Artistic and Cultural Events on Display During Fiestas Patrias

Published on September 06, 2023

SAN ANTONIO (September 6, 2023) – The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture has partnered with the San Antonio Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission to kick off Fiestas Patrias San Antonio 2023. This annual celebration of Dieciséis de Septiembreand Hispanic Heritage Month features a series of festivities commemorating Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1810 and honoring San Antonio’s strong connection to Mexico. 

“San Antonio has deep historic and cultural ties with Mexico and celebrating Dieciséis de Septiembre and Hispanic Heritage Month every year is extremely important for our majority Latino City,” said District 5 Councilwoman and liaison to the Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission Teri Castillo. “These gatherings honor and celebrate the uniqueness and strength of our shared Mexican culture.”

The City of San Antonio Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission was established in 1994. Through its vision and leadership, the Commission hosts cultural events and celebrations that take place throughout the city as part of the official annual commemoration in San Antonio. Each event is created to promote an understanding of the historical significance of Mexico’s Day of Independence.

“Fiestas Patrias is a time to honor the many accomplishments, contributions and cultural impact of the Hispanic population in the nation,” said Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission Chairwoman Mari Sandoval-Ayala. “This is a time for the entire community to join in on the monthlong festivities that includes art exhibitions, performances, film screening, panels and more.” 

A sample of 2023 events include: 

• September 8: Fotos y Recuerdos Exhibit Opening Reception at Centro Cultural Aztlan showcases a span of 45 years of works by Chicano artist Jorge Sandoval.
• September 15: El Grito Civic Ceremony & Cultural Program is co-hosted by the Mexican Consul in San Antonio and the San Antonio Mexico Friendship Council in Historic Market Square.  
• September 16: 42st Annual Dieciséis de Septiembre Parade by the Avenida Guadalupe Association begins at the corner of Brazos and Guadalupe.
• September 16 – 17: LULAC’s Diez y Seis Fiestas Patrias will include performances by Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico groups at Historic Market Square.
• September 16 – 23: URBAN-15 Group’s "Accion!" Virtual Latino Film Screenings will show films by youth artists from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Brazil, Columbia, Argentina, Chile, the U.S. and Spain.
• September 17: US Mint-Smithsonian Jovita Idár Quarter Celebration will be the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute’s celebration of the new Jovita Idár quarter at Historic Market Square.
• September 23 – 24: Mezclas Acústicas by the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center is an acoustic concert series hosted by Azul Barrientos.
• September 30: Diez y Seis Mariachi Festival at La Villita Historic Arts Village highlights Mariachi and music programs from various schools.
• October 13: Celebrando Tradiciones – Cuentos, Bailes y Música features the Guadalupe Dance Company with live musical accompaniment by Mariachi Azteca de América at the Guadalupe Theater.
• October 14: 6^th Annual Fiesta Alegria presented by Avenida Guadalupe Association is the annual virtual closing party for National Hispanic Heritage Month.
• October 14 – 15: San Antonio Charro Association Anniversary Charreada taking place at Padre Park featuring 15 teams of charros in competition.

For a full list of events and more information about Fiestas Patrias San Antonio, please visit SanAntonio.gov/arts or follow @getcreativesa.