It’s that extra-special time of year where endless streams of confetti follow your every footstep and it’s 100% acceptable to eat Chicken on a Stick for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fiesta San Antonio is an eleven-day party held every April that celebrates the history and culture of San Antonio and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The days and nights are filled with parades, live music, block parties, art & crafts fairs, society events and so much more.
As a newcomer to the festivities in 2008 I was amazed by the sheer volume of events. Friends and colleagues would use vacation time during Fiesta to ensure they didn’t miss out on any of the fun (probably the best for work productivity, and in hindsight I should have done the same). But what impressed me the most with Fiesta was the way it highlighted the history of San Antonio and seamlessly integrated culture and an authentic sense of community into each event.
A perfect example of a community of people coming together to celebrate Fiesta and its ‘Party with a Purpose’ is Fiesta Cornyation. Cornyation is a satirical, campy, glitter filled show featuring immaculate set designs and skits that spoof local and national current events. Since becoming a non-profit, Cornyation has donated over $2 million to the San Antonio HIV community as well as developed a scholarship program that supports local theatre arts college students.
This year’s Cornyation has extra special meaning as my dear friend and favorite Hill Country Hostess, Mindy Miller Hill, will reign as King Anchovy LIV. King Anchovy presides over the Cornyation performances and leads the fundraising efforts for the season. Mindy’s community involvement and decade of Cornyation support are just a few of the many reasons why she was bestowed this honor.
Fiesta Cornyation runs Tuesday, April 23, Wednesday, April 24, and Thursday April 25 at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre and features two performances each night (7 p.m. and 10 p.m.). You can purchase tickets to see King Anchovy LIV and The Court of Tremendous Expectations at the Fiesta Store, Majestic Box Office or online at ticketmaster.com. Viva Fiesta!