Diwali SA to Light Up Hemisfair on November 1
Published on October 16, 2025
The annual event will showcase the food, art, and music of India.
SAN ANTONIO (October 16, 2025) – The sights, sounds, flavors and traditions of India will illuminate Hemisfair and Arneson River Theatre at the 17th Annual Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to midnight. This free cultural attraction is open to the public and honors the diversity of India. The event features traditional Indian dance, entertainment, food, and crafts, and is hosted by AnujaSA and the City of San Antonio.
The tradition of Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and reflects perseverance. The “festival of lights” is recognized on the night of Diwali by placing candles, lamps and lights in homes and streets to light up the night. In San Antonio, Diwali SA is significant because this festival was inspired by San Antonio’s Sister-City Agreement with Chennai, India, signed in 2008.
“San Antonio’s rich multiculturalism is celebrated with events like Diwali SA,” said Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones. “This celebration brings residents and tourists together to have an authentic cultural experience, bringing India to the heart of Downtown San Antonio at Hemisfair, in celebration of the San Antonio-Chennai Sister-City relationship.”
The Sister-City connection between them is strong, in part due to AnujaSA, whose mission is to foster the relationship between these two great cities. AnujaSA has helped to cultivate and sustain numerous exchanges, which include Arts and Culture, Medicine, Education, Business and Commerce, and Sports and Recreation.
“Diwali SA is a celebration of the vibrant Indian culture, a testament to our shared heritage, and an invitation for all to experience the beauty of unity in diversity,” said Anuja SA President Kausi Subramaniam. “This year’s festival will bring all the magic and tradition you love, along with exciting new experiences — including an interactive AI booth presented by UTSA, highlighting how innovation and technology intersect with the timeless traditions of India and Diwali.”
Since the Sister-City agreement between San Antonio and Chennai, India began in 2008, the two cities have built a strong and lasting relationship. AnujaSA has worked closely with the Global Engagement Division of the City’s Economic Development Department (EDD) to ensure the City continues a strong commitment to providing residents and visitors with creative cultural programming.
“The annual Diwali SA is a City-sponsored and City-sanctioned event which has brought many community partners together through sponsorships, volunteers, and the wonderful creativity of our Indian residents and neighbors who strive hard to share their wonderful culture with the rest of the residents of our city, bringing a flavor of India to San Antonio,” said Sherry Dowlatshahi, Chief Diplomacy & Protocol & Officer, City of San Antonio Economic Development Department.
For more information and updates about the Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights, visit DiwaliSA.com.