Fiesta, the 11-day annual party that unites thousands of residents and visitors, is rooted in a complicated history that some say is divisive.

Why it matters: Fiesta attracts more than 2 million attendees annually —many of whom aren't aware that the Mexican-themed event celebrates the defeat of Mexicans in the Texas Revolution. Critics say organizers haven't done enough to separate the modern celebration from its origins.

Context: Fiesta began in 1891 to honor the Texans who fought and died in the battles at the Alamo and San Jacinto, the decisive defeat of Mexican forces. The war was spurred at least in part by Mexico's abolition of slavery, historians say.

• "It's all about celebrating the Texas Revolution, but the Texas Revolution was not a good thing for people of color," Lilliana Patricia Saldaña, Mexican American studies program coordinator at the University of Texas at San Antonio, tells Axios.
• Valerie Martínez, assistant history professor at Our Lady of the Lake University, tells Axios the conception of Fiesta was rooted in anti-Mexican sentiments.

State of play: The Fiesta Commission, which did not respond to interview requests, describes the event as a way to honor the battles, but now also as "a charitable celebration of San Antonio's rich and diverse cultures."

Between the lines: Two Fiestas have emerged as the celebration has evolved.

• There are Alamo-centric commemorations and exclusive groups, like the Order of the Alamo, which is private and predominantly white.
• Fiesta's schedule also includes events like the Flambeau Parade, Oyster Bake, Fiesta de Los Reyes and more that are open to the public, diverse and popular.

What's happening: Local art historian Ruben Cordova, who has called for the "decoupling" of Fiesta from the war, wants to see the celebration moved from the April schedule.

What they're saying: Laura Hernández-Ehrisman, a San Antonio native and author of "Inventing the Fiesta City: Heritage and Carnival in San Antonio," says as long as Fiesta remains tied to the Texas Revolution, it will continue to be problematic and divisive.

Go deeper

While the history is complicated and may pose an internal conflict for attendees, Hernández-Ehrisman says there's a way to "shape Fiesta how you want."

Why it matters: Fiesta's participating member organizations are all nonprofits, which means the money spent at the parties and parades goes back into the community.

What they're saying: Hernández-Ehrisman says Fiesta-goers should "define the celebration in a way that is consistent with the way that you engage in the city in general."

State of play: Most events are not a commemoration of the 1836 battles.

• Taste of New Orleans, which started as a Juneteenth celebration, supports college scholarships.
• Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta, a kayaking event, supports the stewardship of the San Antonio River.
• Piñatas in the Barrio, hosted on the West Side, benefits scholarships for struggling artists.

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There are a few changes to Fiesta to be aware of, whether it's your first time back since before the pandemic or you're brand new to the bash.

Driving the news: Fiesta Fiesta, the official kickoff for the celebration, will take place tomorrow at Travis Park rather than its usual spot on South Alamo, near Hemisfair.

Yes, but: That's not the only change.

• If you haven't been to the parades since 2019, you should know that they have a new route. See the full map here.
• An Alamo Reverent Zone was created to "restore a sense of reverence to the historic site for Texas freedom" during the parades, per the Alamo Trust. Bands and floats must lower audio volumes or play songs like "Deep in the Heart of Texas" or the "Star-Spangled Banner."
• Tickets for Taste of the Northside now start at $300 a person, up from $125 for last year's event.

More changes

💼 Check out the fresh open positions in the city.

1. Head of Audio at Tobin Center for Performing Arts.
2. Lead Special Events Coordinator at UT Health San Antonio.
3. Coordinator of Business & Team Operations at San Antonio Spurs.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

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👋 Madalyn and Megan here. We're ready to guide you through all things Fiesta whether it's your first time partaking or your 50th.

Why it matters: Newcomers are moving to San Antonio all the time, and some are surprised to learn just how steeped in traditions our citywide party can be.

So it's a good thing this newsletter is written by both a born-and-bred San Antonian and a newbie.

Megan's tips:

• No one cares that you still have cascarón confetti in your hair days later. In fact, it may be a sign of pride.
• This is my second Fiesta. If there's one thing I learned last year, it's to embrace it all with open arms. Be willing to try new foods, enjoy the busy schedule and definitely don't be afraid to dance.

Madalyn's tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the lingo – "calf fries" are far from potatoes, and "show me your shoes" is more of a celebratory greeting than a weird request.
• There is only one way to eat chicken-on-a-stick and that's drenched in jalapeño juice.

More tips