The Battle of Flowers parade dazzled downtown San Antonio with nearly 200 entries celebrating Texas’ heritage.
SAN ANTONIO — Every year, for 133 years, the Battle of Flowers has rolled through downtown San Antonio streets, cementing itself as a must-see for many fiesta-goers each year.
Participating in the 2025 Battle of Flowers parade were nearly 200 entries. High school bands, cheer squads, and color guards were accompanied by their mascots, bringing excitement to those in attendance who were bopping along to the music. Colleges also came out in full force, including UTSA and Trinity.
Cultural groups and companies also got in the fiesta spirit, blasting music and dancing on their floats.
For one VFW member, participating in the iconic parade is a highlight he won’t miss, driving in from San Marcos.
“36 years doing this, in the Battle of Flowers parade, hopefully I can keep on going,” said Lonnie Garza. I want a goal until I reach 80 years old. Right now, I’m 77. I’ve had six bypasses, so I’m not a quitter. And I just keep on going. And I love it. You know, right now, today, I represent the VFW post 76 here in San Antonio.”
Well known San Antonio figures were also in attendance including San Antonio Fire Chief Valerie Frausto, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and Representative Marc Lahood.
No Battle of Flowers can be without the volunteers donned in yellow who put it together. With their floral hats, and iconic flower hat balloon, the entire parade is produced entirely by women. The purpose of the parade is to honor the defenders of the Alamo and Goliad and to commemorate the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto that gained Texas its independence.