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Texas A&M University-San Antonio unveiled today its 2026 Fiesta medal at a pop-up event held on campus. Incorporating design elements from the University’s mission-style tower at the campus’s main entrance, the medal represents A&M-San Antonio’s educational and community impact while paying homage to a beloved San Antonio tradition.
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The University is hosting a special event to reveal the medal on Thursday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the courtyard of its Central Academic Building. Open to the public, the celebration will include giveaways, a medal egg hunt and a cascarón smash.
“We decided that a pop-up event would be a fun and engaging way to bring together our students and community, both in celebration of our new medal and to get them excited for Fiesta and Festival de Cascarones,” said Kevin Castro, social media coordinator for A&M-San Antonio, who put the event together. “Every year we try to top ourselves, both in the medal design and how we spread the word to build hype, and this year is no exception.”
Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s 2026 Fiesta medal features the Torre de Esperanza (Tower of Hope), which welcomes guests to campus. Credit: Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Also announced today was the headliner of A&M-San Antonio’s Festival de Cascarones, the official finale of Fiesta. This year’s headliner will be Jaime Olivares y Los Mensajeros del Sabor, an impressive tropical music band. Blending Latin rhythms with tropical warmth, Jaime Olivares, the band’s leader, is known for captivating audiences with his enchanting voice and charismatic stage presence. It is sure to be a memorable performance.
Other musical acts will include Vinny Tovar, who hails from the vibrant streets of the southeast side of San Antonio, he is on a mission to revolutionize the world of country music. Guests will also enjoy performances by David Olivares, born in San Antonio but raised in Houston, who is affectionately known as “El Tejano Soñador,” and Lucky Joe, from Welasco, an exceptional accordionist, singer and songwriter known for his talent in Regional Mexican music.
Fiesta San Antonio, which kicks off April 11, was established in 1891 to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Today, the 11-day event is the city’s premier cultural celebration, featuring over 100 events, including parades, food, and music.
The Fiesta medal tradition began in 1946 when King Antonio, who presides over Fiesta’s activities, began distributing commemorative coins to children. Over the years, the tradition has grown, and now tens of thousands of Fiesta medals are produced for the San Antonio celebration each year.
Festival de Cascarones, the University’s annual, fun-filled culmination of the Fiesta season, attracts thousands of visitors each year. The free, family- and pet-friendly event has live music, games, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and delicious food. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, from 1 – 8 p.m.
As anticipation builds for Festival de Cascarones, University officials expect one of the largest crowds in the event’s history. Last year, more than 6,500 visitors attended the festival and early indicators point to an even higher turnout this spring.
The University is currently accepting applications for volunteers for the event. Community volunteers are welcome, and participants must pass a background check. For their service, volunteers will receive a parking pass, an official Festival de Cascarones T-shirt and free food during their shifts. The University is also coordinating with vendors for the event, and applications for new vendors are expected to open soon.
“Our Fiesta medal and Festival de Cascarones celebration reflect who we are as a University and as a community partner,” said A&M-San Antonio President Salvador Hector Ochoa. “The medal symbolizes our deep roots in San Antonio and our commitment to expanding educational opportunity, while Festival de Cascarones brings families together on our campus to celebrate culture, tradition and the vibrant spirit of our city. It’s a joyful reminder that A&M–San Antonio is not only a place of learning, but a place where community thrives.”
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