The Santa Fe Fiesta
A Three Century Celebration of Peace

When Spain colonized the Santa Fe area in 1598, Native American Tribes collectively known as the “ Pueblo Indians” had inhabited the area for centuries. The Pueblos revolted in 1680, burned the city of Santa Fe and forced the Spanish to flee to “Guadalupe del Paso” known today as Juarez, Mexico across the Rio Grande River from El Paso , Texas. Before fleeing, the Spanish rescued a wooden-carved Marian statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary called “La Conquistadora”.

In 1692, the King of Spain sent “Don Diego De Vargas” to lead the effort to re-occupy Santa Fe. Along the way and under the banner of La Conquistadora, he met with Indian chiefs and convinced them that Spaniards and Indians could live in peace together under the commitment of the Madonna, La Conquistadora who loved all people alike.

Remarkably within about four months, Don Diego and his army of Reconquest converted the Indian Nations and reoccupied Santa Fe without loss of human life. All credit was given to “Our Lady of the Rosary” that was titled La Conquistadora (Our Lady of Conquest).

In 1712 a proclamation was passed creating an annual celebration commemorating Don Diego De Vargas’ peaceful re-settlement of Santa Fe (City of Holy Faith) and the co-existence of the Native Indians and Spanish in peace and tranquility. So it began… “Fiesta de Santa Fe”… a yearly fiesta of events with a religious tone that blends thanksgiving, revelry and pride banded by peace.

Today the celebration that permeates the hearts of all Santa Feans extends throughout the streets of Santa Fe beginning in early September each fall. The Fiesta is highlighted by a Nightlight Parade, the Burning of Zozobra, a Carnival, Crowning of a Santa Fe Fiesta Queen, the Grand Baile (Fiesta Ball), Mass of Thanksgiving with a Candlelight Procession and a continuous flow of other events and traditions. Visit the Santa Fe Fiesta Website for an itinerary of scheduled activities and festivities.

The original statue of La Conquistadora is enshrined in the Lady’s Chapel of the Cathedral of St. Francis in Santa Fe where she is cherished by all. She was crowned by Cardinal Francis Spellman in 1954 and in 1960 was given Papal Coronation. She is the oldest Madonna in the country. And this statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary called by many as “Our Lady of the Rosary, La Conquistadora” stands tall as a symbol of peaceful coexistence and incentive of the Santa Fe Fiesta annual celebration. Read more about La Conquistadora.

Reserve your hotel accommodations early for the Santa Fe Fiesta.