"Mission
San José y San Miguel de Aguayo is a historic Catholic mission in San
Antonio, Texas, United States, opened in 1782. The mission was named in part for the
Marquis de San Miguel de Aguayo, José de Azlor y Virto de Vera"
As our quest for weekend happenings began, the most important word I was in search of was free. I logged onto Facebook a couple nights ago and came across an event titled "Restored by Light". The key words in the description had me sold--historical, free, live music. Naysia is not usually into outdoor events, surprisingly she did not put up a fight.
We drove through Southtown to reach the destination. In talking to locals my understanding is that the south side will be going under major modification to incorporate activities along the south end of the San Antonio River, mimicking the River Walk experience.
The event was due to start at 630pm. We arrived right on time. We were greeted by bicycle cops, the smells from the food trucks and the sounds of a live band singing an Aaliyah song.
As we entered the back entrance of the courtyard the sight of the mission was almost breath taking. I wanted to stop immediately and take out the camera but thought it was best to secure a good seat.
Along the length of San Jose there was an area sectioned off for the band and performers. We sat across in the grass. Naysia made herself comfortable and I was itching to explore. I walked as much of the perimeter as I could, took numerous photos, got hit in the head by some kids football, and bought some overpriced drinks to help us combat the heat.
I made my way back to Naysia. We watched people, dogs, sang along to the Gloria Estefan and Selena songs that the band covered. The mission bells rang every 30 minutes and interestingly and almost unknowingly, when they did everyone seemed to stop what they were doing.
The impressive band had 8 members-including the vocalists. The lead singer introduced each member along with their age, the average being 16 years old!! Parents stood around anxiously awaiting their daughters to perform the folklorico dance and afterward cheered them on with hoots, hollers, loud claps and lined them up along the mission walls to take what I'm sure were amazing photos!
All of the activity taking place caused the time to go by quickly. Dusk soon surrounded us and so did the fireflies. Unbeknownst to me Naysia had never seen them. She was mesmerized. Definitely the highlight of my night was watching her face transform into her inner little girl as she watched them in amazement. Those are the moments I pray for, those are the moments I love with her, those of discovery.
At about 815pm the lights placed at a distance faintly illuminated the front of the mission and the bell tower. It wasn't until that moment we realized we were in the wrong spot! We, along with 100 other people hustled to the front for the reveal. Coordinators of the event took a moment to briefly describe what we were about to experience. What we were going to see, with today's technology, was what Mission San Jose looked like in it's glory.
A two minute introduction with music, video and projection, culminated with a stunning replica of the colorful frescoes that once graced the walls of the Mission. It was beautiful! We stood in awe for a few minutes--and then hustled to the car to try to beat traffic. And we did.
Since we were feeling pretty energetic and had to pass thru downtown to get home, we agreed to check out the Riverwalk night life. We landed at a restaurant along the river, perfectly positioned to observe street performers, party goers, pan handlers and date nights. Following out feast of french fries and apple cobbler, we topped our night off by viewing the Alamo. I took a few photos then we sat across the street for a brief moment and soaked in the quiet and the cool breeze.
The night ended well. Very little money was spent, we shared countless laughs and learned something new.
Mission Accomplished.
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