The annual World Heritage Festival, honoring the unique history and culture of San Antonio, takes place Sept. 4-8 at Mission San Juan, Mission San José and other locations throughout the city.
The festival coincides with the global observance of Organization of World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day on Sept. 8 and offers free family-friendly activities, educational experiences and entertainment for all ages.
In 2015, UNESCO declared the Spanish colonial missions — Concepcion, Espada, San José, San Juan and the Alamo — a combined World Heritage Site, one of just 26 in the United States and the only site in Texas.
“With the World Heritage Festival entering its ninth year, we are thrilled to celebrate our city by highlighting the significance of the five San Antonio Missions and the UNESCO World Heritage designation,” said Colleen Swain, director of the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office. “This one-of-kind festival continues to link us to San Antonio’s past and reminds us of our responsibility to support the preservation of our heritage for future generations to enjoy.”
The festival is largely driven by tours with unique directives like “We’re Still Here” at Mission San José, San Juan and Espada, which are co-presented by living Mission Indian Descendants and representatives of American Indians of Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions. The tours aim to teach participants about the history of the missions and the lived experience of its community members.
“Nopal y Tu” at Mission San Juan is an immersive agricultural tour of the Mission San Juan Farm with an emphasis on indigenous sustainable practices that are still feeding San Antonio. “Tour de Las Misiones Bike Ride & Walk,” which according to organizers is intended to be “slow and social,” includes 7-, 14- and 22-mile bike rides or walks. All festival events are free, but registration is required for “Tour de Las Misiones.”
The World Heritage Festival is an annual celebration to protect and celebrate San Antonio’s cultural heritage presented by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office in partnership with Bexar County, San Antonio River Authority, The Alamo, Las Misiones, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and the City of San Antonio Military and Veteran Affairs Department.
A full schedule of events can be found on the World Heritage Festival website.
