Que Viva la Fiesta!

"Que Viva la Fiesta! Que Viva Nuestra Señora La Conquistadora," these words can be heard throughout the City of Holy Faith during the annual Fiesta de Santa Fe. The people of Santa Fe have taken pride in the historical and religious significance that this event projected since 1712. Fiesta de Santa Fe is the oldest continuous community celebration of its kind in the United States. It's a unique blend of-- a rich multi-cultural heritage commemorating the re-settlement of the Spanish colonists. The Santa Fe Plaza is alive throughout Fiesta week with a variety of entertainment, which includes Spanish dancers, mariachi music, food booths, arts and craft booths, and parades.

Fiesta officially begins at 6:00 a.m. at the Pregón de la Fiesta on Fiesta Friday. The faithful of Santa Fe gather to complete the promise made by Governor Don Diego de Vargas.

One of Fiesta's most beloved and well attended events is the Children's Pet Parade, or Desfile de los Niños, which begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7. Children, parents and pets ranging from cats and dogs to llamas and snakes circle the Plaza and walk along downtown streets dressed in costumes (arrive early for a good curbside seat).

Sunday afternoon is the Historical/Hysterical parade which features all kinds of zany, eccentric, and sometimes outlandish floats, high school marching bands, horses, and royalty from nearby communities. This year, the parade will be televised live by Santa Fe Community Television, channel 16 and webcast by www.santafe.com and hosted by, Todd Lovato and Jodi McGinnis Porter. Sunday evening is the Fiesta Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Francis Cathedral, Basilica followed by a Candlelight Procession from the church through the historic downtown streets, up the hill to Cross of the Martyrs. The light from their candles is a breath taking sight and an appropriate ending to the weekend's events.

View events at: http://www.santafefiesta.org/events.