San Antonio, Texas is a multicultural city where something is always happening. In the spring the city comes alive with music and food as the celebration of Fiesta brings a colorful and lively infusion of fun to the streets of downtown. One of the events in Fiesta is the Taste of New Orleans a three-day long family-friendly event.
Sponsored by the ZULU organization in its 37th year the event was as popular as ever with the kind of weather San Antonio springs are known to be. Located in the lovely Sunken Gardens off St Mary Street in downtown makes for easy access to park or park and ride using the VIA transit system.
The Sunken Gardens are located in historic Brackenridge Park. Sunken Garden Theater has long been a local favorite for hosting annual events such as Taste of New Orleans and the Margarita Pour-off, as well as staging concerts featuring Carlos Santana and other well-known national acts. Originally carved into an old Limestone Quarry in the 1930s, the San Antonio Civic Opera Society quickly established the site as a premiere performing arts venue. Renovated numerous times, and having played host for thousands of events, the Theater, centrally located in the heart of San Antonio, remains popular.
The San Antonio Zulu Association (SAZA) is a benevolent organization founded with the mission to assist the greater San Antonio community. With the proceeds from its well-known annual “A Taste of New Orleans” event, held during the San Antonio Fiesta celebration, the organization reaches out to the community by providing youth the opportunity to further their education through scholarships. The organization with a membership of 43 dedicated volunteers, also provides numerous philanthropic outreach programs throughout the San Antonio community.
The food vendors at the event provide a variety of foods with a New Orleans flavor that makes one’s mouth water as they stroll along the concourse. Foods that cover the southern flavors at their best; brisket, poor-boys, crawfish boil, gumbo, and roasted corn. Southern deep-fried foods, and roasted tempt the palate. Deserts from Fried dough to brownies, fresh fruit bowls, and beignets. Awards are even given to top vendors based on votes.
The entrance cost is nominal and the cost of food and drinks is reasonable for these types of venues. The entertainment at this event is most enjoyable and anyone can feel good knowing they have supported one of many philanthropic organizations local to the San Antonio area.
At many Fiesta events, one never knows what or who they will see. Even some gators may show up. And as this is a Fiesta event (as shown above) Fiesta royalty is likely to be one hand.
Jazz, blues, rock, reggae, Zydeco, hip-hop, bounce, classical...somebody's always playing something in New Orleans. Listening or dancing one cannot help but enjoy the rhythms played. San Antonio, being a Military City in USA the Military has even sent ambassadors.
The music is lively; it’s impossible not to want to get up and jump jive.
The Zulu organization is always working to improve and make the event more and more user-friendly. The use of loaded wristbands helps one work through the event without constantly reaching for your wallet.
This is a fun event to get out and enjoy the giving heart San Antonio is known for and taste some of the enjoyable foods of the south.
This venue is handicap-accessible and user-friendly to any variety of limitations.
LINKS:
https://www.saza.org/saza-events/a-taste-of-new-orleans/
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