Carnaval de San Anto is URBAN-15’s community-based, multi-generational, award-winning rhythm and dance ensemble that has transformed how San Antonio celebrates since 1987. Once a prominent fixture in the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, the group has toured throughout the U.S. and Mexico, performed at Spurs games and other San Antonio events, and even danced and drummed in inaugural parades of Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama.
Known for their Brazilian-Caribbean rooted music, flamboyant costuming and experimental nature, every Carnaval de San Anto performance is festive and sure to get you dancing on your feet. Following the URBAN-15 mission, Carnaval de San Anto has revolutionized community access to music and dance, becoming a cultural ambassador to the city of San Antonio. This ambassadorship goes beyond their cultural performances. In their “Cultivation Program” workshops, the group goes into local organizations and schools to teach the art of music and the uniting community force behind the art. Music and dance is a community event that everyone can join in on!
Parent organization URBAN-15 began back in 1974 with a performance at the University of Texas at Austin’s Baseball Stadium. Three instrumental quintets stationed at every base made for a unique performance that was unlike anything attendees had seen before. That one-off performance took root, growing into an ensemble of 15 members with the mission to experiment with sound and dance, and share the passion for art with the community. They’ve been creating ever since, getting bolder and more experimental in their art.
After 41 consecutive Fiesta Flambeau Parade performances, the ensemble now is concentrating on more highly staged work utilizing illuminated costumes, video projections and lasers. URBAN-15’s legacy as a parade innovator is that 11 dance/drum ensembles spawned off into the community’s aesthetic tradition. In addition to Carnaval de San Anto and the URBAN-15 Performance Ensemble, the organization hosts the annual HOLIDAY LASER SHOW, Mega Corazon Poetry Festival and the Josiah Media Festival. •••
