Fiesta De Santa Fe 2023
Fiesta de Santa Fe first kicked off 306 years ago in 1712 and it has been a staple of the community ever since. The festival draws locals and travelers alike for a weekend of culture, food, music, dance, art, and so much more.
The 2023 Fiesta de Santa Fe takes place September 8 – 10 at the Santa Fe Historic Plaza in Downtown Santa Fe.
This event always takes place the first weekend after Labor Day. Art and craft booths, Santa Fe food, traditional entertainment, and religious ceremony all make this event completely unique to Santa Fe. Live music will fill the streets daily and local performers will also entertain throughout the day. The Plaza Gazebo turns into a venue hosting northern New Mexico and mariachi music, traditional dances from Pueblo Indians, Aztec dancers, Folklorico performers, and more.
Enjoy traditional festival fare and local favorites this weekend as well. There will be plenty to please all palates, such as fried bread with honey, candy apples, corn-on-the-cob, and green chili burgers.
Background of Fiesta de Santa Fe
The Santa Fe Fiesta is an annual celebration that is rooted in history and cultural traditions; it is a vibrant and exciting event that attracts both locals and visitors from around the world.
The origins of the Santa Fe Fiesta date back to 1712 when the Spanish conquistadors established the city. The fiesta commemorates the reconquest of Santa Fe by Don Diego de Vargas, who led the Spanish settlers in reclaiming the city after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.
The fiesta spans several days in early September and is filled with various activities and events. One of the highlights is the Historical/Hysterical Parade, where participants dress in traditional attire and reenact historic scenes. The parade showcases the rich history and cultural diversity of Santa Fe.
During the fiesta, the city comes alive with music, dance, and food. You can enjoy live performances featuring traditional music and dances, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and explore the vibrant arts and crafts markets. The fiesta also includes religious ceremonies, such as the Mass of the Nations at the historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Santa Fe Fiesta is a cherished tradition that celebrates the unique blend of Spanish, Native American, and Mexican cultures in the region. It provides a glimpse into the rich history and traditions that have shaped Santa Fe’s identity.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of cultural celebrations, or simply looking for a memorable experience, the Santa Fe Fiesta is a must-visit event. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and discover the magic of this enchanting celebration in the heart of Santa Fe.
Fiesta de Santa Fe 2023 Events & Activities
Burning of Zozobra
On September 1, watch the 99th annual Burning of Zozobra. Staged annually by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, the Burning of the Zozobra is an act of dispelling the hardships and struggles of the past year. In Spanish, Zozobra is defined as ‘the gloomy one.’ Today, a 50-foot marionette made of muslin is stuffed with hundreds of bags of shredded paper and set ablaze in Fort Marcy Park. This event starts at 4:00 p.m. and includes live entertainment for the big event at 9:30 p.m.
Fiesta Fine Arts and Crafts Market
On Labor Day weekend, the Fiesta Fine Arts and Crafts Market takes place along the streets that line the Santa Fe Plaza. This open-air art market features handmade artisan goods ranging from jewelry, pottery, hand-blown glass, woodwork, photography, painting, crafted leather, and more. Browse through unique collections and chat with the artists.
Desfile de Los Ninos Pet Parade
Since the early 1920s, the annual pet parade has been a staple of the Fiesta festivities. This fun event features roughly, 2,000 children in costumes and thousands of locals and tourists watching this unique tradition in action. The parade starts at the New Mexico School for the Arts and ends at the Plaza de Santa Fe with an awards ceremony. The children’s parade is September 9 from 9 – 10:45 a.m.
Santa Fe Fiesta Historical/Hysterical Parade
The 2023 Santa Fe Fiesta Historical/Hysterical Parade is September 10 and features local marching bands, floats, queens, sports teams, and more. This parade is lively and vibrant. Watch the festivities from 1-3 p.m.
Learn more about the annual Fiesta de Santa Fe.
