be. They provide Asian coffee, tea, hookah and infamous Bubble tea in many flavors. On First Friday it is very likely to find some sort of live music whether it be an up and coming singer/songwriter or an aspiring DJ, the music is enjoyable. 

The atmosphere is very relaxing and the people are friendly, it can be and enjoyable way to end the evening after walking the streets of First Friday.

First Friday is a new and different experience for anyone visiting or even San Antonio natives. Its many different aspects will have you coming back every month! :) 

FIRST ONE

HEY HEY HEY 

welcome to my blog :)