Photo Story: Western Weekend Heritage Parade 2025

Texas A&M University-San Antonio cheer squad bring school spirit to the streets as they march down Houston Street with bright smiles and pom-poms high in the air during the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend on Feb. 1, 2025. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

Dancers from Ballet Folklorico Sol de San Antonio captivate the audience during the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend on Feb. 1, 2025, twirling their vibrantly colored dresses in a stunning display of traditional Mexican folk dance. Their performance showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Mexico, dating back to 1952. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

PRCA Rodeo Helotes women riders wave to the crowd as they make their way through the parade on Feb. 1, 2025, bringing rodeo spirit to the heart of San Antonio on this festive afternoon. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

Riders from the Sho Steppas Trailriding Club make their way down Houston Street during the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend on Feb. 1, 2025, showcasing their pride and deep rooted traditions in the trail riding community. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

The Asociación de Charros San Antonio showed out at the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend on Feb. 1, 2025, representing the rich tradition of Mexican charros, a culture that dates back to the 18th century. As they rode through Houston St., they showcased three flags— the Mexican flag on the left, the Texas flag in the middle, and the U.S. flag on the right— symbolizing heritage, pride, and unity. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

The Asociación de Charros San Antonio showed out at the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend on Feb. 1, 2025, proudly representing the rich tradition of Mexican charros, a culture that dates back to the 18th century. One of the charros captivated the crowd with floreo de reata, an intricate display of rope tricks performed throughout the parade. This traditional Mexican art form involves skillfully spinning and maneuvering a lasso to create elegant, flowing patterns in the air—a practice deeply rooted in charro heritage. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

San Antonio Police officers take part in the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend on Feb. 1, 2025, riding through downtown as they connect with the community and celebrate the city’s rich Western traditions. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

The crowd lines Houston Street on Feb. 1, 2025, eagerly watching the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend as riders, performers, and marching groups pass by, bringing the spirit of tradition and community to downtown San Antonio. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

Miniature animals captivate the crowd’s hearts on Feb. 1, 2025, drawing delighted "awws" as they trot through the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend, their soft whinnies adding to the charm of the celebration. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

Juan Seguin’s company marches down Houston Street with pride and smiles on Feb. 1, 2025, honoring the legacy of Tejano heritage and their enduring role in Texas history during the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

Juan Seguín’s company marches down Houston Street with pride on Feb. 1, 2025, carrying a variety of flags that honor their Tejano heritage. Among them, the 1824 flag stands out—a symbol of the Mexican Constitution that many Tejanos, including Seguín, initially fought to uphold. Juan Seguín, a key figure in the Texas Revolution, was a San Antonio native who played a crucial role in the fight for Texas independence. Though he was later forced to flee to Mexico due to political tensions, his legacy endures. His contributions to Texas history are honored each year, a remembrance of the Tejano influence in shaping the state. Photo by Saile Aranda

San Antonio’s Thomas Jefferson High School Lariats prep squad make their way down Houston Street on Feb. 1, 2025, dazzling the crowd with their synchronized rope trick. With precision and skill, they twirl their lassos in perfect unison, showcasing a time-honored tradition of Western showmanship during the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo: Ranch Rodeo Champions finalists march down Houston Street on Feb. 1, 2025, waving at families as they celebrate their hard earned achievements and showcase the grit and skill of true rodeo competitors during the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

An admirable mother waves with pride as she watches the parade go by on Feb. 1, 2025, holding her child close. A heartfelt moment of community, tradition, and togetherness at the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

With a playful spirit, a woman holds up a sign reading "Yee" on one side and "Haw" on the other, encouraging the crowd to cheer along and celebrate the kickoff of the rodeo season at the Western Heritage Parade & Weekend. Photo by Vivian Zuniga

The Western Heritage Parade & Weekend 2025 brought a rich display of culture and tradition to the streets of downtown San Antonio on Feb. 1, marking the start of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo with a celebration of the city’s Western roots.

Families, spectators, and history enthusiasts gathered along Houston Street to witness a stunning procession of longhorns, horseback riders, wagons, folklórico dancers, marching bands, and local organizations. Charros showcased their artistry with mesmerizing rope tricks, while trail riding clubs and rodeo champions proudly carried on time-honored traditions.

The event served as a reminder of the diverse heritage that has shaped Texas, blending Tejano, cowboy, and ranching cultures into a vibrant spectacle of community pride.

About the Author

Vivian "Viv" Zuniga

Photo Editor

Vivian "Viv" Zuniga is a Junior at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, majoring in Communications with a minor in Marketing. She earned her Associate’s degree from San Antonio College in 2023. Vivian has worked as a freelance photojournalist with TPR San Antonio and contributed to the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists (SAAHJ) and Teen Team. Creativity is essential to her work. Whether through photography, design, or digital media. Vivian thrives on exploring new ideas and bringing concepts to life, finding fulfillment in every opportunity to create. In her free time, Vivian loves to travel, finds peace in music, art, and film photography, enjoys junk journaling, and has a passion for car culture—from F1 and drifting to local car meets.