Whenever a visitor wants to come to Santa Fe and know where things are, most people describe their business location in relation to “The Plaza”. What is the Plaza and what is its significance?
The Plaza is the center of Santa Fe the city itself. It is where on 4 sides you will see the Palace of the Governors on one side which is the oldest public building in the U.S., and on the other three sides unique examples of shops, and restaurants of Santa Fe.
For 300 years the Plaza was bare and undeveloped compared to today. There is a performing stage up much of the time for the numerous events that take place during the year. There is grass planted and nourished during the late spring, summer and fall. Walkways and benches crisscross on the plaza for visitors and residents alike to enjoy the surroundings and take in the Santa Fe Spirit.
Plaza records date back to the early 1700’s when Santa Fe was settled by Spanish conquistadors. During that time it was much larger than it is today because it was layed out according to municipality plans of the Spanish Crown. It was the plan for the governmental and commercial center of a settlement.
Although the government buildings and railroad yard are in different locations today, the Plaza remains the heart of Santa Fe.
Until the middle of the 19th century the Plaza lacked landscaping. When Mexico was governing the area, it was a big open spot where people brought their cattle to graze. In 1844 benches were added and cottonwood trees were planted. Between 1821 and 1846 the Plaza became a place of commerce. Carts, livestock traders and townspeople were everywhere.
In 1844 it is noted by historians that the recreation events such as fiestas were focused at another park called La Alameda. This park does not exist today as a park but as a cemetery. But that changed and any recreation activities occur in the Plaza throughout the year.
Some of the events that occur on the Plaza each year are the Children’s New Years Eve Party, where festivities of all kinds, rides, games, costumed characters; music and food aim at the children for the day. The Arts and Crafts festival occurs on the Plaza in June. The Indian Market occurs on the Plaza and on many of the surrounding streets in August. The Pancake Breakfast on July 4th- in all it’s patriotic splendor. Spanish Market also in July occurs on the Plaza. And at Christmas time is the viewing of the farolitos (traditional Christmas lights of Santa Fe)
There is a number of events that occur besides these. In fact at one time or another you can almost always see something going on. After all this is Santa Fe and fiestas and reasons for them are as numerous as the days of the week!
Eileen Richardson
