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MonApr 21

San Jacinto Day – April 21, 2025

San Jacinto Day is observed every April 21. It celebrates the Battle of San Jacinto. It was the final battle of the Texas Revolution when Texas won its independence from Mexico on April 21, 1836. This day is a partial state public holiday. State government offices are closed, but some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. An annual festival takes place on the site of the battle. A reenactment group from East Texas, the Sabine Volunteers, participates in the San Jacinto Reenactment annually. The name of this group is taken from an actual militia group during the Texas Revolution.

History of San Jacinto Day

The Battle of San Jacinto occurred on April 21, 1836, in what is now Harris County, Texas. This fight was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution since it led to Texian independence from the Centralist Republic of Mexico.

General Samuel Houston led the battle. The Texan Army launched a surprise attack to engage and defeat General Antonio López de Santa Anna’s Mexican army in a fight that lasted just 18 minutes. General Houston wrote a detailed, first-hand account of the battle from the headquarters of the Texan Army in San Jacinto on April 25, 1836. After the writings of General Huston, numerous secondary analyses and interpretations have followed.

Although the battle lasted only 18 minutes, the Mexicans were routed and lost over 600 men. General Santa Anna was taken prisoner together with hundred of Mexican soldiers. Santa Anna signed a treaty recognizing Texan independence in exchange for his freedom. After the battle and popularity of his victory, Sam Houston was elected president. Houston, the modern city, is named after him.

San Jacinto Day timeline

1830
American Immigrants Installed in Texas

The newly formed Republic of Mexico urges American immigrants to settle in Texas, which was part of the Mexican State of Coahuila y Tejas.

1833
General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna

He is elected president in April.

1835
Santa Anna Installs Martin Perfecto de Cos

Santa Anna instills Perfecto de Cos as the governing military authority over Texas.

1836
The San Jacinto Battle is Fought

The San Jacinto battle is fought.

San Jacinto Day FAQs

How many died at San Jacinto?

630 Mexicans died; 730 were imprisoned. Only nine of the 910 Texans were killed or mortally wounded, and 30 were wounded less seriously.

What is the meaning of San Jacinto?

San Jacinto is a Texan river where Texans defeated the Mexicans near the mouth of this river in 1836.

Is Jacinto a Spanish name?

It is Spanish and Portuguese: from the personal name Jacinto.

How to Observe San Jacinto Day

  1. Write a post on social media

    Writing a post on social media is also a good way of celebrating this day. Use the hashtag #SANJACINTODAY.

  2. Watch a documentary

    “The Re-enactors of San Jacinto,” released in 2010, shows the reenactment of the 18-minute battle. Watch it on this day!

  3. Attend an annual celebration

    Many celebrations take place on this day. The Aggie Muster, at Texas A&M University in central Texas, is an important celebration. "Aggie" refers to the school's students, alumni, and sports teams.

5 Interesting Facts About Texas

  1. It is a friendly state

    In Texas, everyone says hello to each other.

  2. Texans love sports

    They go to football or baseball matches every Friday.

  3. The State fair is an important tradition

    Parents make the effort to take their kids, at least once, while they’re young.

  4. Texans dress like cowboys

    People who grow up on ranches out in the hill country wear big belt buckles, cowboy hats, and bolo ties for social gatherings.

  5. They love horses

    When Texans are young, they learn how to ride horses.

Why San Jacinto Day is Important

  1. It is a day to commemorate independence

    This day is an opportunity to celebrate Texas's independence from Mexico. After this battle, Mexican forces retired from the state.

  2. It is an opportunity to celebrate

    Every celebration is an excuse to gather with friends and family and have a good time. You can meet with your loved ones and spend the day together celebrating, eating and dancing or singing.

  3. It is an opportunity to honor those who died

    At the battle of San Jacinto, many soldiers died. This day is perfect for honoring the price paid to free Texas.

San Jacinto Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 April 21 Monday
2026 April 21 Tuesday
2027 April 21 Wednesday
2028 April 21 Friday
2029 April 21 Saturday