FIESTAPALOOZA
Hemisfair makes San Antonio happy with music festival revived from 1995
A major festival is back on San Antonio's event calendar for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Never say never. That’s the lesson in counting out long-lost traditions in a city that holds its history so dear. So when MySA included La Semana Alegre in a roundup of San Antonio's “things you’ll never see again,” perhaps it was not thinking of the tremendous power nostalgia has to resurrect the most stray lost causes
One can’t blame the reporter for making the assessment. After the music festival folded in 1995, it did seem to be gone for good. But now, Hemisfair is putting the “happy week” back on the Fiesta schedule from April 25-26.
The original festival boasted a magpie collection of acts. La Semana Alegre, along with Ozzy Osbourne’s unfortunate 1982 visit, helped cement Alamo City’s reputation as the “Heavy Metal Capital of the World.” Thunderous acts like Blue Oyster Cult and Motorhead erupted on the rock stage — or in the case of Leg’s Diamond, recorded live albums.
But the pummeling was coupled with some of pop, Tejano, and country music's biggest stars. The event made room for Selena’s techno cumbia, Collective Soul’s post-grunge, New Kids on the Block’s new jack pop, and Toby Keith’s roughneck country. Although the new Semana has not released its lineup, it promises a similar sprawl across the Spotify map.
The ticket pricing, at least for a limited time, will also attempt to get some of the old magic back. During the current flash sale, music fans can snag general admission passes for a slim $10 per day, the 1995 price.
For that sawbuck, guests will get access to a full day of performances, artisan craft stalls, and food and beverage vendors. On April 25, the event will also offer free activations for the grade school set in Yanaguana Garden.
"Like Hemisfair, this festival holds a special place in the hearts of many San Antonians who fondly remember its festive atmosphere and the talented musicians that headlined,” commented Hemisfair CEO Andres Andujar via release. "We want this festival to be more than just a music event; we want it to be a celebration of our community's creativity, resilience, and unity.”
VIP and regularly priced tickets will go on sale in early March when the musical acts are revealed. Locals can refer to La Semana Alegre’s website and social media accounts for updates.
