This home movie captures scenes of the 1974 Battle of Flowers parade in San Antonio. Representatives of many community organizations and schools ride on elaborately decorated floats, and military corps and high school marching bands from all over Texas march in uniform. Notably, Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe, Jr. and his wife Janey ride in the parade, one year after his election. The Battle of Flowers parade began in 1891 and is held each year in April to honor the heroes of the Alamo and celebrate the victory of the Battle of San Jacinto when Texas gained its independence. The parade was founded by Ellen Maury Slayden, a congressman’s wife, who recruited her friends to form the original Battle of Flowers Parade committee. The parade is still produced entirely by women.

San Antonio Bexar County

Battle of Flowers parade parades main street San Antonio Bexar County band marching band march marching instrument instruments costume costumes uniform uniforms high school high schools military corps cadet cadets flag flags horse horses horseback float floats car cars automobile automobiles town community club clubs charity community organization charity organization

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