Old San Antonio Fiesta medals find new life as hats, jewelry, wreaths and more

SAN ANTONIO – It’s medal-maniacs season in San Antonio, and if you’re collecting a bunch of Fiesta medals this year, San Antonio creatives say don’t forget the ones from last year.

At B.Link inside La Villita, Brandy Garcia, Mujeres Gonzalez Art Owner Dolores Gonzales and Princess and the Monkey Owner Stephanie Peña shared simple do-it-yourself ways to repurpose old medals.

The repurpose methods involve deconstructing the medals into a larger medallion to turn ribbons into hat flair, or key chains, purse chains and even wreaths.

Not ready to craft? Goodwill San Antonio states that community members can donate medals at any of its 24 stores. The medals are then resold at a lower price and sometimes include rare finds, like a vintage Selena medal.

More Fiesta 2026 coverage on KSAT:

• San Antonio high school students get first look at Battle of Flowers Parade floats
• Fiesta parades: How to choose where to sit?