Bandera, Texas Holidays

Bandera Holidays

Many bloody battles between Apache and Comanche Indians and the Spanish Conquistadors took place in Bandera Pass (12 miles north of Bandera on Hwy 173). Legend has it that, for years afterwards, a red “bandera” (Spanish for banner or flag) was flown at the site to define the boundary between Spanish and Indian hunting grounds.

The cypress trees that outline the course of the Medina River brought the first permanent settlers to Bandera. A mill that sawed cypress shingles was established here in 1853. In 1855 sixteen Polish families immigrated to Bandera to work at the mill. The Polish heritage is evident in much of the town’s architecture. A fine example is the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, second oldest Polish Catholic Church in the U.S.

Bandera’s title, “Cowboy Capital of the World” originated when it became a staging area for the last great cattle drives of the late 1800’s. Confirming Bandera as the “Cowboy Capital of the World”, a bronze monument honouring the many National Rodeo Champions who call Bandera home, stands on the Courthouse lawn.

When you arrive in Bandera County, you will experience a feeling of "getting away from it all." Enjoy the great outdoors at one of our two State Natural Areas or along one of the top-rated scenic drives in the beautiful Hill Country. Live the cowboy lifestyle at one of the numerous dude & guest ranches, take in a rodeo or a gunfight re-enactment, and boot-scoot around the dance floor at any one of the honky-tonks. Mingle with the locals in the restaurants and shops - you'll be amazed at just how friendly everyone will be. Practice saying "howdy" and you'll fit right in.