Volunteers wrangle the Battle of Flowers yellow hat balloon as they walk down Main Street during the 134th Battle of Flowers Parade in San Antonio on May 2, 2025.
Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio police will again use heightened security measures at Fiesta de los Reyes, with metal detectors at all public entrances, concrete barriers aimed at preventing vehicle attacks, and bolstered fencing around Market Square, officials said.
The 2026 event marks the second year of heightened security since a deadly officer-involved shooting during Fiesta in 2024 that left two Fiesta-goers dead and four others injured. Police Chief William McManus said the department is bringing back the same core safety measures used last year.
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“Safety measures in place proved successful last year, so we’re bringing those measures back this year,” McManus said.
Capt. Robert Vara, who is serving as the Fiesta de los Reyes commander this year, said the goal is to keep the public safe while allowing people to enjoy the celebration. He said there will be about 90 officers working the event on any given night.
“I want to make sure that people know that at the end of the day we’re focused on keeping the public safe,” Vara said.
Vara said Fiesta de los Reyes will have four public entrances this year. One entrance will be at Commerce and South Santa Rosa streets, another on Houston Street at Milam Park, and two more on Dolorosa Street.
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READ ALSO: ‘Fiesta Safe, Drive Sober’: State, local officials say avoid driving drunk for Fiesta or go to jail
Each of the four entrances will have open-gate metal detectors, the same screening system used last year at Market Square. Security guards will be checking bags before guests enter.
The walk-through detectors are intended to speed up screening for metal objects that could pose a threat to public safety, mainly guns and knives, police said.
Long lines are not anticipated at the checkpoints, Vara said, as attendees can buy their tickets ahead of time on the Fiesta de los Reyes website and scan the QR code for entry.
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There are also two days that people can enter the grounds for free on Friday and Saturday.
Concrete barriers will also be set up at the entrances to guard against vehicle attacks, the likes of which have been seen in Louisiana. In New Orleans, a driver killed 14 people on Bourbon Street on Jan. 1, 2025, after getting around barriers and driving into New Year’s Day crowds.
This month in south Louisiana, authorities said an impaired driver crashed into a Lao New Year parade crowd, injuring at least 15 people.
Vara said bag rules will remain the same as last year. Visitors are encouraged to bring clear bags, though they are not required. Bags will be allowed as long as they fit within a 12-by-6-inch container, he said.
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“Make sure your bag is the right size—12 by 6 or smaller,” McManus said. “If it’s bigger, we’re going to send it back.”
He said diaper bags will be allowed as an exception, but should contain items related to child care, such as diapers and milk.
Prohibited items will also largely mirror last year’s rules, Vara said. Outside food and drinks, smoking, vaping, illegal substances and firearms will not be allowed. Backpacks will also be prohibited unless they qualify as diaper bags, he said.
“Don’t bring any guns with you,” McManus added. “Leave weapons at home.”
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One visible change this year will be dark mesh screening attached to the fencing around the event, Vara said. Last year, police noticed that people were sneaking their vape pens into the grounds by passing them to someone else through the metal wire fence.
Another concern Vara noted was that medics who were stationed at Fiesta de los Reyes last year treated a lot of people who were experiencing dehydration.
Finally, Vara warned that some of the biggest safety concerns come from people making their way to or leaving a Fiesta event.
People could come across someone who is inebriated from the event, or run into an ill-intentioned person waiting to take advantage of someone heading to the event alone.
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“Try to partner up with people, come with your friends, enjoy your time here,” Vara said. “Also make arrangements for your transportation going home.”
READ ALSO: Fiesta 2026: What to know before you go about travel, parking, safety and more
The security push follows the April 2024 shooting at Market Square on the final night of Fiesta, when San Antonio police said two men exchanged gunfire in a crowded area and officers returned fire. The two men were killed and four women were wounded.
Other Fiesta events may use similar screening measures. NIOSA and the carnival are considering open gate metal detectors at their access control points, though those plans are still under negotiation, police said.
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Police also plan to deploy drones over most Fiesta events to supplement officers on the ground, police said. Temporary flight restrictions will be in place to bar unauthorized drones from operating over parade routes, police said.
READ MORE: Your must-have guide to Fiesta’s big three parades
The department’s fusion center, a unit devoted to sharing intelligence with law enforcement in South Texas, is in constant communication with federal partners to share intelligence related to Fiesta Week festivities.
Texas Department of Public Safety officers ride horseback in the Battle of Flowers parade in San Antonio on May 2, 2025. The theme of the 3.2-mile long parade was “Melodies in Bloom: A Texas Serenade” as the founding event of Fiesta marked its 134th year of bringing San Antonio together to celebrate.
Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News
Both police and the Texas Department of Public Safety will coordinate security for parades that pass in front of the Alamo, which DPS is charged with securing, police said.
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READ MORE: After 3 years of work, South Alamo finally reopens, just in time for Fiesta
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office personnel will also provide security for several Fiesta celebrations and are included in daily meetings about their events, police said.
McManus said security will be visible throughout Fiesta venues and urged attendees to alert officers or staff if something seems off.
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“If you see something or feel something’s not right, let us know,” he said. “You won’t be able to look around anywhere and not see security.”