The Fiesta season originally commemorated the Battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto that led to the independence of Texas from Mexico. It started with one parade, the Battle of Flowers, in 1891, and grew into the mammoth season of festivities enjoyed today ( though not without some criticism ).

The Fiesta Oyster Bake, one of the biggest parties in San Antonio, will take place from Friday, April 25, to Saturday, April 26 at St. Mary's University. The bands headlining the event will be Hoobastank, known for its song "The Reason," on Friday, and Sugar Ray, known for its hit "Fly," on Saturday.

Fiesta's aftermath is always apparent — when the streets have cleared of people, they're left covered in confetti and chicken-on-a-stick debris. Why it matters: San Antonio loves to party with a purpose,