Home to the famed Alamo, San Antonio is a beautiful and historic city located right at the source of the San Antonio River. It is the seventh most-populous city in the United States and the second most populous in the entire state of Texas. What's more -- it has a very rich story, which stretches back to ancient history. San Antonio was once a major part of Spanish Mexico, their final outpost on what was then the wild frontier. They built several Catholic missions there to claim the territory and minister to the local Native Americans, who were mostly of the Tonkawa tribe. One of the buildings they built in the 1500s achieved eternal fame in the War for Texas Independence. Today we know it as The Alamo. 

But just a mile west of The Alamo is another historic attraction: Market Square. The largest Mexican market in the United States and named by Frommer’s as one of the top ten markets in the entire country, Market Square continues to be as equally as enticing for locals as for tourists. Although its history doesn’t stretch as far back as The Alamo’s (it was established in 1938), it is still a highly celebrated part of life in San Antonio. Fewer days is that more apparent than on Cinco de Mayo.

Although sometimes mistaken as Mexico's Independence Day (it actually honors the Mexican Army's miraculous victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862), Cinco de Mayo is nonetheless celebrated with the same zeal as any other independence day. Traditional Mexican dance, clothes, food, and celebrations make Market Square come alive during their three-day celebration. One of the very best times to come to this Downtown neighborhood is when the city lights up with the elaborate fiestas of Cinco de Mayo. Expect colorful parades with traditional garb, decorations, music, dancing, drinks, and plenty of food.

Market Square / photo by Joey Parsons / CC BY-ND

San Antonio rests less than two hundred miles from what is now the Mexican border, so when you are here you will enjoy amazing warm weather, southern hospitality, diverse culture, and fine dining on any regular week. However, if you stay for Cinco de Mayo, you will be thoroughly delighted by the unique experience. Live music is everywhere in the city and every venue in Market Square is geared for a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Performers include local favorites Palacio Brothers and last year’s grand marshal of the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, Patsy Torres.

Take in the sounds of authentic Mexican bands. Delight in traditional Mexican dances like Flamenco and the Rumba. Peruse handcrafted goods from local retailers. Trek throughout the packed and colorful Market Square to get the full experience. There is fun to be found here for all kinds of residents with planned interactive events and talented performers.

Don't go to sleep early! Each evening of the weekend will be topped off with the most Texan way to celebrate: with a spectacular fireworks show late into the evening.

Photo by Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA