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PHOTOS: Battle of the Flowers Parade celebrates 135 years

Fiesta Royalty show their shoes at the Battle of the Flowers Parade on April 24, 2026
Saile Aranda
/
TPR
Fiesta royalty show off their shoes to the crowd during the Battle of the Flowers Parade on April 24, 2026.

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The Battle of the Flowers Parade has been marching through the streets of downtown San Antonio for more than a century, marking its 135th parade in 2026, traditionally held on the Friday of Fiesta San Antonio.

The long train from one of the many Fiesta Royalty gowns stretches out to the end of the float at the Battle of the Flowers 2026
Saile Aranda
/
TPR
The long train of a Fiesta royalty gown extends to the end of a float during the 2026 Battle of the Flowers Parade.
The 2026 Battle of the Flowers Parade theme, “From Pages to Possibilities,” is reflected in book-inspired floats.
Saile Aranda
/
TPR
The 2026 Battle of the Flowers Parade theme, “From Pages to Possibilities,” is reflected in book-inspired floats.

Tall and colorful floats decorated with flowers rolled through downtown as participants in dazzling costumes waved to thousands of spectators lining the route.

This year’s theme was “From Pages to Possibilities.”

Spectators sit on the sidewalk of Alamo Plaza to enjoy a close-up view of the Battle of the Flowers on April 24, 2026
Saile Aranda
/
TPR
Spectators sit along the sidewalk at Alamo Plaza for a close-up view of the Battle of the Flowers Parade on April 24, 2026.

Storybook-inspired floats, including those influenced by “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Book of Life,” reflected the 2026 theme.

The parade began on North Main Avenue in front of San Antonio College and ended at the intersection of North Santa Rosa Avenue and West Martin Street, passing through Alamo Plaza along the route.

As part of the Battle of the Flowers Parade, floats, balloons, school bands, antique cars and wagons compete in judged categories. They pass a long table of judges who determine winners in each category.

Attendees chant “Show me your shoes” to Fiesta royalty as they pass by on floats. In response, the court shows off bedazzled cowboy boots or other elaborate footwear paired with their gowns.

Battle of the Flowers Parade attendees purchase food and refreshments mid parade at the booths settled on Commerce Street
Saile Aranda
/
TPR
Battle of the Flowers Parade attendees purchase food and refreshments mid-parade at booths set up along Commerce Street.

The Fiesta Flambeau Parade follows the same downtown route the following evening. It is the largest nighttime parade in the country, with illuminated floats lighting up the route through downtown San Antonio.

Alejandra de la O shows her lilac boots to the crowd as the Fiesta Flambeau float makes a turn on Commerce Street for the Battle of the Flowers 2026
Saile Aranda
/
TPR
Alejandra de la O shows her lilac boots to the crowd as a Fiesta Flambeau float turns onto Commerce Street during the 2026 Battle of the Flowers Parade.
The Battle of the Flowers crowd pop confetti cannons as Fiesta Royalty floats drive by on April 24, 2026
Saile Aranda
/
TPR
The Battle of the Flowers Parade crowd pops confetti cannons as Fiesta royalty floats pass by on April 24, 2026.
A Wizard of Oz themed float at the Battle of the Flowers Parade on April 24, 2026
Saile Aranda
/
TPR
A Wizard of Oz-themed float rolls through the Battle of the Flowers Parade on April 24, 2026.
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Saile Aranda graduated from Texas A&M University-San Antonio with a Bachelor’s in Communications in May 2025. She completed a photography internship at Texas Public Radio. She won Texas Intercollegiate Press Association awards as part of The Mesquite newspaper and El Espejo magazine. She enjoys visiting small towns and reading books in her free time. Saile is now a freelance photographer and journalist eager to capture the essence of the city of San Antonio.