April 21

San Jacinto Day

Honor the bravery of those who fought at the Battle of San Jacinto on this historic day filled with parades, ceremonies, and commemorations.

Yearly Date
April 21
Observed in
United States
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
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Introduction

Get ready to commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, also known as San Jacinto Day! This day marks the decisive battle that led to Texas gaining its independence from Mexico in 1836. It's a day to honor and remember the brave men who fought for freedom and shaped the history of our great nation. From reenactments to parades, there are many ways you can celebrate this important date and pay tribute to those who fought for Texas. So let's all raise our flags high and show our pride for this historic event on San Jacinto Day!

San Jacinto Day Timeline

1836
Battle of San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto takes place on April 21, marking a critical win for Texas in its bid for independence from Mexico.
1845
Texas Statehood
Following its independence, Texas is admitted to the United States as the 28th state, greatly influenced by the victory at San Jacinto.
1939
San Jacinto Monument Dedicated
The San Jacinto Monument, a towering memorial to honor the battle's heroes, is officially dedicated on April 21.
1970s
San Jacinto Day Recognized
San Jacinto Day becomes a well-recognized date to celebrate Texan history and independence, seeing widespread community observance each April 21st.
1986
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
The area where the Battle of San Jacinto took place is designated a State Historic Site, offering education and commemorations each year.

How to Celebrate San Jacinto Day

1

Attend a reenactment

Many cities and towns hold reenactments of the Battle of San Jacinto on this day. Go watch the action unfold and learn more about this important event in Texas history.

2

Visit a historical site

Take a trip to the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and explore the museum, watch a documentary, and walk around the battlefield to get a better understanding of the significance of this day.

3

Host a Texas-themed BBQ

Gather your friends and family for a BBQ featuring all things Texas – from brisket to bluebonnets. You can even add some historical touches by serving food that was popular during the time of the Battle of San Jacinto.

4

Watch a documentary

Gather some snacks and settle in for a documentary about the Battle of San Jacinto. This is a great way to learn more about the history of this day and its impact on Texas.

5

Learn the “San Jacinto Song”

The “San Jacinto Song” is a popular tune in Texas and is often sung at celebrations of San Jacinto Day. Take some time to learn the lyrics and belt it out with pride on this special day.

Why San Jacinto Day is Important

A

It commemorates an important battle in the struggle for Texas independence

San Jacinto Day marks the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, which took place on April 21, 1836. This battle was a turning point in the Texan Revolution and led to Texas gaining its independence from Mexico just a few months later.

B

It celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of the Texas soldiers who fought for independence

The Battle of San Jacinto was won by a small but determined group of Texans under the leadership of General Sam Houston. They faced great odds but were ultimately victorious, and San Jacinto Day is a way to honor their bravery and recognize their pivotal role in Texas history.

C

It is an opportunity to learn about and appreciate Texas history and culture

On San Jacinto Day, communities often hold parades, reenactments, and other events to commemorate the battle and celebrate Texas heritage. It's a chance to deepen our understanding of the past and appreciate the diverse cultures that make up this great state.

Holiday Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 21
Friday
2024
Apr 21
Sunday
2025
Apr 21
Monday
2026
Apr 21
Tuesday
2027
Apr 21
Wednesday