Custom Fiesta Medals & Patches
Official die-cast zinc medals and high-density patches designed for sashes, vests, and trading.In San Antonio, April is serious business. A Fiesta Medal isn’t just a trinket; it’s currency. Whether you are trading them at NIOSA or pinning them to a Royal Court sash for the Battle of Flowers, the weight matters. If it feels like cheap plastic or tin, it won’t trade.
At San Antonio Patch Co., we manufacture the real deal. We use heavy zinc alloy for our medals and high-tensile polyester thread for our patches. We build them to survive the heat, the crowds, and the weight of a fully loaded sash.
Fiesta Products We Manufacture
We handle both sides of the trade: the heavy metal and the fabric.
Custom Fiesta Medals
These are die-struck. We inject molten zinc alloy into a steel mold to create a thick, durable base. We then hand-fill the enamel (paint) and bake it hard. We can add spinners, sliders, and danglers—the mechanical parts are riveted, not glued, so they don’t snap off in a crowd.
Custom Fiesta Patches
Not everyone wants a medal weighing them down. We produce bright, high-contrast Embroidered Patches and Chenille Patches (like letterman jackets) that are perfect for sewing onto Fiesta vests or applying to fundraising t-shirts.
Limited Edition Collectibles
For organizations that do “Series” drops. We can number them (e.g., “001 of 500”) on the edge or back to drive up collector value.
Designed for San Antonio Fiesta Traditions
Different events have different mechanical requirements.
Royal Courts & Coronation Events
Requirement: Sash StabilityThese medals need to be large (3″+) and often use Hard Enamel (jewelry quality) or glitter. We use a thicker metal gauge so the medal hangs flat against the sash without flopping over.
Schools, Clubs & Fundraisers
Requirement: Profit MarginFor band boosters or PTAs, the goal is fundraising. We value-engineer the design, using Soft Enamel and standard ribbons, to keep your unit cost low so you can sell them for $10–$15 and keep the profit.
Corporate & Brand Activations
Requirement: Brand AccuracyIf you are a local bank or grocery chain, your logo color has to be right. We match PMS (Pantone) colors colors exactly in the enamel to ensure your brand looks professional, even on a party favor.
Materials, Finishes & Attachments
The difference between a “keeper” and a “throwaway” is in the finish.
Soft Enamel vs. Hard Enamel Medals
Zinc Alloy Finishes- Soft Enamel (The Standard) The metal ridges are raised, and the paint sits lower. You can feel the texture. It’s durable and cost-effective.
- Hard Enamel (The Upgrade) We fill the paint, then polish the surface flat until it’s smooth like glass. It looks like high-end jewelry.
- Ribbons, Pins & Clutches A heavy medal needs a strong anchor. We recommend Safety Catch Pins over standard butterfly clutches. Once it’s on the sash, it stays on.
Embroidered vs. Chenille Patches
Fabric Applications- Embroidered Patches Best for detailed logos and text.
- Chenille Patches That fuzzy, rug-like texture. Great for retro 90s style designs, but it can’t handle small text.
- Ribbon Drapes We sew the V-drape or straight drape directly to the bar. We can print your organization’s name on the ribbon itself.
Factory Insight The “Lunar New Year” Trap
Here is the hard truth: Most metal molding happens overseas. Factories shut down for 3 weeks in January/February for Lunar New Year. This happens exactly when everyone in San Antonio tries to order their Fiesta medals.
The Pro Move: Order in October or November. You beat the shutdown, you get cheaper shipping rates, and you have your medals in hand before the panic starts. If you wait until late February, you are rolling the dice on parade delivery.
How We Price Fiesta Medals & Patches
Pricing depends heavily on which product you choose. Metal costs more than fabric.
What Affects the Cost
Size & Metal Weight
A 1.5″ medal is affordable. A 3″ “dinner plate” medal uses significantly more zinc alloy and costs more to cast and ship.
Mechanical Extras
Spinners, sliders, and battery-powered LED blinkers all add labor and hardware costs.
Mold Fees
Medals require a custom steel mold. This is a one-time setup fee. Patches (Embroidery) have a much lower setup cost.
Fiesta Medals vs. Fiesta Patches | Which Should You Choose?
We sell both, but they serve different purposes during the festivities.
Choose Medals If:
For Trading & Tradition- You want Tradition It’s Fiesta. People want the “clink” of metal. Medals are the gold standard for NIOSA trading and Royal Court sashes.
- You want high perceived value A heavy medal feels like a gift. It has collector value.
Choose Patches If:
For Apparel & Budget- Weight is an issue If you are covering a vest in branding, 50 medals will weigh 10 pounds. 50 patches weigh nothing.
- Budget is tight Embroidered patches are cheaper to produce and cheaper to ship than heavy metal.
- Apparel application You can heat-press a patch onto a shirt; you can’t wear a medal on a t-shirt easily.
Why San Antonio Patch Co.?
We know the calendar. We know that if you need medals for the Battle of Flowers Parade, “late” isn’t an option.
Direct
Dedicated Fiesta Production Team
We track Fiesta orders separately to ensure they hit the deadline. We know the parades don’t wait for shipping delays.
Strict Quality Control
We check the “action” on every spinner. We make sure the safety catch pins are soldered on straight. We don’t deliver medals with bubbles in the enamel.
Straightforward Quotes & Support
We help you value-engineer. If you have a fixed budget of $6.00 per unit, we will tell you exactly what size and features fit that number, so you don’t waste time guessing.
The Ordering Process
Warning: The timeline is tighter during Fiesta season.
Submit Your Design or Concept
Sketch it on a napkin. Tell us: Medal or Patch? Glitter or Standard?
Approve the Proof
We send a digital mockup. Check the year, the spelling, and the colors.
Production
We cut the molds (or digitize the thread) and run the order.
Delivery
We ship directly to your door in San Antonio or arrange local pickup for bulk orders.
Get Your Custom Fiesta Medals & Patches Quote
Upload your design or speak with a patch specialist to receive a detailed quote and production timeline.
- Free Artwork Setup
- Free Shipping (USA)
- 100% Quality Guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ordering medals and patches for Fiesta.
TimelineWhen should we place our Fiesta order?
When should we place our Fiesta order?
October, November, or December. This guarantees the best pricing and ensures you beat the Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in Asia. If you order in February, you are cutting it very close.
OrderingWhat is the minimum order quantity?
What is the minimum order quantity?
For Medals: 50 units (due to mold costs).
For Patches: 10 units.
DesignCan you help with Fiesta design concepts?
Can you help with Fiesta design concepts?
Yes. If you have a rough idea (e.g., “A coyote wearing a sash”), our art team can create a production-ready design for you.
ProductionHow long does production take?
How long does production take?
Medals: 3–4 weeks (allow 5+ weeks during peak season Jan-Mar).
Patches: 2 weeks.
ServiceDo you offer rush service before Fiesta?
Do you offer rush service before Fiesta?
Yes, but capacity is limited. Once the production line is full in March, we stop accepting rush orders to protect existing clients.
DesignCan we match past Fiesta designs?
Can we match past Fiesta designs?
Yes. Send us a photo of last year’s medal, and we can match the style or update the year.
PackagingDo you provide packaging & displays?
Do you provide packaging & displays?
Yes. Standard medals come in individual poly bags. We can also print custom cardstock headers for retail display.
ShippingDo you deliver locally in San Antonio?
Do you deliver locally in San Antonio?
Yes. We deliver to businesses, schools, and homes throughout Bexar County.