Fiesta Medal Meet-Up Coming to 78209
It’s that time of year. The time when San Antonians get ready to celebrate the annual Fiesta party with a purpose. And for many, that means adding to their collection of Fiesta medals. Many people purchase and trade medals for their collections. And, on March 27, 2024, they can trade away to their heart’s content at a Fiesta Medal Meet-Up at Dutch Bros, 8222 Broadway St., from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.
As Tommie Ethington writes in Texas Monthly Magazine, “Regardless of their origin, the small souvenirs have become a major symbol of Fiesta, with an entire subculture built around the designing, selling, and trading of medals. Some are as big as your palm, while others have details so small you need a magnifying glass to do them justice.”
For those new to San Antonio, Ethington explains, “A Fiesta medal looks like the hardware you’d find on the uniform of a well-decorated soldier, which is fitting given that Fiesta, a ten-day celebration held in San Antonio each spring, started in 1891 as a way to honor Texas Revolution heroes…Fiesta medals are bold kaleidoscopes of color inspired by pop culture and local history. They come in all shapes and sizes and are typically pinned on a sash worn to various Fiesta events.”
Nearly all who sell Fiesta medals donate a portion of sales to local nonprofit organizations. Indeed, estimates are Fiesta raises upwards of $340 million each year for community charities. The money comes from the sale of Fiesta medals and special events.
My wife Gina, a native San Antonian, loves Fiesta medals. But she is very particular about the ones she will search out and collect. Not just any medal will do for her. Others are happy to add any and all medals to their collections. And at the upcoming meet-up, serious medal collectors and the curious will find lots to admire and trade.
