"Show Us Your Shoes"

Fiesta San Antonio started in 1891 as a one-parade event and has evolved today into one of this nation’s premier festivals with more than 100 events and an economic impact of almost $284 million for the city.

Fiesta is “The Party with a Purpose.” Each event is produced by a nonprofit organization selected by the Fiesta San Antonio Commission.

During the 11 days of Fiesta and leading up to it- the whole city goes into Fiesta mode! Businesses are decorated and close early for certain events, people wear ribbons and flowers in their hair- It's like our own Mardi Gras. 

Fiesta includes so many different types of events, there is truly something for everyone. Art shows, balls, dances, fashion, food festivals, luncheons, galas, music, parades and much more. 

With so many events it was overwhelming to pick which to go to! So this year we started off slow and picked one, but I think it was the best! Every year on the last night of Fiesta, they end with the biggest parade, The Fiesta Flambeau Parade. The Fiesta Flambeau Parade is one of the largest illuminated parades in the U.S., with an estimated 600,000 spectators along the streets of San Antonio and another 1.5 million in the television viewing audience.

It was really fun- and we had seats on bleachers!! Making it even better!

My favorite part was finding out a little Texas tradition. I find that for every famous parade they have a famous saying. In New Orleans at Mardi Gras it's, "Throw me something Mister". Well in San Antonio it's, "Show us your shoes!"

As Miss Texas rolled by on a beautifully decorated float, wearing a gorgeous gown, she lifted up her big dress and showed her boots! At first I thought this was a little forward of the beauty queen but as the parade went on I saw the trend. 

According to MySanAntonio.com: ‘Show us your shoes!’ is more than just a directive, the plea screamed along parade routes is actually a tradition all on its own. Knowing that excited parade-goers will want to know what’s hiding underneath their dresses and gowns, Fiesta’s leading ladies participating in the parades typically wear unique and elaborately-decorated footwear to show off to the crowds.

Most of these shoes were decorated boots, of course!

Angela and I in our Fiesta wreaths!

I know it's hard to see but they are "showing their shoes". See both there feet lifted?

 

These bugs were so cool!