Fiesta Decorating

Fiesta time in San Antonio means parties, parades, food, fun and Mexican themed decorations. With my background in design I've had to find the best sources for supplies. I thought I'd share some of my favorite shopping spots for all things Fiesta!

Travis Wholesale , located near The Pearl, has paper flowers in all shapes, colors and sizes. In this picture of my foyer I've used the flowers around the base of a large red vase. I've also added white and green branches (Styrofoam secures branches) to hang Mexican ornaments.  Travis Wholesale will also have the wide net ribbon, and wreath base for your fiesta wreath , which I sprayed bright blue. Start with your focal point then layer trays with candles and flowers, something fresh like a Bromeliad from Loews and paper garlands.

Tin ornaments and Girl bought at Fiesta on Main

Candles bought at HEB

Fiesta on Main now called Alamo Fiesta, is the number one hot spot for everything Fiesta. They have Guayuberas for men, dresses, sashes for medals and everything you'll need to decorate. I buy the small sombreros, and small ornaments there as well as the paper animals, garlands and Fiesta flags.  This is their busy time of year so allow enough time for parking and shopping. Oh by the way....The BEST pinatas ever!   As mentioned earlier, I've sprayed my wooded wreath bright blue, added loops of mesh ribbon (not bows) and started hot gluing flowers, hats and ornaments until it was full. Use hot glue and lots of it! 

 
                        Other hot spots for Fiesta...

Lilys Cookies is my absolute favorite for iced cookies in the shapes of Fiesta. They are edible masterpieces. Order early!

Nativa for gorgeous Mexican dresses and accessories. Their pieces are authentic and a little more in price but absolutely worth it. Each piece has a story of origin and are unique.

Hope this help in narrowing your search for Fiesta decorations. Have fun and Happy Fiesta!

Mandy Barkley with River Valley Real Estate

Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead

Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated on November 1-2. Although recognized throughout Latin America, Dia de los Muertos is most strongly associated with Mexico, as part of a culturally rich tradition.

Dia de los Muertos honors the dead with festivals and lively celebrations. Latin American customs combine indigenous Aztec ritual with Catholicism, brought to the region by Spanish conquistadores. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on All Saints Day and All Souls Day, minor holidays in the Catholic calendar.

Dia de los Muertos - San Antonio 2012

Contrary to popular belief, Dia de los Muertos is not a somber holiday. Dia de los Muertos celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. Dia de los Muertos recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience, a continuum with birth, childhood, and growing up to become a contributing member of the community. On Dia de los Muertos, it is believed the dead are also a part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share in the celebrations with their loved ones.

The most familiar symbol of Dia de los Muertos may be the calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls), which appear everywhere during the holiday: in parade masks, dolls, and even as candied sweets. Calacas and calaveras are almost always portrayed as enjoying life, often including beautiful attire giving the sense they are in celebration.

Dia de los Muertos Events in San Antonio!

Dia de los Muertos Free Celebration 

Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 - Sunday, Nov 3, 2013

Centro Cultural Aztlan will celebrate the 36th Annual Dia de los Muertos Exhibition with a two day celebration!