Springtime is a very active time of year for San Antonians and people from the surrounding areas. Fiesta, one of the biggest annual festivals that attracts people from all over Texas to the Alamo City, draws folks in with the promise of cold beer, vibrant decorations and parades, delicious cuisine, and the experience of authentic San Antonio culture.

It's a time celebrated and enjoyed by many, but do we really know what we are celebrating? Ironically enough, as a native to San Antonio, I have never attended any events during Fiesta. This is the first year that I have actually considered heading downtown to see what all of the hype is about, so I figured I would do a little research beforehand to educate myself more on the traditions of my home city.

Here are nine things that you might not have known about Fiesta:

1. Fiesta San Antonio started in 1891.

Fiesta San Antonio first began as a way to honor the soldiers and heroes who had fallen at the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. In 1891, the first Battle of Flowers parade was marked by a group of women who decorated bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, paraded in front of the Alamo, and threw beautiful flower blossoms at each other, alongside other participants, in celebration. Today, the Battle of Flowers parade is the largest in the Fiesta list of events.

2. The Order of the Alamo is one of the oldest Fiesta organizations.

The Order of the Alamo was founded in 1909 by John Carrington. Every year, the royal court (consisting of a queen, her princess, 12 in-town duchesses and 12 out-of-town duchesses) is nominated by the organization. The royalty is then featured in the Fiesta parades. Pictured is the Coronation of the Order for Fiesta 2015.

3. Not every Fiesta event is lighthearted.

Since 1925, The Daughters of the Republic of Texas has staged its Pilgrimage to the Alamo. This pilgrimage is a memorial tribute to Texas heritage and to the heroes that fell at the Alamo. A procession, consisting of historic, civic, patriotic, military and school groups, solemnly presents wreaths as the participants walk silently to the Alamo. Simultaneously, the names of the Alamo defenders are announced from behind the Alamo walls, concluding the ceremony with a memorial service. Pictured are the members of the organization in 1908.

4. The river parade tradition didn't begin until 1941.

King Antonio had no specific way in which he would arrive to the Fiesta celebrations - he would travel by planes, trains or automobiles. However, in 1941, the Works Progress Administration completed renovations on the San Antonio river, leading to the suggestion by the Texas Cavaliers to introduce the king by boat. This became the first event to take place after the river renovations and has continued to inspire the river parade event during Fiesta ever since.

5. NIOSA began in 1948.

Night in Old San Antonio, or NIOSA, was introduced to Fiesta in 1948 and is sponsored by the San Antonio Conservation Society. The society works to preserve San Antonio buildings and to maintain the city's heritage. NIOSA was originally created to celebrate San Antonio's unique historic culture and was held for only one night out of Fiesta, Now, NIOSA is held for four nights, made possible with the help of about 16,000 volunteers per year.

6. The Rain Rock

"April showers bring May flowers," but we don't want April showers to fall during Fiesta. Therefore, a tradition was started by a NIOSA volunteer about 30 years ago to hang a Rain Rock on a tree next to the NIOSA headquarters in La Villita. This happens on the first Monday of Fiesta to chase away bad weather.

7. The Fiesta San Antonio Commission Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer, self-supporting organization.

The organization plans, promotes, coordinates, and preserves Fiesta San Antonio through support of its Participating Member Organizations.

8. Fiesta is one of the nation's largest festivals.

Fiesta provides San Antonio with an economic impact of approximately $284 million per year, and the funds raised by official Fiesta events provide services to San Antonio citizens throughout the remainder of the year.

9. Fiesta 2016 will be the 125th anniversary.

Since Fiesta's start on Thursday, April 14, 2016, Fiesta events will continue to take over the city of San Antonio, highlighting the diverse culture and heritage that is found deep in the heart of the city. A full list of events, times, and ticket information can be found at the Fiesta San Antonio website.