As Fiesta kicks off today, San Antonio officials are urging attendees to plan ahead — from navigating new security measures to preparing for road closures, crowds and rising temperatures.
San Antonio Police Department Capt. Robert Vara, who is overseeing security for Fiesta de los Reyes at the Historic Market Square, the largest single fiesta event, said the goal is simple.
“At the end of the day, we’re focused on keeping the public safe,” Vara said. “We want people to have fun here, but at the end of the day, we also want to make sure that you go home safely.”
What’s new at Fiesta de los Reyes
Fiesta de los Reyes, which runs April 17–26 at Historic Market Square, will operate from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, within a secured footprint with four designated entry points, down from five last year.
This year the historically free event will charge a $5 entry fee during peak hours including after 6 p.m. on most weekdays and after 1 p.m. on weekends and the second Friday to help pay for enhanced security measures.
To avoid the lines, Vara recommends purchasing tickets online in advance, guests who enter before the ticketing window begins will not have to pay to stay inside, kids age 12 and under receive free admission.
“When you come out here, it should just be a QR code that’s on your phone, and you can just walk through the line,” he said. “ It should not be a long line when you come in.”
Attendees will enter through checkpoints at Commerce and South Santa Rosa streets, Houston Street near Milam Park, and two entrances along Dolorosa Street.
At each entrance, visitors should expect screening, including walk-through metal detectors and bag checks.
Bags must fit within a 12-by-6-by-12-inch size limit, though diaper bags are allowed as an exception. Backpacks are not permitted.
“We recommend bringing clear bags, but it’s not mandatory. You can bring any bag, as long as it can fit into that container right there.” Vara said.
Officials also emphasized several prohibited items, including outside food and drinks, alcohol, vaping devices and firearms.
“Last year, we saw a lot of people trying to come in with their vape pens,” Vara said. “I know those things cost money, so don’t bring them to Fiesta, because we would hate for you to have to go and try to either put them away somewhere else or get rid of them.”
Inside the footprint, fencing will include a new dark mesh covering designed to prevent items from being passed through from outside.
Concrete barriers will also be placed around the perimeter to protect against potential vehicle threats.
Bexar county officials also confirmed they will be using eight new Meridian Archer 1200 mobile vehicle barriers that were purchased last year but did not arrive in time for last year’s fiesta celebrations. Officials said they would not disclose the location of these barriers for safety purposes.
The portable steel barriers are designed to stop vehicles from entering crowded areas and can be deployed quickly at major events.
Police, EMS and security presence
Beyond the perimeter measures, officials say a visible law enforcement and emergency response presence will remain a key part of the event.
Vara said SAPD will have roughly 90 officers working inside Fiesta de los Reyes at any given time, with total staffing reaching up to 150 officers when including surrounding areas and support units.
Those officers will be backed by additional resources, including traffic units, drones and specialized teams trained to respond to critical incidents.
The San Antonio Fire Department will also have EMS bike teams and first responder vehicles stationed throughout Fiesta events, allowing for quicker response times in crowded areas. Paramedics will be staged nearby and called into the event footprint when needed.
Officials noted that many medical calls during Fiesta are related to dehydration and heat, making preparation just as important as security.
Plan ahead: transportation and closures
With large crowds expected downtown, city officials are urging attendees to make transportation plans in advance.
There will be no public parking at Historic Market Square during Fiesta, except for staff, according to the city.
Several streets around downtown will be closed throughout the celebration, and congestion is expected near major events and parade routes.
Officials recommend using ride-share services, biking or public transit to get to and from events.
VIA Metropolitan Transit will offer additional Fiesta service, including Park & Ride options from three locations: Crossroads Park & Ride, Stone Oak Park & Ride and Brooks. Round-trip fares start at $2.60, with reduced fares available for students, military members and qualifying riders.
For Fiesta de los Reyes, attendees can also use VIA’s Prímo Route 100 or VIA Link Downtown service to reach Market Square.
A full list of closures shows impacts beginning as early as April 16 around Travis Park, with additional closures tied to Fiesta de los Reyes and other major events.
Streets will also close early for the Battle of Flowers Parade and Fiesta Flambeau Parade.
Safety tips for attendees
Officials say personal safety planning is just as important outside secured event areas.
“Try to partner up with people. Come with your friends,” Vara said. “If you partake in the refreshments that they have here, make arrangements with your family or friends or maybe Uber or Lyft to try to get you a ride home.”
Attendees are encouraged to go in groups, stay aware of their surroundings and make arrangements for how they will get home — especially if they plan to drink.
“Remember, alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, affecting coordination and raising the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities,” city officials wrote in a statement. “If you plan to drink, plan to get home safely. Designate a sober driver, use a ride-share service, or call a taxi.”
With warm temperatures expected, officials are also urging attendees to take precautions against heat-related illness.
The city recommends drinking water regularly, avoiding prolonged sun exposure and taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas when possible.
While security measures have expanded in recent years, officials say safety ultimately depends on both enforcement and public awareness.
“If you see something, say something,” the city said.
