SAN ANTONIO – Organizers for Fiesta de los Reyes, the largest single Fiesta event, offered a preview during a Friday morning news conference.
One significant change coming to this year’s event will be the introduction of a $5 gate fee.
There are still opportunities to attend for free, but during select hours:
- Monday-Thursday before 6 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday before 1 p.m.
Children under 13 can enter the event for free.
“We encourage guests to come early, plan ahead and take full advantage of the many free entry hours offered throughout the event,” said Elaine De Los Santos, the interim executive director of the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation.
The San Antonio City Council voted 7-4 on Thursday morning to approve a contract amendment allowing the gate fee during some of the busiest times of the 10-day event, which has traditionally been free.
De Los Santos said after a fatal shootout in 2024 and another shooting in 2023, “$5 to keep your family safe is, you know, justifiable.”
>> Fiesta’s biggest event no longer free; city council approves $5 gate fee for Fiesta de los Reyes
“Proceeds from this event support the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation,” De Los Santos said.
She announced that tickets are available for purchase on their website.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus spoke about how safety is his department’s top priority.
“There will be fencing around Milam Park and Market Square with four entrances,” McManus said.
He stated every entrance will have a security guard present to check bags and monitor guests walking through metal detectors.
“So don’t bring a gun with you, or knives,” McManus said. “Leave all weapons at home, not in your car. If you leave them in your car, guess what’s going to happen.”
Personal bags must be 12 by six inches or smaller, McManus said. Diaper bags and medical bags are allowed, however.
“You won’t be able to look around and not see an SAPD officer,” McManus said. “If you see something or feel something is not right, let us know. We’re not going to get mad at you if it turns out to be nothing.”
Katie Reynolds, who represents Silver Eagle Beverages, emphasized not drinking and driving.
Reynolds said Silver Eagle Beverages’ social media accounts will provide $10 discount codes for Uber rides during Fiesta.
Fiesta de los Reyes, which is entering its 15th year, will run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., April 17 through April 26, at Market Square.
The event benefits the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, which raises scholarship funds for high school seniors.
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