A proposed $5 fee for Fiesta De Los Reyes during peak hours aims to cover security costs, but critics say it could limit access and hurt Market Square businesses.<\/p>\n
SAN ANTONIO \u2014 A proposed entry fee for one of Fiesta\u2019s most popular traditions is drawing backlash as city leaders prepare to vote on the change.<\/p>\n
Organizers of Fiesta De Los Reyes are seeking approval from the San Antonio City Council to charge a $5 admission fee<\/a> for attendees 13 and older during peak hours at Historic Market Square. The 10-day event is one of Fiesta\u2019s largest<\/a> and has long been free to attend.<\/p>\n The Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation<\/a>, which produces the event, says the fee is necessary to offset rising security costs following recent violence.<\/p>\n The push for tighter security comes after a 2024 shooting at Fiesta De Los Reyes<\/a> that left two people dead, as well as another shooting in 2023<\/a>. In response, organizers added fencing, bag checks, metal detectors and security screenings, in addition to San Antonio police handling crowd control.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s our main priority is to keep people safe. But again, there is a cost to that and unfortunately, it\u2019s very, very expensive,\u201d said Elaine De Los Santos, interim executive director of the foundation.<\/p>\n De Los Santos said the organization spent more than expected on security and ultimately lost money during last year\u2019s event. She said the proposed fee is intended to recover some of those costs and emphasized it would only apply during certain high-traffic hours:<\/p>\n April 17 (Friday): Starting at 6 p.m.\u00a0April 18-19 (Saturday and Sunday): Starting at 1 p.m.\u00a0April 20-23 (Monday through Thursday): Starting at 6 p.m.\u00a0April 24-26 (Friday through Sunday): Starting at 1 p.m.\u00a0 <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s going to be a lot of times that it\u2019s going to be free,\u201d she said, noting visitors could still arrive earlier in the day and remain at the event without paying.<\/p>\n She also said organizers have been discussing the proposal with city officials for months and that a portion of event proceeds goes back to the city and supports community initiatives.<\/p>\n