San Antonio Flambeau Parade

The 11-day celebration called San Antonio Fiesta has one of it signature events during the last weekend of fun and play. The Flambeau Parade is known as America's largest illuminated night parade. The nighttime parade route is lit by tall torches, which change the night into a sparkling route for the parade to follow.

The word 'flambeau' comes from the French and means flaming torch. In the beginning each section of the parade was lit up by a group of men carrying five-foot high torches for every ten floats. The originators of the event garnered the support and the participation of the various military branches located in San Antonio. With the support of the commanders the Flambeau Parade was launched in the spirit of San Antonio.

Next the organizers included groups who had not participated in the other events of Fiesta, such as the Shriners, local businesses, civic and other social groups. Each provided a float demonstrating their expression of the parade theme.

Wanting to expand outside the city of San Antonio the organizers asked for participation from other communities in Texas. In return The Flambeau Parade committee sent floats to other communities. This led to the parade gaining lots of national attention.

In addition the Flambeau Parade had its own Queen called Miss Fiesta. She and her float have appeared in many other national parades including the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena California.

The Flambeau Parade has always been about using the drama of the night to deliver a spectacular parade. Though like any well-crafted stage production it starts and ends on time covering the 2.6-mile parade route in 2 hours. Here's a link to some of the spectacular photos from last year's Flambeau Parade floats.

Each year the parade has about 50 floats, more than 40 bands, more than 10 mounted horseback groups and the usual assortment of Fiesta royalty, politicians and always some special surprise. Bands and parade participants come from all over the United States and Canada.

This year the theme of the Flambeau parade is Flambeau-Vegas Style. The Grand Marshall is actor Bruce McGill a native of San Antonio and honorary marshal is Ruben Ramos.

Bleacher seats are located along the parade route and can be purchased through the website or at the Fiesta Store. Like other San Antonio Fiesta events the Flambeau Parade assists local charities. In addition the Flambeau Parade committee offers tickets to non-profits to sell for the event. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as the Flambeau Parade is one of the most popular events of San Antonio Fiesta.

If you are not able to attend you can watch the parade on local TV or by webcam. For webcam instructions on how to watch the Flambeau Parade online.

Join over two million people watching the parade either by attending in person, watching on TV or viewing online. The 2009 Flambeau Parade is scheduled for the evening of April 25^th. For more information visit the Flambeau Parade website or call the Flambeau Parade information line at 210-735-5566. Until then Viva Fiesta!