A MacArthur High School student is getting a Fiesta moment after winning the 2026 Battle of Flowers art contest. Her design will be featured on the parade program.
SAN ANTONIO — Fiesta season just got a little brighter.
We now know what artwork will be featured for the 2026 Battle of Flowers Parade — and the winning design comes from MacArthur High School.
Fabiana Solano took home first place in this year’s Battle of Flowers art contest, beating out more than 300 entries submitted by high school students from across the area.
Her artwork will now appear on the cover of 15,000 official Battle of Flowers Parade and Band Festival programs — a big honor for one of San Antonio’s signature Fiesta events.
And her piece is full of local flavor.
The winning design features some of San Antonio’s most iconic symbols, including the Alamo, the Big Red Boots, folklórico dancers and mariachis — all the sights and spirit that make Fiesta feel like Fiesta.
The competition was steep. Organizers say the top 40 entries also received special recognition for their artistic achievement.
As the first-place winner, Solano will also ride in the Battle of Flowers Parade on Friday, April 24.
A total of $8,000 will be awarded to the five finalists, the art teachers of the top three contestants and their art departments.
The other finalists were:
Gabrielle Marshall of Brandeis High School in second place, Molly Small of MacArthur High School in third, Evan Salazar of Churchill High School in fourth and Alexa Villanueva of Cole High School in fifth.
From the cover of the program to a spot in the parade itself, Solano’s winning artwork is set to be a colorful part of Fiesta 2026.