| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 46 |
| Copyright: Other |
City spotlight by Joanne O’Connor
The Alamo: the freedom fighters’ battle has shaped the city’s historySan Antonio gives that Latin flavour to Texas
Unique culture boasts strong hispanic roots
TEXAS is the only state in the US which can fly its flag at the same height as the Stars and Stripes. Why the special treatment? To find out you’ll need to head down to San Antonio, a likeable city which holds the key to Texas’ history.San Antonio found its way into the history books in 1836 when it was home to one of the most influential battles in UShistory. The story of the Alamo, where 189 men held out for 13 days against 4,000 Mexican troops in a bid to win Texan independence from the Spanish is well known. The Alamo, also known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, is a shrine to the heroes who died defending their freedom. Though they lost the battle it led to the eventual overthrow of Spanish rule and Texas becoming an independent republic for 10 years, hence the special dispensation for its flag.
The site can be found right in the centre of San Antonio’s downtown. It is one of several missions still remaining which were built by the Spanish in San Antonio as a way of settling the land and converting the native Indians into good Catholics and loyal Spanish subjects.
History and geography dictate that there is still a strong hispanic influence in San Antonio – 55% of the city’s population is of hispanic origin. This is reflected in the local music, architecture and spicy Tex Mex cuisine. The city is also home to regular fiestas and celebrations.
For a real Latin flavour, head for Market Square home to the largest Mexican-style covered market outside Mexico City. Need a sombrero or a Mexican poncho? Look no further.
This area of the city has a lively, festive air, with lots of street vendors and strolling mariachi bands. Pop your head into Mi Tierra – a Mexican bakery and restaurant and something of a local institution or sip a margarita on the terrace of La Margarita restaurant.
San Antonio is the eighth biggest city in the USbut its downtown area feels small and friendly. Nowhere is this more true than on the delightful River Walk. After the Alamo, the River Walk is Texas’ next most visited attraction and it’s easy to see why.
Located 20ft below street level and winding through the heart of downtown for 2.5 miles is a natural waterway lined on both sides with pavement cafes, bars and shops, criss-crossed at regular intervals by footbridges. This is truly the heart of the city and a highlight of any stay will be a stroll along its cobbled paths. Alternatively you can admire the waterfalls, ducks and subtropical plants of this stateside Venice from one of the sightseeing barges which ply the waters by day and night.
If your wallet is weighing you down you can always lighten the load at La Villita – a small arts and crafts village located in one of the city’s oldest settlements on the banks of the river. By night the area is heaving and the pavement tables fill up with locals and tourists tucking into ribs and steaks. After dinner one of the most popular spots is The Landing, where you can listen to top quality jazz acts while watching the hustle and bustle of the River Walk go by.
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san antonio
San Antonio: tourists enjoy the hustle and bustle of River Walk