We hate to break it to you, but there's not much time left to prepare for Fiesta. Those bare walls with nary a swag of papel picado just won't cut it. The good news is that there's one shopping weekend left before the entire city explodes like a giant cascarón. Whether you're new to town or need a retail refresher, these shops will bring the party just in the nick of time.
Amols' Fiesta
Since 1949, Amols' has been San Antonio's go-to Fiesta spot, offering essential decorations like piñatas, door wreaths, and paper flowers. Those needing a wardrobe refresh will also find guayaberas, embroidered dresses, and serape sashes for piling on the medals. The purple Fredericksburg Road shop will be packed all week, but the staff is friendly and startingly efficient. Plus, the store hours have been extended to 10 am-6 pm, Monday through Friday; 10 am-4 pm, Saturday; and 11 am-3 pm, Sunday.
The Cascaron Store
There's no way to do Fiesta without getting flecks of tissue paper in your hair. This 927 Austin Hwy embraces the mess with colorful eggs and mini piñata shaped like maracas, margaritas, and cactuses. Local party planners should put the Cascaron Store in their Rolodex now. Designers are on staff to create some truly jaw-dropping custom props.
Dos Carolinas
This Pearl boutique is a must for breathable, elegant guayaberas. Owner Caroline Matthews stocks them in a variety of fabrics ranging from classic cotton broadcloth to seersucker and gingham. Shoppers can even nurse a post-Flambeau Parade hangover wearing a fabulously soft "guayarobe." Though it's too late for this year's celebration, the shop also offers custom shirts. But, hey, guayaberas are San Antonio appropriate year-round.
Divide & Conquer
For a one-of-a-kind Fiesta lewk, it's hard to top this downtown menswear store. The guayaberas are wild, sporting prints that run the gamut from psychedelic to preppy. If things get nippy (it is Texas, after all), there is also a selection of chic leather goods. The guayabera jacket offers the best of both worlds.
Fiesta at North Star
Conveniently located across from North Star, this mega-store is one-stop shopping for official San Antonio Fiesta merch. Outfit your front lawn with yard stakes, flags, and garlands, then outfit yourself with hand-painted hats, light-up bracelets, and tiny sombrero fascinators. It even offers tissue paper by the case for a tequila-fueled crafting party.
Nativa
This Broadway shop focuses on gorgeous goods sourced from fair trade artisans from remote villages in Mexico. Top picks include gorgeous long dresses embroidered with brightly embroidered yokes, slouchy sweatshirts with dazzling handwork, and Otomi cummerbunds and suspenders. The straw totes are also a must — especially the handwoven pig.
The 50th anniversary merch.Photo courtesy of Sanrio
This mug would go great with hot chocolate.Photo courtesy of Sanrio