As San Antonio gets ready for Fiesta, local officials and event organizers are rolling out safety plans to ensure everyone enjoys a fun, safe time.
Fiesta 2025 runs from April 24 to May 4 attracting some 2.5 million attendees.
The series of events will officially kick off with the free opener, Fiesta Fiesta, in Travis Park from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.
In response to previous incidents, including a shooting at the Fiesta de los Reyes event in Market Square last year, San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus has announced enhanced security for this year’s festivities.
Attendees can expect enhanced security, including thorough bag checks and weapons screenings at entry points, SAPD officials said at a press briefing on Monday.
Officials offered these tips: stay together as a group, especially if you’re with children; small bags, 12-by-6 inches, and clear bags encouraged; and no coolers or backpacks.
In addition, strategically placed safety barriers will help prevent unauthorized vehicle access, SAPD said — a precaution inspired by recent incidents at other public events such as the Bourbon Street attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans.
“There’s nowhere you’ll be able to look at any Fiesta event and not see a police officer,” McManus said. “And not just one, I’m talking — they’ll be all over, and they’ll be watching.”
McManus also warned eventgoers not to drink and drive, stating anyone who enjoys alcohol at the events — even if it’s just one beer — should prepare a safe ride home.
VIA will be offering special park-and-ride hours for Fiesta, with stops at Crossroads, Stone Oak and Brooks Transit Center. Plan your $1.30 VIA ride each way here.
The city, SAPD and local officials are working together to ensure 2025’s Fiesta season is especially safe, said Trish DeBerry, president and CEO of Centro San Antonio, the nonprofit that manages the downtown public improvement district. She added that all 130 staff members will be working throughout Fiesta with additional temporary staff, which will include retired police officers, to help ensure safe events.
“We are heightening, we are elevating — we had a great Final Four in downtown San Antonio without incident, so we have laid the groundwork associated with what safe and secure can look like,” DeBerry said during the press conference. “Here’s the bottom line: see something, say something.”
Medical safety staff will be present at all Fiesta events on bicycles and at designated locations throughout the 10-day event, said San Antonio Fire Department Chief Valerie Frausto. She encouraged Fiestagoers to stay hydrated and to utilize shade to prevent overheating.
This year’s “Fiesta For All” theme emphasizes safety, said David Christian, president of the San Antonio Fiesta Commission. Christian then thanked first responders for staying alert and ready during the Fiesta season.
“We do like to party, but we like to party safely,” Christian said. “So viva fiesta, and viva safety!”
