There’s nothing quite like the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. Festive music fills the air and vibrant floats pass by as thousands watch from the banks of the San Antonio River. One of Fiesta’s signature moments, the River Parade adds a fresh surge of energy to the celebration already happening across the city.
This one-of-a-kind parade started in 1941 after a group of Texas Cavaliers witnessed boats and barges decorated with flowers in the “floating gardens” of Mexico City. This coincided with the San Antonio River bend restoration, and the Texas Cavaliers decided to bring this unique experience to our city.
The first Texas Cavaliers River Parade included a number of boats for schools, local businesses, civic organizations and the Army. Texas Cavaliers and the parade sponsors decorated every float with bright flowers and vibrant colors, and the tradition of the River Parade began.
Over the decades, the River Parade has evolved alongside San Antonio itself. What began as a modest procession of decorated boats has grown into a carefully choreographed evening of light, music, and pageantry, reflecting the city’s creativity, diversity, and love of celebration. Each generation has added its own touch, helping the parade remain both familiar and continually renewed.
More than eighty years later, the Texas Cavaliers continue to fill the San Antonio River with the bold color and energy of Fiesta. Each year, the River Parade captures the imagination of more than 250,000 spectators, securing its place as a beloved part of the city’s cultural fabric. Proceeds from the event support local children’s charities through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, ensuring the parade’s impact extends far beyond the riverbanks.