Looking for something fun to do over Labor Day weekend? Lucky for you Santa Fe has a lot to do, Zozobra, Fiestas, and a Pet Parade!

Many locals begin celebrating immediately after Zozobra has been burned however the official start of Fiesta is The Pregon De La Fiesta, a Mass at The Rosario Chapel the morning after Zozobra has been torched. Burning Zozobra began in 1924.  One of the most popular events of the Fiesta weekend. This year it is The 94th annual burning of ZOZOBRA is August 31, 2018 at historic Fort Marcy Ball Park in beautiful downtown Santa Fe. The gates open at 3 p.m. See event Map by Clicking here

1.The Annual Burning of Zozobra – August 31 @ 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm

What is Zozobra?

Zozobra is a 50 foot tall white marionette (puppet), with a black bow tie, black belt and cuffs, big neon green glowing eyes, and huge red lips. It was created by Santa Fe artist Will Shuster in 1924 and represents all of the “gloom” (hardships and disappointments) that people have experienced throughout the year. For this reason it is nicknamed “Old Man Gloom.”

Why do they burn Zozobra?
It is believed that as Zozobra burns away, all of the past years hardships and disappointments that people have experienced burn away with him.

Read more about the history of Zozobra go to santafenm.info

Purchase tickets to see Zozobra at burnzozobra.com/tickets

2.Fiestas De Santa Fe – September 1 @ 9:00 am – September 3 @ 5:00 pm

What is Fiestas De Santa Fe?

Fiestas de Santa Fe is a festival held every autumn in Santa Fe, NM. The Plaza is alive throughout the Fiesta weekend with a variety of entertainment, including Spanish dancing, mariachi music, food booths, craft booths, parades, ceremonies with a costumed Don Diego De Vargas and a court of the Queen and Princesses of the Fiesta, The Fiesta Melodrama, and a Carnival at the Rodeo Fairgrounds.

Why do we celebrate Fiestas De Santa Fe?

The first Fiesta council signed a proclamation declaring there should be a celebration to commemorate the anniversary of the 1692 reconquest of New Mexico by General Don Diego de Vargas(1643–1704). Don Diego De Vargas prayed to La Conquistadora (a 29-inch wood carved Marian statue, originally brought to Santa Fe in 1625 by the missionary, Fray Alonso de Benavides) at a makeshift altar. He implored her to intercede for the successful re-entry into the town. Before the end of December 1693, De Vargas led his triumphant forces back into the City of the Holy Faith crediting the Madonna’s intercession with his victory.

Read more about the history of Fiestas De Santa Fe as well as schedule and times visit santafefiesta.org

3.Pet Parade AKA Desfile de Los Niños

Be a part of history for over 90 years, this has been one of the most popular annual events in Santa Fe.  Join hundreds of four-legged costumed pets and kids as they hit the streets of Downtown Santa Fe at the 2018 Desfile de Los Niño’s/Children’s Pet Parade Saturday, September 8, 2018.

As this year’s sponsor, Keller Williams Santa Fe gets to lead the way. We’ll be going all out to show Santa Fe how much we love the City Different, our families, our clients, our vendors and our pets.

What is the Pet Parade? How about we just show you…

For more information about the Pet Parade visit santafefiesta.org