First Novena Mass, Knighting & Coronation, and Procession de Nuestra Señora de La Paz

First Novena Mass begins at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The Knighting and Coronation of Don Diego de Vargas™, his cuadrilla, La Reina de La Fiesta de Santa Fe™, and her royal court will take place following Mass. The annual procession with Nuestra Señora de la Paz, La Conquistadora, to Rosario Chapel will begin at approximately 1 p.m.
Each summer, the faithful of Santa Fe gather to ensure the promise of Don Diego de Vargas is carried forward in honor of the oldest Marian statue in the United States, Nuestra Señora de la Paz, La Conquistadora.
This cherished tradition begins with the Knighting and Coronation ceremony, where those selected to serve in the roles of Don Diego de Vargas™, his cuadrilla, La Reina de La Fiesta de Santa Fe™, and her royal court are formally presented before the community.
Following the ceremony, hundreds of New Mexicans retrace the footsteps of generations before them in a solemn procession to Rosario Chapel. Clergy, parishioners, dignitaries, and members of Santa Fe Fiesta, Inc. process together in honor of Our Lady as La Conquistadora makes her annual pilgrimage surrounded by prayer, devotion, and the tradition of rose petals strewn before her path.