Published on August 28, 2024
SAN ANTONIO (August 28, 2024) — The 9th annual World Heritage Festival will be held September 4-8, 2024. This five-day festival will feature an exciting program of events each day and celebrate the unique history and culture of the vibrant community of San Antonio. The event coincides with the Organization of World Heritage Cities’ globally recognized Solidarity Day on September 8. This global day of remembrance brings cities around the world together in their commitment to celebrate, protect and promote cultural heritage.
The World Heritage Festival is an annual community celebration hosted by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office in partnership with Bexar County, San Antonio River Authority, The Alamo, Las Misiones, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and the City of San Antonio Military and Veterans Affairs Department, all of whom contribute to the success of the festival.
The World Heritage Festival events collectively promote the five San Antonio missions and raise awareness of their designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only World Heritage site in Texas.
“The World Heritage Festival is a wonderful celebration of San Antonio’s shared history, culture and unique heritage,” said County Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran. “It is a time when we come together as a community and celebrate San Antonio’s rich heritage and recognize its significant impact on our city.”
Event schedule:
10am Thursday, September 5th
National Park Service – We’re Still Here Tour
Location: Mission San Juan, 9101 Graf Rd, 78214
1pm Thursday, September 5
National Park Service – Nopal y Tu: The Tour
Location: Mission San Juan, 69101 Graf Rd, 78214
6pm Thursday, September 5
The Alamo – A Vision of History
Location: The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, 78205
10am Friday, September 6
National Park Service – We’re Still Here Tour
Location: Mission San Jose, 6701 San Jose Drive, 78214
11am Friday, September 6th
National Park Service – We’re Still Here Tour
Location: Mission Espada, 10040 Espada Rd, 78214
3pm Friday, September 6
National Park Service – Recognition for Gold Star families and veterans
Location: Mission San Jose, 6701 San Jose Drive, 78214
18:30 Friday, September 6
World Heritage Office and Military and Veterans Affairs – Music and Film Under the Stars
Location: Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave., 78214
7am Saturday, September 7th
World Heritage Office – Tour de las Misiones
Location: Mission Park Pavilion, 6030 Padre Drive, 78214
10am Saturday, September 7
National Park Service – Junior Ranger Day
Location: Mission San Juan, 9101 Graf Road, 78214
10am Saturday, September 7th
National Park Service – We’re Still Here Tour
Location: Mission San Jose, 6701 San Jose Drive, 78214
8am Sunday, September 8th
Las Misiones – El Camino de San Antonio: Mass and walk to care for creation
Location: Mission Espada, 10040 Espada Road, 78214
10am Sunday, September 8th
National Park Service – It’s Still Here Tour
Location: Rancho de las Cabras, 375 Country Rd. 144, 78114
“As the World Heritage Festival enters its ninth year, we are excited to celebrate our city by highlighting the significance of San Antonio’s five missions and UNESCO World Heritage designation,” said Colleen Swain, director of the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office. “This unique festival continues to connect us to San Antonio’s past and reminds us of our responsibility to support the preservation of our heritage for future generations to enjoy.”
The World Heritage Festival aims to encourage community engagement, highlight the importance of these sites and inspire residents and visitors to support the organizations that preserve these priceless treasures. The festival offers a variety of family-friendly activities, educational experiences and entertainment for all ages.
For information about the World Heritage Festival and planned events, visit WorldHeritageFestival.org.
