When you hear the word fiesta in New Mexico, you know you’re going to get some sort of history lesson. Whether it be the celebration of a patron saint, an ethnic tradition going back generations, or to mark an important milestone in the community, fiestas always have a purpose, and that purpose is usually to keep memories alive. In the Village of Tularosa, all three elements play a part in the 157th Annual St. Francis de Paula Fiesta, held from Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27.
History tells us that after two aborted attempts to colonize the fertile lands at the base of the Sacramento Mountains by farmers from Las Cruces, Dona Ana and La Mesilla – first in 1858, then again in 1861 – the settlement that would become Tularosa was finally established in 1862. The reason for the first two failures was raids by the Mescalero Apache, whose territory had been infringed upon. This animosity would naturally continue to grow as the settlement became more populated.
The anticipated confrontation finally came on April 16, 1868, in the vicinity of Round Mountain, ten miles northeast of the village. The battle lasted two days, during which time 26 settlers supported by a contingent of American soldiers from Ft. Bliss eventually prevailed against the Apache, with not a single loss of life. A miracle by any standard.
Meanwhile, back in the village itself, the remaining residents had spent those two days praying to their patron St. Francis de Paula and making a promise that should they be victorious, a church would be built in his honor, and to commemorate the occasion a yearly fiesta would be held. They proved to be true to their word.
Today, the St. Francis de Paula Fiesta is both a callback to that original promise, and a living example of how traditions can be kept alive while continuing to evolve into new expressions of our modern world. The Saturday portion of the event transforms the fiesta grounds into a fair-like atmosphere, with arts and crafts vendors, food booths, and games for the entire family.
On Sunday, however, the atmosphere changes with the introduction of dances by Danzantes, performances and presentations by various groups associated with the church, folklorico dancers, traditional music and a raffle. Make no mistake, this fiesta is a very Catholic event, centered around the church and its adherents. Amid the spectacle of vendors, food and entertainment, the pageantry of priests, bishops, the Knights of Columbus, and a fiesta court prevail.
All told, it’s a weekend filled with fascinating old-world practices offset by a modern gregariousness celebrating life in the 21st century. The perfect way to truly experience the rich cultures and heritage of New Mexico. Another memorable gift from the Land of Enchantment to you.
The 157th Annual St. Francis de Paula Fiesta kicks off with a dance from 7-11 p.m., Friday, April 25, followed by the Fiesta itself from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, April 26, and 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, April 27 at the Fiesta Grounds. Mass will be held at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church, 303 Encino St., Tularosa, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit StFrancisDePaulaChurch.org
