From La Gran Posada to Bazar Sabado, San Antonio festivities keep spirits bright. It’s a chilly Saturday morning in December, and a line
300-people long has formed across the street from the San Antonio Museum of
Art. Some folks fidget with anticipation, others chat calmly as they check gift
lists, nibble on cinnamon-dusted buñuelos, and sip steaming cups of coffee and
cocoa. The orderly queue inches toward a beige warehouse with an austere
exterior that belies the treasures inside. At last, the doors swing open, and
it’s go time at the global shopping gala/grab-a-thon known as Bazar Sábado.
The dizzying frenzy is matched only by the mind-boggling
assemblage of traditional art and textiles from around the world.
Such cultural richness and infectious energy infuse San
Antonio during the holiday season. Last year, TH Photography Editor Griff Smith
spent several December days documenting the Alamo City’s blend of Yuletide
tradition and serendipity for these pages: The decades-old lighted parade,
cruising boat-carolers, glowing luminarias, and twinkling trees along the River
Walk. Furry encounters at the Blessing of the Animals in Market Square. The
festive productions, Snow Hill, and illuminated roller coasters at Fiesta
Texas. San Fernando Cathedral’s powerful Gran Posada procession reenacting Mary
and Joseph’s search for shelter.
And then there was that spirited shopping spree on a chilly
Saturday.
See the print edition for photos and details on the following
holiday events in San Antonio:
Holiday in the Park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Nov. 27,
2009-Jan. 3, 2010: Colorful lights, the Frosty Chutes Snow Hill and strolling,
costumed characters transform the park, which offers special holiday shows, and
holiday music. pers are there) and a 60-foot tree offer photo ops—and chilly
thrills await on the roller coasters and other rides. Tree-lighting at Alamo Plaza, 3 p.m.–7 p.m., Nov. 27: The
25th annual H-E-B tree-lighting celebration (with Santa doing the honors)
begins mid-afternoon on Alamo Plaza with holiday music by
local bands, balloon-artist “elves,” face-painting, and other enticements. Blessing
of the Animals, Market Square, noon– 6 p.m., Dec. 5: Humans and their
beloved animal cohabitants parade through Market Square (514 W. Commerce)
before being blessed by a priest. Event includes mariachis, food and
crafts booths, a petting zoo, shops and Ballet Folklórico performances. www.marketsquaresa.com. - Bazar
Sábado, San Antonio Museum of Art, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Dec. 12: The annual
global folk-art market fea-tures items from Guatemala, China, Thailand,
Africa, Russia, Mexico, and the U.S.
- Art.i.copia,
Southwest School of Art & Craft, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Dec. 12: Enjoy
refreshments while browsing an array of contemporary art in the SSAC’s
Gallery Shop.
- La
Gran Posada, San Fernando Cathedral, 6 p.m. Dec. 20: The candlelight
procession, which reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in
Bethlehem, winds from Milam Park to Market Square, then ends at San
Fernando Cathedral. Participants follow costumed actors (portraying Mary,
Joseph, and others) and sing traditional Posada songs.
River Walk Holiday Events
Ford
Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony, 7 p.m. Nov. 27: River Walk illuminated in a dazzling
spectacle of lights with tens of thousands of parade-goers gathering along
the banks and on bridges to watch lighted floats. Ford
Holiday Boat Caroling, 6:30 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Nov. 28–Dec. 20: Cruising
choral and instrumental groups spread the season’s spirit. Fiestas
de las Luminarias, Dec. 4–20 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings,
beginning at dusk): Thousands of gleaming luminarias line the river bank,
symbolically lighting the way for the Holy Family. Holiday
Arts & Crafts Show, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Dec. 11–13: Shop for handmade pottery, art,
and jewelry by local and regional artisans in the festive riverside
setting next to Rivercenter Mall. Museum
Reach, Dec. 19, 2009-Jan. 3, 2010: A lighting exhibit brightens the River
Walk’s new Museum Reach extension, which showcases engaging public
art.
See the full article in the December 2009 issue. Subscribe Order back issues |
