Fiesta is upon us, San Antonio - time to add to your medal collection!
For those of you not from the area or are new to town, let us explain this crazy little tradition. It’s actually not a new thing - the origins of Fiesta medals can be traced back to 1946 when King Antonio first gave out commemorative coins at parades and other events (according to Henry Graham's History of the Texas Cavaliers). Then years later, SA’s retailer Joske’s started handing out wearable coin-holders that children wore as badges…thus starting the medal phenomenon. What is considered to be the first official Fiesta medal was handed out in 1971 by King Antonio XLIX Charles G. Orsinger. Other medals were used before then, mainly worn by Fiesta royalty, so these were the inaugural ones distributed to the public. Then the craze of collecting different medals really took off in the 90s.
They are an easy way to make a statement during the Fiesta season, so we were so excited to put together our list of favorites for 2019! Here they are:
Overall winners!
Best All-Around
Belle & Union’s first ever Fiesta medal made its impact on us! Not only because of its unique colors and spinning letter press wheel, but because 25% of the proceeds made from this medal will go to Soldiers Angels, a local and national non-profit that supports our military and veterans. Since it landed in three of our different categories and leaves a lasting impression, we chose it as the best all-around medal for 2019!
Most Unforgettable
La Casa Frida is a Mexican inspired boutique based in San Antonio that specializes in unique and one of a kind handmade items from all over Mexico. Housed in an Airstream trailer on Broadway, their mission is to bring a little piece of Mexico with unique products that represent the art and culture of our heritage. Their Mexican tile inspired medal paired with the unique pattern on the ribbon made this medal most unforgettable! Head to their trailer to grab yours today!
Most Iconic
Any San Antonian can attest to the lasting impression Coach Gregg “Pop” Popovich has had on the Spurs organization and our city. His one-of-a-kind post-game interviews make us laugh and his steadfast loyalty to the players and coaching staff make him a truly stand up guy. On top of all this, he’s now the NBA’s coach with the most wins of all time. That’s why this medal by Push SATX is our Most Iconic medal of 2019. Pop, you will always be our “Gran Papi", GO SPURS GO!
Medals For a Cause!
Teed Off at Cancer
Teed Off at Cancer is a San Antonio-based nonprofit, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children diagnosed with cancer and their families. They work with The Children's Hospital of San Antonio and University Hospital to bring hope and comfort to families who have recently learned of a cancer diagnosis in the family. Head to their Instagram to find out where they are selling medals next!
Merit Coffee
Merit Coffee began in San Antonio and has expanded to Austin and most recently, Dallas. Their #GoodEnergy is tasted in all their coffee and felt in every shop you walk into. This year, proceeds from their coffee bag medal is going to support Band of Runners, an organization that empowers veterans and their surviving members by sharing the community of trail running, and the physical and psychological benefits that running in nature provides. Head to a shop near you and grab yours!
Art of Donut
The Art of Donut creates unforgettable memories by combining new and distinctive flavors in their donuts. Their motto is, “We don't just craft donuts, we craft moments.” We love that motto! Their medal is a burst of color and glitter on maracas resting in a donut, how fun is that? This year, 100% of their proceeds will go to The American Pit Bull Foundation. Head to their shop to get a donut and a medal, you won’t regret it!
Movers and Shakers!
Chick-fil-A
A fast-food chain that needs no introduction, their Fiesta medal for 2019 features a dancing cow sporting a sombrero and cowboy boots holding their classic “Eat Mor Chikin” sign in Spanish. This medal sticks to the Chick-fil-A that we all know and love but adds in just enough San Antonio touch that we can’t resist adding it to our collection. So “Koma Mas Poyo” and purchase your Fiesta medal at a location near you!
El Paraiso
Celebrating 35 years of business, El Paraiso’s ice cream and fruit bars are a delicious San Antonio treat that everyone should enjoy during the warm, summer months! When you’re driving down Fredericksburg, you can’t miss their blue and white striped building. Their medal not only pays homage to their iconic stripes, but also has a spinning medallion in the center. Treat yourself today with an ice cream bar and a fun medal to go with it!
Skull-Tastic!
Summer Moon
Summer Moon moved to San Antonio just a few years ago but have really jumped into the Fiesta spirit with their glittery sugar skull! We love the combination of orange and turquoise in their medal, but what makes this one so special is the wood-burning eye sockets that give a shout to their wood-fired coffee. Head to their Tri-Point or Alamo Ranch location to grab a coffee and medal to-go!
Burgerteca
Chef Johnny Hernandez has outdone himself on the restaurant front and now in the Fiesta medal arena as well. The sombrero rocking skull gives a playful and fun feel to the skeleton we have come to know and love sitting outside of Burgerteca. So turn on your Coco soundtrack and head to Burgerteca to grab your medal!
Most Colorful!
Salata
Salata’s 2019 medal gives us all the tutti-frutti, Carmen Miranda feels. The bright yellow ribbon makes this festive medal stand out even more. Treat yourself today to a delicious salad and a fun medal!
Rise up
Rise Up’s mission is to serve healthy and delicious food that everyone can enjoy. Well their medal is almost as colorful as their acai bowls. Healthy living starts with healthy eating, and that’s their commitment.
The Fruteria
This bright and glittery medal makes us want to sit pool-side with a Las Fresas fruit drink from The Fruteria! These medals come with either a lime green ribbon or a red ribbon. Head to one of their locations fast so you can choose the ribbon color of your choice!
Support Local!
From Scratch Farm
From Scratch Farm is located in Boerne and its products are made with the most natural and simple ingredients. We love their punny medal and could not resist showing it off. Follow them on Instagram to find out where you can purchase their medal.
Fiesta Feet
Fiesta Feet is a local business whose shoes are handmade in Mexico with bright colors and genuine leather. Proceeds from Fiesta Feet are donated to Casa Kamami in Guadalajara, Mexico — a foster home for abused girls. Our favorite thing about this medal is that it includes the famous line “Show your shoes!” that you often hear at the Battle of Flowers Parade.
Bless your heart
Simple, dainty and beautiful, this fiesta medal will have you falling in love with the Fiesta season! Head to one of Bless Your Heart’s two boutique locations to shop for your Fiesta wear and grab a medal.
Take Your Medal to Work!
Pella
Founded in 1925, Pella is an innovative window and door company that has been owned by the same family since its existence. We love that they chose to stick to their roots in their Fiesta medal with this adorable window pane highlighted with colorful flowers and a fun Fiesta banner.
G.W. Mitchell Construction
We might be biased because this medal was designed by our very own Stephanie Hill’s husband, Preston, who won G.W. Mitchell’s Fiesta medal design contest amongst their employees. The brightly colored medal is dressed with the Mitchell’s “M” dangling from a crane and a papel picado background design.