In February I finished my Texas flag quilt, which now hangs in the dining area. To create a waving effect, the bargello technique was used. The bluebonnet fabric I purchased years ago and is my favorite of any bluebonnet fabrics I’ve ever seen. It was machine-stitched and hand-quilted, using a star pattern.
I waited until today, San Jacinto Day, to share this latest quilt. On April 21, 1836, General Sam Houston captured General Santa Anna at San Jacinto, ensuring Independence for Texas.
Being from San Antonio, Texas, I have many memories of the many celebrations the week of San Jacinto Day, celebrated on the week of April 21. We always got the Friday of the big week off from school, so that the high school bands could compete in Battle of the Bands at Alamo Stadium at Trinity University on Thursday night, and then perform in both the Battle of Flowers Parade on Friday afternoon and the Fiesta Flambeau on Saturday night.
When I moved to San Marcos to attend SWTSU…no celebrations. When I student taught in New Braunfels…no celebrations. When I later moved to Wichita Falls…no celebrations. So it seems that San Antonio is the only area that celebrates San Jacinto Day, at least to this extent. And most of the festivities center around the Alamo.
When I taught third grade in San Antonio, we had our students make their own floats representing Texas History so we could lead our own parade for the school, on Thursday of Fiesta Week. After all, we’d be off on Friday so everyone could attend the events and support the high school bands. We’d dress up in our best Fiesta attire, wear our medals, and showcase our floats. Each third grade teacher led their class in the procession for the rest of the school to enjoy. What fun!
Then I moved to Virginia where of course, there are no fiesta events. That is when I finally blogged about the history and the fun. I wish I had taken better pictures in the past, but I was in the moment, and didn’t yet have a digital camera. I hope to one day again attend the many events, to do a photo explosion that I can share.
Numerous unique parades, scores of colorful medals, and glittering gowns with extensively long and equally extensively embellished trains mark the occasion. Read all about it:
San Antonio River Parade and the Texas Cavaliers
Pilgrimage to the Alamo and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas
Fiesta Medals, the Old Guard, and El Rey Feo
Glittering Gowns and Trains of Fiesta
Battle of Flowers Parade, Cascarones, and the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets
Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade and the University of Texas Longhorns
Teacups in the Garden 