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Fiesta Fiesta Starts 18 Days Of Festivities

Fiesta 2014 literally kicked off with a BANG! last night as fireworks exploded behind thousands of eager San Antonians at Fiesta Fiesta.

You can expect to hear cries of "Viva Fiesta" everywhere across town for the next 18 days as Fiesta is officially upon us. Fiesta was originally started as a way to commemorate the battle of San Jacinto and those killed at the Alamo with a parade where people threw flowers at decorated carriages.

It has evolved since then to more than 110 different events. San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro said Fiesta has a multi-hundred million dollar impact for the city.

“That means that our hotels, our restaurants [and] our other establishments do better because of Fiesta," Castro said. "It’s also just a wonder time to be in San Antonio where there is a camaraderie and a spirit among residents and visitors; it’s great to watch.”

Fiesta revelers filled Alamo Plaza for the kickoff event to take in the sights sounds and crack and cascarone or two. Steve and Jody Neumann, who are the king and queen for Cornyation this year, said they enjoy the fellowship of Fiesta.

“I just like the happiness it puts on the city. This city gets really amped up," Steve said

“There’s the hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for people, charities -- all for San Antonio. It’s pretty amazing," Jody added.

Fiesta Fiesta ended with an impressive fireworks show behind the Alamo with an all-too-familiar tune. The full list of Fiesta events is at www.Fiesta-SA.org

Joey Palacios can be reached atJoey@TPR.org and on Twitter at @Joeycules