Page 36 - Layout 1

TRICENTENNIAL

SAN ANTONIO’S By Julie Catalano
Photography courtesy of www.visitsanantonio.com
TRICENTENNIAL

The Alamo City’s 300th birthday is well underway, but there’s still plenty to experience
during this once-in-a-lifetime happening.

This year is the perfect time to learn the history of San Antonio WHERE TO START? RIGHT HERE:
— a long, complex and compelling tale that begins when the city Commemorative Week, May 1-6
was named before there was a city, when indigenous peoples like Packing as much Tricentennial as possible into six days, this week
the Payaya Indians occupied the area for many thousands of years. explores history, education, arts and much more. Many of the events
Spanish explorers arrived on June 13, 1691 on the feast day of St. are free, but for ticket and time info, go to www.sanantonio300.org.
Anthony de Padua, naming both the area and the river in his honor.
It was 27 more years, in 1718, before the first mission — what we May 1. Day of Reflection.
now know as the Alamo — and the first presidio were established The week kicks off with interfaith
at San Pedro Creek, populated by Spanish friars and Spanish sol- services at places of worship
diers, respectively. across the city, headed by the
Although 1718 is celebrated as San Antonio’s birth, there was no Archdiocese of San Antonio and
official city government until 56 Canary Islanders arrived in March other religious leaders. A pilgrim-
of 1731 by royal decree of the King of Spain, establishing law and MISSION CONCEPCÍON age from Mission Concepción ar-
order with a municipal government and city hall. Ranches and farm- rives at Main Plaza, followed by a musical performance, healing
land were tilled with the help of Spanish presidio soldiers and the ceremony, lighting of the Eternal Flame and a candlelight vigil. Free.
Native Americans — a full century before the Battle of the Alamo.
That’s the short version. Hundreds of Tricentennial-themed May 2. History and Education. Thousands of San Anto-
events, performances, lectures, exhibits, concerts, films and festivals nio students will get a visit from historical performers touring area
will fill in the gaps with everything from solemn remembrances to schools throughout the week to bring the city’s history to life. Spe-
celebrations of art, music and dance, led by the San Antonio Tri- cial exhibits will also be on display at libraries, college campuses and
centennial Commission in partnership with area organizations and museums.
institutions.

36 San Antonio Medicine • May 2018 Article Courtesy of Home Design Décor magazine