Fiesta De Los Reyes Admission Fee Sparks Debate in San Antonio

Proposed $5 charge during peak hours aims to cover security costs, but critics say it could limit access and hurt local businesses.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:38am

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A high-contrast silkscreen print in neon colors featuring a repeating pattern of a classic Fiesta De Los Reyes mask or other celebratory icon, capturing the lively spirit of the annual event.The vibrant colors and iconic imagery of Fiesta De Los Reyes are reimagined as a bold, modern pop art celebration.San Antonio Today

Organizers of Fiesta De Los Reyes, one of Fiesta's largest events in San Antonio, are seeking approval from the city council to charge a $5 admission fee for attendees 13 and older during peak hours. The Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, which produces the event, says the fee is necessary to offset rising security costs following recent violence. However, the proposal is facing opposition from the San Antonio Farmers Market Plaza Association, which represents local businesses, who argue the fee could create barriers for families and negatively impact merchants who rely on Fiesta traffic.

Why it matters

Fiesta De Los Reyes is a beloved annual tradition in San Antonio that draws large crowds to the city's historic Market Square. The proposed admission fee has sparked a debate over balancing public safety concerns with maintaining accessibility and supporting local businesses in the area.

The details

The Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, which organizes Fiesta De Los Reyes, is seeking approval from the San Antonio City Council to charge a $5 admission fee for attendees 13 and older during peak hours. This includes Friday evenings starting at 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday afternoons starting at 1 p.m., and Monday through Thursday evenings starting at 6 p.m. The fee is intended to offset the rising costs of security measures implemented after recent violence at the event, including fencing, bag checks, metal detectors, and additional police presence. However, the San Antonio Farmers Market Plaza Association, which represents 88 businesses in Market Square, opposes the proposal, arguing it could create barriers for families and negatively impact local merchants who rely on Fiesta traffic.

  • In 2024, a shooting at Fiesta De Los Reyes left two people dead.
  • In 2023, another shooting incident occurred at the event.
  • The proposed $5 admission fee would be in effect during peak hours starting on April 17, 2026.

The players

Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation

The organization that produces Fiesta De Los Reyes and is seeking approval for the admission fee.

Elaine De Los Santos

Interim executive director of the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation.

San Antonio Farmers Market Plaza Association

A group representing 88 businesses in Market Square who oppose the proposed admission fee.

Yvette Ramirez

President of the San Antonio Farmers Market Plaza Association.

San Antonio City Council

The governing body that will vote on the proposed admission fee for Fiesta De Los Reyes.

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What they’re saying

“That's our main priority is to keep people safe. But again, there is a cost to that and unfortunately, it's very, very expensive.”

— Elaine De Los Santos, Interim executive director, Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation

“So to impede on those hours of operation by making a charge for you to go in just to go shopping … you're going to have to pay $5 to do that.”

— Yvette Ramirez, President, San Antonio Farmers Market Plaza Association

“We want this to be an open and free event to the public … and to continue to stay that way.”

— Yvette Ramirez, President, San Antonio Farmers Market Plaza Association

What’s next

The San Antonio City Council is expected to vote on the proposed admission fee for Fiesta De Los Reyes in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The debate over the Fiesta De Los Reyes admission fee highlights the challenge of balancing public safety concerns with maintaining the accessibility and community spirit of a beloved local tradition. As the city council prepares to vote, stakeholders on both sides will continue to advocate for their interests, underscoring the need for a collaborative solution that addresses the needs of event organizers, local businesses, and the broader San Antonio community.