Hundreds Enjoy ‘Chanukah on the River’ in Texas

At the first ‘Chanukah on the River’ 16 years ago, 40 people joined together to celebrate the holiday. But on Sunday, several hundred people packed the Arneson River Theater in San Antonio, Texas for the main event of this year’s festivities — the lighting of the menorah.

People who have attended the event year after year said it had gotten bigger and better over time, with many more members of the local Jewish community coming and with new activities for visitors to enjoy.

They said the enthusiasm for the event reflects the bonds among many San Antonio Jews.

“It’s a good size, it’s close-knit,” Yaakova Zinnreich said about the Jewish community in the area.

She was at the event with her friend, Kayla Mucci, 43, who was visiting from Connecticut.

“It’s a lot warmer, that’s for sure,” Mucci said about spending the holiday in San Antonio compared to the Northeast.

Chanukah on the River, which was organized by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning, also featured a family fair at La Villita, with a bounce house, laser tag and face painting for kids.

Some of the river barges cruising down the river had been fitted up front with a menorah, the multi-pronged candelabra that is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith.

As the lighting of the menorah neared, the crowd in the amphitheater grew — with many of the children exhibiting painted faces and many of the men wearing yarmulkes. People could buy a Chanukah donut for $2, a potato latke with applesauce for $1.

Many of the speakers at the event referenced the story of Chanukah and the origins of the menorah, but the day had a distinctly Texas touch. It was featured in the remarks of Mayor Julián Castro, who lit the menorah’s middle candle.

“Happy Chanukah, y’all!” the mayor said.