City: Albuquerque, NM

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (505) 768-2000

Description: Many still refer to this Duke City birthday party by its former name: Fiestas de Alburquerque (note the extra “r,” in honor of the city’s original name). A celebration of the founding of Albuquerque on April 23, 1706, the festivities naturally center around Old Town. The schedule of events varies each year, and the fiesta date in mid-April varies, too, but there is always a Founders Day Parade and a colorful array of entertainment. The narrow streets around Old Town Plaza are filled with music, from mariachi ensembles to country music, bluegrass, and brass bands. You might watch flamenco dancers, Native American dancers, street performers from magicians to jugglers, or a Western show by the New Mexico Gunfighters Association. (Don’t worry; they fire blanks.) There’s an outdoor market, the San Felipe de Neri Church serves chili cheeseburgers, and the local retailers and restaurants have their own special events, too, and sometimes free treats. Old Town is packed, so arrive early for limited parking spaces, or better yet, take public transport. Details of each year’s fiesta are posted in advance at the City of Albuquerque Web site on the Cultural Services Department Special Events page. Or call the general City of Albuquerque information line above.