San Antonio/ Arts & Culture
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Published on April 25, 2024
San Antonio Celebrates Canine Companions and Cultural Fashion at Fiesta® Pooch ParadeSource: Google Street View

This weekend San Antonio goes to the dogs with the 2024 Fiesta® Pooch Parade, celebrating our pawed pals in what's billed as the city's most dog-friendly show of spirit. Therapy Animals of San Antonio is hosting the event on Saturday at the Alamo Heights Swimming Pool, where more than 1,000 dogs are expected to trot down tree-lined streets, according to KENS 5. With no limits on the number of pups one can bring, as long as they're leashed, the event packs a full schedule including a costume contest, the crowning of King Anbarkio, and a range of other activities sure to get tails wagging.

The parade doesn't just celebrate canines, though, it's a chance for locals to show off some serious San Antonio flair, with Fiesta fashion hitting strides at the Divide and Conquer Denim and Leather Store. The shop, a go-to for the iconic Guayabera shirt, offers vibrant updates to the traditional attire, with owner and designer Javier Trevino putting a fresh spin on the cultural staple, "I just took it a step further with designing them with brighter colors and more embroidery, bringing out more confidence in people," Trevino told FOX San Antonio.

Back at the Fiesta® Pooch Parade, which starts bright and early at 7:45 a.m., the event organizers are introducing a new feature: food trucks. Pup parents can chow down from 8 a.m. till noon as their furry friends strut their stuff, with costume categories ranging from "Most Patriotic" to "Best Matched Human and Animal," based on information obtained by KENS 5. The grandest of show pooches will also have a chance at the "Best in Show" title, recognizing the team that captures the spirit of the day to a tee.

While the dogs rule the parade route, Fiesta fashionistas can revel in the artistry of Divide and Conquer's meticulous Guayaberas, handcrafted for those looking to add a dash of heritage to their parade attire. One of only two shops in Texas that create these shirts from scratch, the store stands as a testament to Trevino's commitment to craftsmanship and tradition, a sentiment that echoes the essence of Fiesta itself. So, whether you're there for the barks or the bespoke, this weekend's festivities deliver a double dose of San Antonio soul.

BONUS: The KENS 5 team will be mixing and mingling at the Fiesta Pooch Parade, handing out free Fiesta medals, but dog lovers and fashionistas alike should act fast - it's one per person while supplies last!