News Summary
The ‘Show Me Your Shoes’ tradition, started by riverboat driver Joel Herrera, has become a cherished part of San Antonio’s Fiesta celebrations. Since its spontaneous inception, the phrase has transformed into a symbol of community spirit and resilience. Despite personal challenges including a traumatic robbery and battling cancer, Herrera remains dedicated to sharing joy through his work, prompting both locals and visitors to embrace kindness and cherish the spirit of Fiesta.
San Antonio – A local tradition known as “Show Me Your Shoes” has captured the hearts of residents and visitors during the Fiesta celebrations, thanks to the efforts of Joel Herrera, a dedicated boat driver on the San Antonio River Walk.
At the age of 55, Herrera reflects on his journey from a young dreamer to a beloved figure in the city. His connection to the River Walk began when he was hired on his birthday, June 13, 1989, fulfilling a lifelong aspiration. Working with Go Rio Crews, Herrera considers his position not only a job but also a calling, as he sees himself as both a boat guide and a storyteller, passionately promoting the beauty of San Antonio.
The “Show Me Your Shoes” tradition originated during a Fiesta parade when Herrera, alongside his mother, spontaneously shouted the phrase at parade participants. Initially met with puzzled looks, the request soon gained momentum as attendees began to showcase their shoes in response. The fun gesture quickly drew in others, transforming a simple interaction into a jubilant chant echoed throughout the crowd.
The phrase’s popularity skyrocketed when reporter Nancy Gonzalez captured Herrera’s enthusiastic shout during the festivities, leading to the emergence of signs and banners the following year, solidifying the tradition into the Fiesta experience. As Herrera recalls, he often chuckles when others attempt to claim ownership of the phrase; his connection to the saying is undeniable.
Beyond the joyous moments of Fiesta, Herrera’s life has been marked by significant challenges. He has faced multiple adversities, including a traumatic gunpoint experience during a robbery, a debilitating motorcycle accident in 2012, and a battle with cancer. Maintaining a positive outlook, he credits the unwavering support of his wife, Susie Herrera, in helping him navigate these trials and emerge resilient.
Despite these hardships, Herrera remains optimistic and continues to offer boat tours along the River Walk, elated to be in remission and fully engaged in his beloved work. His optimism translates into his message for tourists and locals alike—when they hear “Show me your shoes,” they should also see the underlying resilience and beauty of both the slogan and the city he cherishes.
As he guides visitors down the scenic waterways, Herrera encourages kindness and compassion, urging everyone to “stay groovy and be kind to one another.” His return to work after cancer treatment marked a euphoric milestone in his journey, allowing him to share joy with those around him, reaffirming his connection to the community and the spirit of Fiesta.
While the “Show Me Your Shoes” tradition thrives, both in spirit and in practice, it serves as a reminder not just of a catchy phrase, but of the deep sense of community, resilience, and the unique experiences that San Antonio has to offer. Through his story and actions, Joel Herrera embodies the essence of kindness and the celebration of life’s highs and lows, making the Fiesta all the more special for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- Express News: Battle Flowers Parade
- Wikipedia: Fiesta San Antonio
- Axios: Fiesta Parades Weather
- Google Search: San Antonio Fiesta
- Express News: Fraulein Boots San Antonio
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Traditions
- News 4 SA: Show Me Your Shoes Contest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Festivals
- Trinitonian: History of Fiesta
- Google News: San Antonio Fiesta News
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
