In honor of the Tricenntiennial, and in celebration of the intercambio (exchange) between Spanish and San Antonian cultures, the Pearl is offering an epic summer of one-of-a-kind events.

From June 15 through September 16, Olé, San Antonio will take over the Pearl with activities designed to highlight three cultural pillars: gastronomy, music and dance, and arts and architecture. During the summer-long fiesta, experience exclusive events, one-of-a-kind tapas tastings, special activations, and more.

“Our intention with creating Olé was to acknowledge our 300 years of history with Spain and to create a truly monumental celebration,” said Elizabeth Fauerso, chief marketing officer for the Pearl, in a release. “We want to bring the entire city together, along with our friends from Spain, for a collaboration that can only happen in this special Tricentennial year.”

During the opening day celebration on June 21, enjoy a special tapas tasting at Pearl Stable, take in a performance in Pearl Park by Pure Flamenco Primitivo Family Dance Company, and learn more about Spanish cuisine and cooking techniques at the Culinary Institute of America. Then, return throughout the summer to uncover more about the rich Spanish-San Antonio connection.

Gastronomy
With the entire Pearl neighborhood taking part (including Hotel Emma), the gastronomy programming is sure to be a real treat. During the course of the festival, Pearl restaurants will offer Tapas Tuesdays and Gin Tonic Thursdays, along with special Spanish wine selections. Restaurants will also host can't-miss Spanish-San Antonio chef dinners throughout Olé.

Meanwhile, at the grand dame Hotel Emma, guests can take part in cooking demos and classes about olive oil, wine, cheese, jamón, conservas (tinned fish), and salts/spices. (These are our kind of classes!) The hotel's restaurants, Supper, Larder, and Sternewirth, will also serve up different Spanish-inspired dishes over the course of the three months.

Music and Dance
Would it be a Spanish celebracion without music and dancing? We think not. Watch in awe as world-renowned flamenco dancer Carlos Rodriguez takes the stage, or listen as Spanish and South Texan musicians collaborate during epic DJ performances. And make a date in August to catch the Grammy Award nominated Spanish singer Concha Buika as she performs in-person at the Pearl.

Arts and Architecture
Art lovers should make a note to peruse Olé Galería, a pop-up gallery featuring works from Spanish artists and photographers throughout the course of the summer. Spanish artist Ana Juan, whose work many recognize from her 20-plus New Yorker covers, will also be creating limited edition serigraphs in honor of San Antonio's Tricentennial. (Before you Google it like we had to, serigraph is a silk screen color print.)

If all of these have you shouting "mas!" Olé San Antonio's big finale on September 15 is not to be missed. Following a festive parade, take in a very special performance as Spanish guitarist Luis Gallo joins San Antonio artists for a joint mariachi-flamenco joint extravaganza. End the evening with one of the many chef collaborative dinners happening at restaurants throughout the Pearl, and don't forget to shout a little, "ole!" as you head on home.