The University has unveiled its 2026 Fiesta medal, which celebrates A&M-San Antonio’s growing presence on the South Side while honoring one of the city’s most beloved cultural traditions. The medal’s design draws inspiration from the University’s mission-style tower at the campus entrance, which reflects A&M–San Antonio’s commitment to education and community engagement.
The medal was revealed during a special public celebration on Thursday, March 5, in the courtyard of the Central Academic Building. The pop-up event featured giveaways, a medal-themed egg hunt, and a festive cascarón smash.
“We decided that a pop-up event would be a fun and engaging way to bring together our students and community, both in celebration of our new medal and to get them excited for Fiesta and Festival de Cascarones,” said Kevin Castro, social media coordinator for A&M-San Antonio.
A&M–San Antonio’s annual Festival de Cascarones (FDC) celebrates the official finale of Fiesta. The free, family- and pet-friendly festival will take place Sunday, April 26, from 1 to 8 p.m. on the South Side campus.
FDC draws thousands of visitors each year for a day of live music, games, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and food vendors. Last year’s event welcomed more than 6,500 attendees, and organizers anticipate an even larger crowd this spring.
This year’s entertainment lineup will feature a diverse mix of regional talent. Headlining the festival is Jaime Olivares y Los Mensajeros del Sabor, a tropical music group known for blending Latin rhythms with lively stage performances. Additional performers include Vinny Tovar, a rising country artist from San Antonio’s Southeast Side; David Olivares, the Tejano performer known as “El Tejano Soñador”; and Lucky Joe, a celebrated accordionist, singer, and songwriter from Weslaco recognized for his contributions to Regional Mexican music.
The University is currently seeking volunteers to help support the festival. Volunteers from the community must pass a background check and will receive a parking pass, an official Festival de Cascarones T-shirt, and meals during their shifts. Organizers are also coordinating with vendors for the event, with applications for new vendors expected to open soon.
Fiesta San Antonio, which kicks off April 11, was established in 1891 to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. The 11-day event has grown into the city’s premier cultural celebration, featuring parades, concerts, and culinary events that showcase San Antonio’s heritage and vibrant community.
A central part of Fiesta culture is the tradition of collectible medals. The custom began in 1946 when King Antonio distributed commemorative coins to children. Today, Fiesta medals have become a cherished symbol of the celebration, with thousands of unique designs produced each year by local organizations, nonprofits, and businesses.
“Our participation in Fiesta through the medal and Festival de Cascarones speaks to our identity as both an educational institution and a proud community partner,” said President Salvador Hector Ochoa. “The medal honors our strong connection to San Antonio and our mission to create greater access to higher education. Festival de Cascarones, in turn, opens our South Side campus to families from across the city to celebrate shared traditions and the rich culture that defines our community.”