Investiture of King Antonio

In 1989, the Texas Cavaliers developed the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation to benefit and support local children. The Texas Cavaliers have distributed more than $8 million to Texas charities.

• Founded in 1926 by John B. Carrington, the Texas Cavaliers consist of over 500 business, civic and community leaders who promote and preserve the bravery and independence for which the heroes of the Alamo died.

• The Texas Cavaliers named our first King Antonio in 1927. Sterling Clinton Burke was elected by his peers to pay tribute to Alamo heroes, attend the first King’s Ball, and preside over city-wide Fiesta activities. A King Antonio has been selected from the ranks of the Texas Cavaliers in every subsequent year except for those when our country was at war and Fiesta events were canceled.

• Since the King’s early days, the honor has evolved into a platform from which the Cavaliers’ monarch can distribute charitable funds; deliver a positive, healthy message to schoolchildren; and merrily greet all royal subjects at numerous ceremonies, parties and special appearances during 10 action-packed days.

• The investiture ceremony, which dates back to 1927, honors the memory of the matchless heroes who fell at the Alamo and also recognizes new members inducted into the Texas Cavaliers each year.

• By tradition, this highly celebrated investiture ceremony is held in front of the Alamo on the first Saturday evening of Fiesta. With the Shrine of Texas history as a backdrop, the new ruler of merriment is administered the oath of office and “crowned” with the plumed hat of King Antonio by his immediate predecessor.

•  Wearing his cape, saber and the official headgear, the new King Antonio is ceremoniously welcomed by the Mayor and given the key to the city. King Antonio responds by paying homage to the Alamo’s defenders and formally accepting the reins for the Fiesta Week’s activities.

Ticket Information:

Admission is FREE!!