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
The newly formed Republic of Mexico urges American immigrants to settle in Texas, which was part of the Mexican State of Coahuila y Tejas.
He is elected president in April.
Santa Anna instills Perfecto de Cos as the governing military authority over Texas.
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
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.
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!
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
It is a friendly state
In Texas, everyone says hello to each other.
Texans love sports
They go to football or baseball matches every Friday.
The State fair is an important tradition
Parents make the effort to take their kids, at least once, while they’re young.
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.
They love horses
When Texans are young, they learn how to ride horses.
Why San Jacinto Day is Important
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 21 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 21 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 21 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | April 21 | Friday |
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