City council will vote on an ordinance Thursday regarding Fiesta De Los Reyes to “establish hours for the event, ticketing during some event hours, setting an initial gate fee, and establishing a revenue share related to ticket revenue.” The agenda item is drawing criticism online for proposing possible admission fees related to entering what has been a traditionally free event at Historic Market Square. Now, organizers are responding to the .
“With recent conversations around the proposed entry fee for Fiesta De Los Reyes, I wanted to share some additional clarity regarding the consideration by City Council,” Rey Feo Consejo Regent Thomas Aguillon said in a statement. “If City Council approves the proposal on April 9, the event will remain free for a significant portion of each day, including daytime hours during the week and early hours on weekends. Any potential admission would apply only during peak, high traffic times.”
Aguillon said the proposal is part of the city’s process for events at Market Square and they are “awaiting final direction from City Council.” They have also been talking with merchants and stakeholders since earlier in the year and “remain committed to continuing that dialogue.”
“Safety is our top priority. Following the tragic incidents in 2023 and 2024, including a shooting that resulted in loss of life, we implemented enhanced security measures, including fencing, bag checks, metal detectors, and increased coordination with law enforcement,” Aguillon wrote. “We also work with a private security company to help ensure a safe environment for all attendees. These efforts are essential, and security alone now costs approximately $200,000 to operate the event.”
Aguillon then said even if the city council votes to establish the entry fee, Fiesta De Los Reyes would “remain one of the most accessible events during Fiesta San Antonio.” Aguillon cited other Fiesta events ranging from $8 to more than $300 as a comparison to the proposed $5 entry fee for Fiesta De Los Reyes “only during peak hours,” while other parts of the day are free.
Aguillon reiterated the events purpose and the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation’s commitment as a non-profit for educational scholarships for local students, raising more than $11 million over the the years. “We also value the Market Square merchants and the important role they play in welcoming the thousands of visitors this event brings to Market Square each year to celebrate Fiesta and support their businesses,” Aguillon wrote. “We hear the concerns and remain committed to working with the City and our community to ensure Fiesta De Los Reyes remains safe, accessible, and sustainable.”
The San Antonio City Council meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 9.