Don Diego de Vargas and La Reina de Fiesta - Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose
Just as the Native Americans of New Mexico celebrate their culture during such events as Santa Fe Indian Market, the Hispanic descendents of settlers also have their cultural celebrations. Santa Fe Fiesta is the largest and oldest of these Hispanic celebrations. It has evolved into an annual celebration with religious observances, fun parades, entertainment and something called… The Burning of Zozobra!
Fiesta History
Known as the oldest continuous celebration in the country, Santa Fe Fiesta, an annual event culminating each September, celebrates the culture and history of Santa Fe through a variety of festivities, including Spanish dancing and mariachi music, parades, traditional New Mexican cuisine and religious ceremonies. The cry of “Viva la Fiesta” has been reverberating through the streets of Old Santa Fe every autumn for 299 years. The sound generates a curious blend of thanksgiving, revelry and pride in the hearts of Santa Feans who celebrate Fiesta annually to commemorate Don Diego De Vargas’ peaceful reoccupation of the City of Holy Faith in 1692
Fiesta Events
Earlier in the summer, Fiesta activities begin with the crowning of La Riena de Fiesta and the selection of those to portray Don Diego de Vargas and other significant historical figures. This culminates in a colorful Mass and the Procession of La Conquistadora.
The main events of Fiesta, marking the resettlement of Santa Fe by the Spanish in 1692, kicks off beginning in early September with shows such as the Mariachi Extravaganza, held on the main stage of the Santa Fe Opera.
The Burning of Zozobra - Photo Credit: zozobra.com
Easily the most popular Fiesta event takes place at Fort Marcy Park with the Burning of Zozobra, also known as “Old Man Gloom.” At the ceremony, Zozobra, a 50-foot tall white marionette typically dressed in a black bow-tie, black belt and cuffs, neon green glowing eyes and huge red lips, goes up in flames to burn away all of the hardships and disappointments of the past year. There is no way to overstate the spectacle, party atmosphere, and sheer zaniness of Zozobra.
Santa Fe’s Plaza will be alive throughout the Fiesta weekend with a variety of entertainment; arts and crafts; food booths; parades and ceremonies. In addition, the Fiesta Melodrama, a spoof on the past year in Santa Fe, is held at the Santa Fe Playhouse. You’ll also enjoy the annual Saturday Pet Parade, also known as Desfile de Los Niño, with more than 2,000 children, parents and pets winding through downtown and the Plaza dressed in fun, funky, and sometimes lavish costumes.
Fiesta Pet and Childrens Parade - Photo Credit: Santa Fe Fiesta
Sunday’s highlighted festivities include the Historical/Hysterical Parade, also known as Desfile de la Gente, which features local marching bands, sports teams, politicians and more. The weekend concludes with a Fiesta Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Francis Cathedral Basilica on Sunday evening. Immediately following, a Candlelight Procession led by Don Diego De Vargas, La Reina de Santa Fe, a court of the Queen, and Princesses of the Fiesta will take place. Hundreds of people will make their way from the church through the historic downtown streets and up to the Cross of the Martyrs.
Tips
Tickets are needed for the Burning of Zozobra and only a certain number of people will be allowed into Marcy Park to avoid over-crowding. If you have a ticket, it is advisable to go early.
More Information and Dates for Fiesta
Santa Fe Fiesta Website
Zozobra Website
Burning away all of the hardships and disappointments of the past year. Sounds like a traditon we should have in several locations in our country.