The Alamo is one of the most historic sites in the state of Texas, representing freedom and independence from Mexico. Each year, 4.2 million visit the building to see the distinctive curved gable on the roof and take a tour through true Texas history. These events commemorate the fateful 13-day battle between Santa Anna’s Mexican army and the Texas defenders that led to the famous “Remember the Alamo” cry heard on battlefields throughout the rest of the war.

Dawn at the Alamo

Every year on March 6th, crowds gather before dawn in the Alamo Plaza to celebrate the anniversary of the fall of the Alamo in 1836. This commemorative ceremony honors the fallen on both sides of the battle which became a symbol of Texas independence.

The San Antonio Living History Association puts on re-enactments every year from 6-7 AM, before dawn, just like the historic raid on the Alamo. The event has a very solemn tone, as thirteen candles are lit to remember the 13-day siege of the Alamo, and a reconciliation peace prayer is recited in both English and Spanish to honor all 189 Texan defenders who died and about 600 Mexican troops that were either killed or wounded in the battle.

Eyewitness accounts are read as a flintock musket volley echoes the sounds of gunfire against the walls and commemerative wreaths are laid. This event gives spectators a real feel for what the soldiers went through on this historic day as the end came to the defenders holding Santa Anna’s Mexican army for 13 days, giving Sam Houston enough time to gather troops and plan an attack, leading to Texas independence. This encounter gave rise to the new Texas battlecry “Remember the Alamo!” which echoed on battlefields throughout the conclusion of the war.

The event is free for all to attend.

Remember the Alamo

One weekend every March, people gather in San Antonio from all over the country to participate in re-enactments that replay the final two days (March 5 and 6, 1836) of the 13-day siege on the Alamo led by General Santa Anna. The event is designed to tell the story from both sides and let the audience decide what is right. The weekend tries to bring the magnificent history of the building to life and make it exciting for the general public.

Along with the re-enactments are educational demonstrations and interactactive marching drills that try to give those in attendance an idea of what it was like to live through the event. Bagpipers and a Celtaire string band provide period music during the weekend on the Alamo Plaza to help take participants back in time.

The "For God and Texas! ¡Dios y Libertad!," re-enactment takes the audience through a narrated account of last two days of the battle, including Santa Anna’s decision to attack at dawn and how they used the darkness at midnight to get into position. The “Santa Anna’s Council of War” living history recounts Santa Anna’s meeting with advisers to discuss the pre-dawn attack. These re-enactments, along with others, play out multiple times throughout the two days and involve authentic period costumes. In between showings, costumed participants even stop for pictures with attendees and answer questions about the historic battle that helped hold off Santa Anna’s army while Sam Houston gathered troops and planned his attack.

The event is hosted by the San Antonio Living History Association and is free for all to attend.