San Antonio, Texas, is remembering the Alamo along with the rest of its history as part of a 300th birthday celebration.
The city was founded in 1718 when Spanish settlers built the Mission San Antonio de Valero – today known as the Alamo – along the San Antonio River. In 1836, the Alamo was the site of a legendary battle as Texas fought for independence from Mexico.
A tricentennial commemorative week is scheduled for May 1-6. For visitors, May 4 will be of particular interest, with arts events, a festival and fireworks. For travelers who’d like to see San Antonio but can’t make that week in May, the city is hosting exhibitions and other festivals throughout the year, and you can visit the Alamo anytime, along with the River Walk just across the street.
TRICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE WEEK
The Alamo and four other 18th-century missions built as outposts of Spain’s colonial empire make up the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas. The commemorative week kicks off May 1 with a day of reflection on San Antonio’s diversity and heritage that includes recognition for the indigenous Payaya people who inhabited the area before Europeans arrived. A candlelight vigil and sunset services will take place on the city’s Main Plaza, with citywide ringing of church bells. A visual story about San Antonio’s founding called “The Saga” will be projected on San Fernando Cathedral’s facade that night and other times that week.