World Heritage Festival Celebrates San Antonio Missions as UNESCO Site
Published on September 14, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (September 14, 2026) — San Antonio celebrated 11 years of the San Antonio Missions’ World Heritage Site designation with the 11th Annual World Heritage Festival from September 9 – 13. The San Antonio Missions are Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The festival featured events that honored the unique history and culture of San Antonio’s vibrant community. Family-friendly activities, educational offerings, and entertainment for all ages were also part of the experience.
The festival kicked off with multiple activities, including three events hosted at the World Heritage Center: a daytime family-friendly event focused on learning about the Mission ranches, such as Rancho de las Cabras, followed by an evening discussion and book signing with Former U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar. This discussion highlighted the San Antonio Missions as well as the communities, cultures, and connections between the United States and Mexico, as explored in his new book “Borderlands.”
Another highlight of the festival was a staged reading of scenes from Federico Garcia Lorca's “The House of Bernarda Alba,” hosted in partnership with City Council District 3 and Arts in Play. The event brought community members together to experience Lorca's powerful drama in a unique format, fostering dialogue about art, culture, and local collaboration.
“It was wonderful to see the San Antonio community come together to support such a unique event that not only honors the rich cultural heritage of the area, but also highlights the lasting impact of the World Heritage Site designation on our city’s identity,” said District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran.
The five-day festival included several National Park Service events, Mission Day at the Alamo, and the popular Tour de Las Misiones — a bike ride, walk, and run on Saturday, September 12, at Mission County Park. Tour de las Misiones featured a leisurely bike ride with stops at one or all of the missions, while runners and walkers enjoyed 5K and 10K walks through the scenic Mission Reach and Mission San José. A post-ride celebration included food, music, and family-friendly activities. The festival concluded with a Care for Creation Mass and Pilgrimage at Mission Espada.
The World Heritage Festival is presented annually by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office, in collaboration with Bexar County, the San Antonio River Authority, The Alamo, Las Misiones, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and various City departments. Collectively, the festival’s events shine a spotlight on the five San Antonio Missions and celebrate their recognition as Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“As we complete our 11th year of the World Heritage Festival, we are grateful for the continued support of the San Antonio community, partner organizations, and sponsors,” said Colleen Swain, Director of the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office. “The festival events offer one-of-a-kind experiences that highlight our community, culture, and an opportunity to share San Antonio’s story with the rest of the world.”
The annual festival also coincided with the globally recognized “OWHC Day,” formerly “Organization of World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day,” on September 8. This observance unites cities across the globe in their shared commitment to celebrating, protecting, and promoting cultural heritage.
The World Heritage Festival fosters community engagement and emphasizes the significance of these historic sites, while encouraging residents and visitors to support the organizations that care for these priceless treasures.
To learn more about the World Heritage Festival, visit WorldHeritageFestival.org.