Fiesta Flambeau Parade

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Fiesta Flambeau Parade

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America’s Largest Illuminated Night Parade and Winner of Best Parade in the World. The prospect of an evening parade was not entirely original.

Millions of spectators who have watched it light the way through the final weekend of the feasting and frolicking of Fiesta San Antonio know it as the BEST of America’s parades. ‘Flambeau’ is a French word meaning a tall candlestick or burning torch. Participants in the Flambeau Parade have used both to give the cool Texas evening the appearance of being illuminated by thousands of stars. The idea of a lighted parade, now one of the premier events of Fiesta, was the brainchild of civil engineer Reynolds Andricks. Despite his insistence that he knew nothing about parades, he was elected to the Board of the Fiesta San Jacinto Association in 1948. His recollection of his first meeting: “I was astounded that so few people seemed interested in Fiesta. They didn’t think that they should add another parade.” He recommended that the ‘new’ parade take place at night and that it be called Fiesta Flambeau. Andricks had enjoyed night parades as part of the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. He believed, however, that with help he could create an event as unique as San Antonio. In Fredericksburg, a German community in the Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio, lived William Petmecky. He had for years spent his working days as the tax assessor and then postmaster for Gillespie County. Over the course of half a century, his free time was spent as an active participant in county fairs. Petmecky began the famed Easter Fires Pageant in Fredericksburg, writing the script and a booklet describing the legend. He was widely recognized as a ‘FestivalImpresario’. By the time that Andricks was planning Fiesta Flambeau, Petmecky had become nationally known as a creator of folk festivals. He was delighted to be asked to help create Fiesta’s first illuminated night parade.

10/07/2026

🚀 COSMIC NIGHTS: A UNIVERSE OF LIGHTS 🌎🪐✨

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the universe as the streets of San Antonio come alive with glowing planets, brilliant stars, futuristic worlds, cosmic adventures and spectacular illuminated creations.

Whether you’re a marching band, dance group, nonprofit organization, community group, float entry or other parade participant, this is your opportunity to be part of one of Fiesta San Antonio’s most iconic traditions.

Applications are now open! Apply using the link below and start planning how YOU will bring Cosmic Nights: A Universe of Lights to life!

👇 APPLY HERE:
https://www.jotform.com/build/262375066345157

🔥 Fiesta Flambeau Parade
America’s Largest Illuminated Night Parade

09/30/2026

It was an exciting time during our Fiesta Flambeau Themed Poster selection event.

Attendees participated in selecting the winner from a selection of 14 artists.

The winner is Teresa Riojas!!!

We wish to thank all those who made the event a universal success.

San Antonio College
Scobee Planetarium staff
Liz Ruiz - MC

Here are photos of event and winning art

09/23/2026

Today is our Poster selection event. 15 artists are participating.
Can’t wait to see who is selected.

Make plans to attend today. Doors open at 6. See event post for more details.

09/16/2026

Exciting opportunity for those who will be attending the Poster Event.

You may purchase our official medal.

It’s beautiful and glows in the dark.

$15 (credit card only)

See you on 9/23

2027 Fiesta Flambeau Parade Poster Contest

08/31/2026

MISSED THE BIG REVEAL?

If you missed the announcement of the 2027 Fiesta Flambeau Parade theme, we’ve got you covered! Watch the video and experience the excitement as we officially unveiled the theme that will light up the streets of San Antonio in 2027.

“Cosmic Nights – A Universe of Lights” 🚀✨

Get ready for an out-of-this-world celebration as America’s Largest Illuminated Night Parade takes you on a journey through the stars!

🎥 Watch the video and see the big reveal!

08/28/2026

Calling all local artists!

The Fiesta Flambeau® Parade Association is inviting artists to showcase their creativity in the 2026–2027 Poster Contest and bring the 2027 parade theme, “Cosmic Nights: A Universe of Lights,” to life!

The winning artwork will become part of the official celebration of America’s Largest Illuminated Night Parade, and the winning artist will receive a $1,000 cash prize, recognition in the Official Fiesta Flambeau® Magazine, and an invitation to the Fiesta Flambeau® Bash.

Artists age 18 and older living in the San Antonio metropolitan area are encouraged to participate. Visit Flambeau.org to register and review the contest information.

Sign up and show us your vision of a universe filled with light!

08/26/2026

The Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association is proud to officially announce the theme for the 2027 Fiesta Flambeau Parade: “COSMIC NIGHTS — A UNIVERSE OF LIGHTS!”

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the stars as America’s Largest Illuminated Night Parade transforms the streets of San Antonio into a spectacular universe filled with color, light, imagination, and celebration. In 2027, our magnificent illuminated floats, marching bands, performers, and parade participants will bring the wonders of space to life, from distant planets and brilliant stars to rockets, galaxies, and the limitless possibilities of the universe.

Cosmic Nights — A Universe of Lights celebrates exploration, discovery, innovation, and the excitement of looking beyond our world while capturing the magic and tradition that have made Fiesta Flambeau a treasured San Antonio tradition for generations. Prepare for an extraordinary evening where Fiesta meets the final frontier and the streets of San Antonio shine brighter than ever before. The universe is calling, and Fiesta Flambeau is ready for launch!

06/17/2026

🎉✨ Happy National Mascot Day to Our Favorite Spark of Fiesta – Torchy! ✨🎉

Today we’re celebrating the one and only Torchy, the official mascot of the Fiesta Flambeau Parade and a true ambassador of fun, excitement, and community spirit! 🌟🔥

From lighting up parades and schools to spreading smiles wherever he goes, Torchy brings energy, joy, and unforgettable memories to people of all ages. Whether he’s waving to the crowd, posing for photos, or representing America’s Largest Illuminated Night Parade, Torchy always shines bright!

Join us in wishing Torchy a Happy National Mascot Day and thank you for helping keep the Fiesta spirit alive all year long. ❤️💙💛

Drop a 🎉 or ⭐ in the comments to show Torchy some love!

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸

This Memorial Day, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade proudly joins our community in paying tribute to the heroes who served our nation with courage, dedication, and honor. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms we enjoy every day.

May we never forget those who gave everything for America. ❤️🤍💙

04/30/2026

✨ What People Are Saying About the 2026 Fiesta Flambeau Parade! ✨

“It was so festive and flowed effortlessly!” – Auggie S.

That’s what we love to hear! 💬

With over 800,000 spectators lining the route and more than 200 incredible entries lighting up downtown, the 2026 Fiesta Flambeau Parade truly delivered an unforgettable night of magic, energy, and nonstop excitement.

But don’t just take our word for it…

👇 We want to hear from YOU! 👇
What was YOUR favorite moment from this year’s parade?

🎉 The floats?
🎶 The bands?
✨ The lights?
💃 The energy of the crowd?

📲 Drop your comments below OR
📧 Email us your thoughts to be featured in our Parade Reviews!

Your feedback helps us make America’s Largest Illuminated Night Parade even better every year. 💡

Address

San Antonio, TX

Telephone

+12102027900

Website

http://www.flambeau.org/

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