1712

On a stormy summer's evening in 1712, a group of citizens organized by Juan Páez Hurtado gathered in Santa Fe to honor the memory of don Diego de Vargas, leading to a Fiesta Proclamation signed a few days later by Governor José Chacón, Marqués de la Peñuela. Páez Hurtado, a veteran officer and former acting governor, wished to perpetuate the memory of his commander, don Diego de Vargas, who had died eight years earlier. In 1693, under Vargas' leadership, Spanish settlers returned to New Mexico after the 1680 Pueblo Revolt, in which some 400 settlers, 21 friars, and many Christian Indians died. Vargas' accomplishments in balancing peace and diplomacy with military strength, as well as his devotion to La Conquistadora, were not forgotten. The fiesta tradition that originated in 1712 continues to the present day, and fiestas observing Vargas' resettlement of New Mexico are celebrated each September in Santa Fe.

Santa Fe, New Mexico · United States