UT San Antonio is gearing up for one of the city’s most vibrant traditions: Fiesta San Antonio! From medals and royalty to parades and campus events, there is a strong Roadrunner presence in this year’s festivities.
Medals to collect
Planning to collect and trade medals at Fiesta San Antonio this year? Be sure to collect all three UT San Antonio releases.
Inspired by the rich tradition of Talavera Mexican pottery, the official UT San Antonio 2026 Fiesta medal blends cultural artistry with the university’s spirit and refreshed visual identity. The design features a stylized roadrunner surrounded by intricate Talavera‑style floral patterns, brought to life through accents of vibrant ‘Talavera Blue,’ which now serves as a secondary brand color for the university.
Other releases to add to your collection include the UT San Antonio Alumni Association medal and Fiesta Arts Fair medal, representing one of the university’s official Fiesta events.
The Alumni Association medal features the university’s beloved Rowdy the Roadrunner dressed to impress in a stylish guayabera, sporting a sparkling orange sash, crowned for the occasion, and proudly holding a classic Fiesta snack, chicken on a stick. Bold, bright and full of personality, this medal is a must‑have for alumni and Fiesta fanatics alike.
Current Alumni Association members will receive priority access to purchase this year’s medal, while new members will receive the medal as a gift for joining the Alumni Association. Members of the broader community can purchase the medal on the university’s Fiesta website and at the Fiesta Arts Fair, as inventory is available.
UT San Antonio is also releasing a medal to commemorate the 2026 Fiesta Arts Fair, which will take place April 18-19 at the Southwest Campus. The Fair brings together artists and art lovers from near and far for a festive celebration of creativity.
This year, organizers selected graphic designer Carlos Zapata to create their iconic 2026 medal. The medal’s vibrant and cheeky design, which weaves together artistic elements and bright colors, is destined to be a collector’s favorite.
Leading for community
Every year, nine individuals are elected as Fiesta Royalty, a longstanding tradition. These appointments span a year and involve service to the community, speaking engagements and promoting important causes.
This year, a current UT San Antonio student is representing the university as Miss Fiesta 2026. Julia Enriquez, a senior majoring in politics and law, is no stranger to serving the community. Julia currently works at the Mexican American Unity Council as a housing promotora, assisting clients in developing estate plans to protect their homes for future generations.
Join the celebration
UT San Antonio’s participation in Fiesta includes two official events: Día en la Sombrilla and the Fiesta Arts Fair. In addition, the university will have a float in each of the three major Fiesta parades, and the Spirit of San Antonio Band (SOSA) will be featured in the Fiesta Flambeau parade this year.
Check out the Fiesta events UT San Antonio will be a part of:
April 7
Night in UT San Antonio (NIUTSA) – Hosted by the Student Involvement Center, this event takes place at Downtown Campus’ Bill Miller Plaza and offers food, performances, activities and DIY crafts such as flower crowns, papel picados and sashes.
April 16
Pin Pandemonium – All three UT San Antonio official medals will be sold at this medal event extravaganza, part of the season’s opening event.
April 17
Día en la Sombrilla – Don’t miss this fun campus festival featuring student organizations selling food and other items to raise funds for professional development, events and recognition activities.
April 18-19
Fiesta Arts Fair – Features contemporary art from more than 100 artists, Fiesta favorite foods, drinks, live music by local and regional performers, and a Young Artists Garden.
April 20
Texas Cavaliers River Parade – Festive music fills the air, and vibrant floats pass by as thousands watch from the banks of the San Antonio River.
April 24
Battle of the Flowers Parade – The founding event of Fiesta, this parade is one of the largest in the United States and involves 10,000 participants.
April 25
Flambeau Parade – This spectacular nighttime event features vibrant floats, illuminated costumes, and marching bands, including the university’s own Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA).
