SAISD SPOTLIGHT: SAISD Mariachi unite to prepare for Fiesta 2026
The annual SAISD combined student mariachi group is annually one of the favorite entries in the Fiesta Battle of Flowers Parade. For more than 25 years, SAISD Mariachi students from high schools, middle schools and elementary schools have come together in the spirit of Fiesta and familia to perform together under the SAISD banner during the day parade. It’s a favorite Fiesta tradition the people of San Antonio look forward to each year.
This year more than 200 mariachi students are practicing to proudly march through the streets of downtown San Antonio at the Battle of Flowers Parade on April 24. The combined group plays only two songs: “Volver, Volver” and “Ay Jalisco No Te Rajes.” Both songs are iconic mariachi selections that has the Fiesta crowds singing along in unison.
This also marks the last year for longtime Brackenridge High School Mariachi instructor John Nieto, who is retiring after more than 30 years of teaching. Nieto has been preparing the parade performances for more than 20 years.
News media are invited to talk with Nieto or students at the last practice for the combined mariachi group on Tuesday, April 21, at Brackenridge High School (400 Eagleland Drive, 78201) at 5 p.m. in preparation for this year’s Battle of Flowers parade performance.
Calendar items
April 23 (Thurs) – SAPD Chief McManus at Graebner Elementary Fiesta Parade
10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Graebner Elementary, 530 Hoover Ave., 78226
SAPD Chief William McManus will serve as the Grand Marshal for the annual Fiesta Parade at Graebner Elementary. Families are invited to witness the spirit of Fiesta come alive in the “shoebox float” entries Graebner students created!
April 24 (Fri) – SAISD Closed for Battle of Flowers Holiday
All SAISD campuses and offices will be closed on Friday, April 24 due to the Battle of Flowers holiday. Normal office and campus times will resume on Monday, April 27.
April 24 (Fri) – SAISD at the Battle of Flowers Parade
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Downtown San Antonio
All seven SAISD comprehensive high schools will have their marching bands, cheer and dance teams participate in the annual Battle of Flowers parade. SAISD mariachis from elementary, middle and high schools will be marching as a large collective unit, leading the parade crowds in energetic singalongs. The SAISD Foundation “Book Buddies” float will also join the Battle of Flowers festivities.
April 25 (Sat) – SAISD at the King William Parade
9 a.m. to Noon, King William Neighborhood
SAISD is proud to bring multiple school groups to the always colorful King William Parade. Crowd favorite Brackenridge High School marching band leads the way for the district. Harris Middle School will bring its band, students and staff to march on the parade route. Bonham Academy will also be proudly representing their campus, as will the Young Men’s Leadership Academy marching band.
April 25 (Sat) – SAISD at the Fiesta Flambeau Parade
7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Downtown San Antonio
SAISD is proud to help Fiesta San Antonio close out the fun by bringing back the students and marching bands of our comprehensive high schools for the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. SAISD JROTC and LOTC students lead with the opening parade flag guard. The SAISD familia members that perform in this illuminated parade shine bright on the streets of downtown San Antonio - one of the many heartbeats of Fiesta that make this time of year uniquely special in San Antonio.