Mayor Julian Castro collects empty cans and bottles during the Battle of Flowers Parade.

Fiesta San Antonio, the Alamo City’s biggest, best festival, is going Green.

The Fiesta San Antonio Commission took the first steps in 2010 with encouragement and support from Mayor Julian Castro. The program began with recycling at several events, including the two major street parades, A Night in Old San Antonio and the King William Fair. That effort resulted in a Gold award for Best Environmental Program from the Texas Festivals and Events Association and a Silver from the International Festivals and Events Association.

For Fiesta 2011 the commission helped a number of its nonprofit member organizations–the groups that produce most official Fiesta events–comply with the city’s new Green Events ordinance. The efforts earned the Fiesta Commission a second Gold TFEA award.
Plans are now under way for Fiesta 2012, April 19-29.

Look for a recycling container at Fiesta events for plastic, glass or aluminum.

Just as Fiesta is for everyone in San Antonio, we want every Fiesta event visitor to get involved with Fiesta Verde. Help us keep our more than 100 official events clean and Green.

• Look for recycling bins or bags for your bottles and cups.
• At parades and festivals, put your trash into trash bins and plastic, glass or aluminum into recycling containers.
• Look for a recycling bag to place programs after concerts or coronations.
• Save on fuel costs (and parking hassles!)–take VIA’s Park and Ride to major events.
• Consider taking the bus to other Fiesta events.

With your cooperation, Fiesta San Antonio can become the Greenest festival in Texas!