For more than a decade, the Nine Flags Festival has paid homage to the rich and spirited history of the oldest town in Texas. That history includes three attempts to establish a Republic of Texas. Thus, nine flags have flown over Nacogdoches as opposed to the six that have represented Texas. They are French, Spanish, Magee-Gutierrez, Dr. James Long, Mexican, Fredonia Rebellion, Lone Star, Confederate Stars & Bars and United States of America.

Since its inception in 1997, the Nine Flags Festival has become one of the premier holiday celebrations in the state and has been recognized by the Texas Legislature for its community education and historic restoration efforts. The 11th annual Nine Flags Festival held in 2007 paid special tribute to the French flag with special events planned to recognize the town's French influence. This year the 12th annual Nine Flags Festival will pay homage to the Mexican Flag, and honor our town's Mexican heritage and influence with several special events dedicated to our neighbors to the south.