Santa Fe Renaissance Faire returns to the Kingdom of Golondrinas

Step through the gates and enter the world of the Kingdom of Golondrinas at the 17th annual Santa Fe Renaissance Faire.

“We have our king and queen and their cast come out to announce the opening and they guide you in,” JC Gonzalez, El Rancho de las Golondrinas special event and site rental manager, said. “And when you enter, you'll be immediately immersed in what we call the Royal Pavilion.”

Gonzalez said that the Royal Pavilion immerses people in the mythical, medieval Kingdom of Golondrinas, the setting of the Santa Fe Renaissance Faire.

The Santa Fe Renaissance Faire, on Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14, has grown larger and larger, Gonzalez said, with an estimated 5,000 people attending this year, showing people want a “fun, festive environment.”

“It really shows how much people value the experience of having fun with family and friends and community and really supporting these really creative expressions and endeavors,” Gonzalez said.

He said he believes people “love the playful, kind of fantastical nature of Renaissance faires” and that draws them to attend the two-day event.

Gonzalez said that attendees lean into the theme by dressing up and the event has vendors selling clothing to add to the Renaissance faire wardrobes.

“We always welcome people to dress up, but just to remember to keep it family-friendly," Gonzalez said.

The faire is home to various medieval street performers and cast members.

“We have so many live performers and artisan vendors that it's just a fun, festive environment to sort of celebrate,” Gonzalez said.

Performers include the Order of Epona, with jousting demonstrations; Scottish bagpipe and drum ensemble The Order of the Thistle Pipe and Drum; and the Belisama Irish Dance group.

Artisan vendors will sell leather work, jewelry, art, costumes, toys and a broad spectrum of handmade trinkets, Gonzalez said.

The faire has activities for younger crowds, including a fairy dance school, a princess tea party and an adventure story time. There are also events for adults to enjoy, like quests, a history corner and beverages.

“We're gonna have three wonderful local alcohol vendors. We're gonna have Beer Creek, New Mexico Hard Cider and Sheehan Winery,” Gonzalez said.

The event acts as a fundraiser for El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum, Gonzalez said.

Tickets for the event are currently sold out, but more will be released Sept. 8, Gonzalez said.

Santa Fe Renaissance Faire returns to the Kingdom of Golondrinas

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