Cuartocentenario

Published with permission from the Santa Fe New Mexican

Santa Fe Celebrates Cuartocentenario

By Frank Ortíz – April 24, 1998
Frank Ortíz is a former United States ambassador

When Spanish colonists arrived in New Mexico in 1598, they brought agricultural, technological, cultural, legal, linguistic and religious contributions, which mingled with the pre-Columbian cultures to produce the essential characteristics of modern New Mexico. Events taking place April 26 and 27 in Santa Fe commemorate the Spanish colonists and their contributions.

In response to invitations extended by Gov. Gary Johnson and the mayors of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, a delegation from Spain headed by the second-ranking official of the Spanish government, Vice Premier Francisco Alvarez Cascos, will fly by helicopter over the route followed by Oñate's expedition.

The roughly 500 men, women and children - and their livestock - in the expedition numbered about 500. Their trail established El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, New Mexico's lifeline to the south.

There will be a ceremony of re-encounter between representatives of Spain and the leaders of the Indian pueblos in remembrance of an historic blending of cultures.

On the Santa Fe Plaza, Alvarez Cascos will present a banner to the governor, a replica of the one under which Oñate marched. In an unprecedented act, and as a tribute to the people of New Mexico, the Spanish government has bestowed upon this banner three of Spain's highest decorations: the Orders of Isabel La Católica, of Alfonso El Sabio and of Mèrito Militar. The banner will be placed on permanent display in the Palace of the Governors.

Recalling one of the first acts of the colonists in 1598, there is to be a solemn ceremony of Te Deumin St. Francis Cathedral over which Archbishop Michael Sheehan will officiate.

Since it was Juan de Oñate who established the first citizen's militia in what is now the United States, a bronze statue of New Mexico's first Spanish governor will be unveiled at the National Guard headquarters. Some 18 Spanish soldiers, joined by their National Guard colleagues, will march up the Camino Real to participate in this ceremony. Replicas of 16th century Spanish uniforms, weapons, charts and maps will be presented to the Palace of the Governors as gifts from the Spanish government.

At El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, historically the last stop or resting place on the Camino Real before reaching Santa Fe, a luncheon will be served to the visiting dignitaries and a special exhibit, "Don Juan in the Kingdom of New Mexico" will be inaugurated. The meal will consist of foods similar to those served in 1598 to celebrate that first feast of thanksgiving, many years before the arrival of the English pilgrims at Plymouth. The music, costumes and arrangements also will recall the 16th century.

Also scheduled are the unveiling of a mural painted by Fredrico Vigil in the Museum of Fine Arts. At the Place of the Governors, there is to be a reception opening an exhibit on the Camino Real, and to receive the gifts of the Spanish government.

Other events include the dedication of new cultural and historic centers; performances of traditional plays, dances and music; a lecture series; and many school programs scheduled throughout the year. Johnson and Delgado have sent invitations to the mayors of several Spanish cities as well as to dignitaries of the Mexican federal, state and city governments with the expectation that other commemorative events will take place later in the year.