In the years following World War I, San Antonio was blossoming as a cultural hub. A group of local businessmen and veterans — united by a love for their city and a shared sense of camaraderie — formed the Texas Cavaliers. Their vision was simple: to promote civic pride and celebrate the rich history of Texas and San Antonio through friendship, fellowship and service. Among the founding members were World War I veterans who carried their sense of duty to peacetime service.

The group took its name from the romantic image of the Spanish and Texan “cavaliers”, noblemen known for their honor, pageantry, and gallantry. Early members were known to don striking military-style uniforms with plumed hats and sashes, blending chivalric tradition with Texas flair.

The Cavaliers first joined Fiesta San Antonio in 1927, presenting their own monarch: King Antonio. The first King Antonio, John B. Carrington, rode on horseback through downtown San Antonio, marking the beginning of a beloved annual tradition. Since then, the reigning King Antonio has served as a symbolic “goodwill ambassador” for the city — visiting schools, hospitals, and community events to spread joy and civic pride.

During the 1930s, the Cavaliers introduced pageantry, color, and ceremony to Fiesta, hosting elegant banquets, coronations, and processions inspired by both Texas history and European royal courts. These events helped transform Fiesta into the grand, citywide celebration it is today.

This one-of-a-kind parade started in 1941 after a group of Texas Cavaliers saw the flower-laden boats and barges of the “floating gardens” in Mexico City. It has since grown to become a time-honored San Antonio tradition and a celebration of philanthropy. Under the leadership of King Antonio XLIX Charles Orsinger, the Texas Cavaliers turned the San Antonio River into a stage for floating pageantry for the first time. While the parade paused during World War II, many Cavaliers traded their sashes for military uniforms once again, serving their country with the same pride they brought to their community.

When the parade returned after the war, it did so with even greater spirit — symbolizing not just celebration, but resilience and renewal.

Medals are synonymous with Fiesta, but did you know the Texas Cavaliers started the tradition? It all began in 1946, when they began delivering commemorative coins to children in local hospitals in hopes of raising their spirits. By 1961, the tradition evolved and people began wearing them around their necks during Fiesta to celebrate. 

A decade later, Charles G. Orsinger, the 49th King Antonio, added colorful ribbons to the medals and introduced the first official Fiesta medals. From there, Fiesta organizations across San Antonio embraced the tradition, designing and selling their own. Today, Fiesta medals are treasured collectibles and a lovely way to support charitable causes throughout the San Antonio community. 

As the Cavaliers’ traditions grew, so did their sense of purpose. In 1989, they established the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, focusing their energy on improving the lives of children throughout San Antonio and South Texas. Since its founding, the Foundation has distributed millions of dollars to local nonprofits supporting children’s health, education, and welfare.

Beyond Fiesta, Cavaliers can be found volunteering at youth programs, mentoring future leaders, and representing San Antonio at civic and cultural events across Texas.

Today, the Texas Cavaliers number more than 600 members, including generations of families who have passed down the tradition of service. While their uniforms, parades, and ceremonies remain rooted in history, their mission has evolved with the city itself — combining tradition, philanthropy, and community leadership in a way that continues to define San Antonio’s unique spirit.

Beyond Fiesta, Cavaliers can be found volunteering at youth programs, mentoring future leaders, and representing San Antonio at civic and cultural events across Texas.