Holiday Cheers, San Antonio Style
Tonight I went out to have a great time, San Antonio, TX style. Now I have never been to San Antonio, but the lovely people from the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau are in town, along with San Antonio Mayor, Julián Castro, and San Antonio’s own all-female Mariachi Las Alteñas.
As I tasted the margarita creations of Blanca Aldaco, from Aldaco’s, I heard all about the fabulous things going on not only in San Antonio, but also here in NYC to celebrate it all. According to Ms. Aldaco, San Antonio is the food and drink capitol of the world, and Aldaco rules those terrains! After tasting one of her Sesti Margaritas, I was not about to dispute that.
This morning Wednesday, our very own Good Morning America (GMA), which airs from 7 a.m.–9 a.m. EDT, will reveal their Holiday windows and Mayor Castro will be there with GMA anchors Diane Sawyer, Chris Cuomo and Robin Roberts for the reveal.
San Antonio Mayoar Julian Castro
The middle window of GMA’s Times Square main studio will reflect the magic of San Antonio during the holidays. Called “Pride, Passion, and Piñatas,” and created by Jill Giles, the San Antonio’s window will embody the city’s authentic culture, historic icons, spirit of holiday celebration, and pride. Mariachi Las Alteñas will enliven the studio with holiday entertainment, San Antonio-style. The window, which incorporates the River Walk holiday lights, flickering luminarias, Mission Trail and more. It is approximately 19 feet wide, by 13 feet tall. Ms. Giles spoke passionately about the design, pointing out even that many of the piñata that will be displayed were created by masters of the craft who have been designing piñatas for generations.
And this craft will be obvious in the details of the three types of piñatas on display:
Alamo Piñata
A Texas treasure, made of bright metal and silver and gold metallic paper and adorned with architectural details inspired by the venerable Shrine of Texas Liberty. An interior light illuminates a silhouette of the Alamo.
Holiday Light Piñata
A representation of the San Antonio River Walk’s renowned holiday light display, a sparkling piñata made of traditional punched tin, mosaic mirrors, and yards and yards of tightly wrapped lights.
River Piñata
A tribute to the San Antonio River and a symbol of the city’s confluence of cultures. Intricate, colorful mosaics picture water, foliage, and architectural elements reminiscent of the charming arched pedestrian bridges that span the downtown waterway.
During the show, “GMA” Weather Anchor Sam Champion will broadcast live from San Antonio, flipping the switch on 122,000 lights on the River Walk and highlighting San Antonio’s holiday traditions and festivities.
In addition to the celebrations, the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau launched “15 Days of Holiday Gifting” yesterday, where you can text and go online to holiday.visitsanantonio.com to win San Antonio trips and authentic, locally inspired gifts.
After “GMA,” the team will share the generous heart of San Antonio to the East Harlem Boys & Girls Club, where elementary-age children, mainly Latino, will be treated to entertainment, a mariachi clinic, piñata bash and holiday fiesta. Every participant in the online sweepstakes will garner a $1 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, up to $10,000.
Meanwhile, in San Antonio, the celebrations of the Holiday season have also begun. They have a list of Holiday Events which the San Antonians that I met tonight promised looked as magical as they sound.
- San Antonio Holidays
In speaking with Scott White, Director for San Antonio Convention and Vistors Bureau about traveling with family, including one as large and ranging in age as mine, he spoke very passionately about the very many exciting things for kids and families to do in San Antonio. And I learned that Sea World San Antonio is the largest of its kind in the world. I also learned that the San Antonio Zoo is not only ranked one of the best zoos nationwide, but also award winning!
- San Antonio Sea World
The River Walk, one of the San Antonio’s most popular destinations, is also being expanded, according to Mayor Castro, opening up for a more artistic display and community.
- San Antonio River Walk
And they all agreed that in San Antonio, there is always a celebration of something going on. All these events and festivals, as well as the list of fun activities for kids, and romantic activities for us, is why San Antonio is on my list of places of Upcoming Adventures.
The best time to visit are any time it seems, the hottest seasons being July and August. I admire their sense of pride, not only in their city, but also in their culture. And I was happy to share in their celebratory moments.
To get a glimpse of San Antonio’s pride and passion for their history and culture go check out the Holiday window display at the *GMA studios in Times Square. And if the hospitality and warmth I experienced are signs of the overall San Antonio demeanor, I say it’s time to take a little break from NYC and enjoy my next margarita in San Antonio.
*Good Morning America studios are located on 1500 Broadway and 44th St.
San Antonio photos courtesy of San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau
