Texas Cavaliers' River Parade: A San Antonio Fiesta Event

San Antonio is well known for its picturesque Riverwalk, which winds through the center of downtown San Antonio. One of the special events of San Antonio Fiesta is the Texas Cavaliers' River Parade held the first week of Fiesta. Over 250,000 spectators gather along the banks of the San Antonio River to watch this long-standing Fiesta event.

The evening parade considered one of the most unique parades in the country, features nearly 50 river barges professionally decorated with lights, carrying bands and costumed participants. It reminds me of a mini Mardi Gras parade on the river. The reminder of Mardi Gras is not a coincidence either as the firm in charge of decorating the barges is Kern Studios. Kern Studios of New Orleans has been responsible for decorating floats for some of the most famous of New Orleans Mardi Gras parades.

The Riverwalk parade is sponsored by the Texas Cavaliers an organization founded in 1927 to remember and carry on the values of the heroes of the Alamo and the skills of horsemanship. Today the organization has expanded its purpose to include civic and charitable contributions to many of the non-profits serving residents, especially children of San Antonio.

The Cavaliers' kick off the Fiesta season with the crowning of the King of Fiesta, King Antonio. The crowning of the new King is kept secret until he is crowned at a special ceremony in front of the Alamo at sunset on the first Saturday evening of Fiesta week. The tradition dates back to 1896 with the crowning of the first King Antonio.

King Antonio will reign over San Antonio Fiesta events during the entire 11-day fiesta and throughout the rest of the year. After crowning King Antonio is officially recognized by the Mayor and given the key to the City of San Antonio. The crowning day activities end with the traditional King's Ball.

The outfit worn by King Antonio is especially unique. The uniform is red and blue with a sword and red plumed hat and is modeled after the French Foreign Legion officers' uniforms of World War I.

For 2009 the theme is "Celebrate Texas". For those of us who live here we agree with parade marshal Steve Dutton who says, "Texas is more than just a place, but, in fact, a state of mind." Floats in the Texas Cavaliers Parade will showcase the unique characteristics of Texas. There are two grand marshals this year, former Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. and an honorary marshal General Sam Houston (played by living historian Tom Jackson).

Like everything in Texas, there is always a special story. The 2009 San Antonio Fiesta Cavaliers' Parade will start with a wedding. Local newspaper reporter Nancy Martinez will marry San Antonio Police Officer Sean Preyor-Johnson in a ceremony aboard one of the barges at the start of the parade. The two met at last years parade.

If you're ready to create your own special Texas story, then come enjoy the magic of the Cavaliers Parade on the Riverwalk. It's a San Antonio Fiesta event you'll remember for years to come.