Fiestas de Santa Fe September 1st-11th

One of the oldest festivals in the United States, Fiestas de Santa Fe is held to commemorate the retaking of the area by the Spanish without blood shed from the native population in 1692 after the Pueblo had taken the area back 12 years earlier.  Celebrated since 1712 when a decree was enacted it has a very long history and some claim it to be the oldest of it's kind in the U.S.

The time is filled with many events both religous and secular.  There are a series of Masses held as are a couple of parades.  Since the 1920's there has been the Desfile de Los Niños (Pet Parade), both childern and pets are encouraged to participate in the parade and dress in costumes.

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One of the highlights of the festival is the burning of Zozobra, a 50 foot tall marionette which represents the gloom of the last year and by burning it is said to burn away the hardships and disappointments of the the last year and he is known as "Old Man Gloom".  Things are typically put in Zorobra; notes, divorce decrees, photos and other flammable mementos people wish to be ride of.  Zozobra became apart of the celebration in 1924 when Will Shuster created it(http://www.zozobra.com/history.html). 

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This is a time of thanksgiving and celebration with music filling the air and people enjoying themselves.  People have a great time enjoying each others company and celebrating their cities history.

Please leave a comment, your favorite festival, celebration of holiday or if I have gotten anything wrong or you think something should be added I would love to hear from you in the comments, twitter (http://twitter.com/holidayaday) or email holidayaday (at) gmail.com.

Have a great day and remember to celebreate!

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiestas_de_Santa_Fe

http://www.santafefiesta.org/index.html

http://www.santafenm.info/fiesta.htm

http://www.zozobra.com/