Santa Fe, New Mexico -- Time operates on a different scale in one of the oldest state capitals in the U.S. Take the 313th Fiesta de Santa Fe, for example.
Santa Fe was founded in 1610 and the first Fiesta de Santa Fe dates back to 1772. In 2025, the Santa Fe Plaza erupted in a week-long celebration of "The City Different's" complex cultural influences, a celebration that honors local traditions and makes this unique city a renowned international destination.
Actually, the celebration begins with the Burning of Zozoba, an annual Santa Fe tradition held on the Friday before Labor Day. Festivalgoers write down their worries and stuff them into a massive, 50-foot-tall marionette called Old Man Gloom or Zozoba and then watch it all go up in flames, symbolizing a fresh start, free of negativity.
As is often the case in a town that has rightfully earned the label "The City Different," Zozoba is an amalgamation; in this case, a blending of cultures. It all started just over a century ago in 1924 when artist Will Shuster, Jr. fired up the first Zozoba at a backyard party in Santa Fe. Shuster was inspired by a Yaqui tradition and he conspired with newspaper editor E. Dana Johnson to come up with the Spanish name Zozoba, which translates in English to unease or anxiety. The 2025 Burning of Zozoba was held August 29.
The 313th Fiesta de Santa Fe formally got underway bright and early Fiesta Friday, September 5, 2025, when the faithful of Santa Fe came together to honor the promise Governor Don Diego de Vargas made in 1692 upon his arrival in Santa Fe.
The governor's original declaration specifically called for "merriment by all citizens," which comes oh, so easy when you are surrounded by fine dining, folklorico dancers, jewelry created by gifted Native American craftsmen, and music that ranges from mariachi to the timeless blues of local favorites, Michael Matison and the Kats.
The morning begins with huevos rancheros with green chile at the Plaza Café, followed by a morning of shopping, lunch at Tia Sophia's, an afternoon immersed in public art, and dinner at Palacio Restaurant. The next morning it's huevos heaven at Café Pasqual's, lunch at the Coyote Café & Rooftop Cantina, and dinner at The Shed.
Even for newcomers, Santa Fe is incredibly easy to navigate. We came into town on I-25, took the Old Pecos Road which joined the Old Santa Fe Trail and ran right beside our destination for the weekend, the Spa at Loretto.
And how often do you get a chance to step into a business that dates back 422 years? That's what you will find at The Original Trading Post which got its start under a tent in 1603. If you are lucky, September Rain will be at the counter to give a colorful rundown of the history of this landmark business.
A dozen restaurants, countless unique boutiques, and the world-famous Santa Fe Plaza are all within walking distance of a select number of downtown hotels. Just hand the car keys to the valet at check-in and you won't need them back until it's time to leave town and watch the charming adobe architecture fade away in the rear-view mirror.
additional photos in today's Lifestyle section
photos by Allen and Cindy Rich
