It's the Friday of Fiesta in the Villa Real of Santa Fe...................

Gwen has come up on the train from Albuquerque for the opening of Fiesta at 12:00 noon...........

She was not able to make it for Zozobra, but no self-respecting "Santa Fe Girl" could miss Fiesta all together..........................

Dwontown we encounter Queen Daniell and her train bearer....................

And the princesses in their fancy, fancy gowns...............

So we enjoy some Mexican juices while we decide on what to get for lunch...............

Hola Soldado!! My former students seem to be defending the town..............

Guess who else is "curb sitting" on Fiesta Friday?.........................

Elliott truly IS a little charmer.....................

A darling little prince!!.........................

I tried to surreptitiously get a photo of this family showing off their new little one in one of the world's tiniest fiesta dresses--hey ladies, teach her to FLOUNCE!................

The fiesta court from Taos was enjoying the Santa Fe Fiesta..................

Don Diego DeVargas, himself, was on horseback for the Entrada--the re-enactment of the return of the Spaniards to the Royal City..................

He is accompanied by his officers................

And standard bearer..............

Another old SFHSer representing an Indian Scout..................

Hail to thee, Conquistadores!................................

And the soldados carry La Conquistadora in procession. After all, it was the promise to her by DeVargas that is the reason for fiesta in the first place.................

After getting our food and mariachi fix on the plaza, we are back home in time to change for the Chavez Family Fiesta Fandango--2010.....................