It's Fiesta in San Antonio and the city is alive! One of the most popular events of Fiesta is a Night in Old San Antonio, lovingly known as NIOSA. Beginning in 1937, the San Antonio Conservation Society organized a night for the community to come together and raise money for the historical conservation of the city. Today, this four-day long event draws in upwards of $1 million.
Although I have lived in San Antonio for three years, I decided for attend NIOSA for the first time this year. The energy of the event is amazing; San Antonio locals come together with people from all over the country to celebrate this special city. If you can only make it to one Fiesta event next year, make it NIOSA and come out for a special night of partying in one of the beautiful parts of the SA, La Villita. But, be prepared to see the following five kinds of people at NIOSA.
1. The people (usually middle-aged) who are way too drunk.
These people flaunt a stack of at least 10 cups, which is impressive considering a small beer is $4. They somehow manage to bump into you 100 times over the course of a night and can be seen being escorted out by their friends before 9 p.m. before hitting up the bars in Southtown.
2. The people who use NIOSA to prove they are the biggest San Antonio Spurs fans.
NIOSA always falls during playoffs and that means it is the perfect time to break out all your Spurs gear. Rightfully so, though. After all, the Spurs are five-time NBA Champions and the pride and joy of San Antonio. VA SPURS VA!
3. The people carrying around cascarones and smashing them on the heads of unsuspecting victims.
Cascarones, otherwise known as confetti eggs, are one of the best parts of Fiesta. Be warned, though, if you get one of these smashed on your head you'll be picking confetti out of your hair for days.
4. The people carelessly flinging around skewers, which you're pretty sure are going to stab you.
Chicken on a stick is one of the staples of NIOSA and although I did not try it, I was mildly terrified of the people who did. There are a lot of foods at NIOSA that come on sticks, which means there are a lot of people carrying sharp pointed skewers around. So, keep your eyes open or else you'll fall victim to the shish-kabob.
5. Finally: the basic girls who spend most of their time at NIOSA trying to get the perfect picture in their flower crown.
To be entirely honest, this was me and my friends (pictured above). In our defense, though, there are very few other times in your life when you get to rock the flower crown.
