SAN LUIS — The annual Fiesta de Santiago y Santa Ana is taking place this weekend, July 25-27, in San Luis, Colorado's oldest town, celebrating the history and culture that make this town so special. 

For over 170 years, the streets of San Luis have come alive with the celebration of Santa Ana days, a tradition that traces its roots back to Seville, Spain, in 1266. This rich history is a testament to the enduring spirit of the community. 

San Luis, is the oldest continuously inhabited town in Colorado, established in April 1851. It was founded by settlers from the Taos Valley, N.M. 

There will be vendors throughout the weekend, including food trucks, parades, a rubber duck race, a 10K run, a car show, and live music.  

The Fiesta de Santiago y Santa Ana begins on Friday with a Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in Chama at 5 p.m., followed by live music in San Luis at 8 p.m.  

On Saturday at 10 a.m., the parade is on Main Street in San Luis. There are activities throughout the day. 

Also on Saturday, No Chaser plays from 4 to 6 p.m., Dewayne Ortega plays from 6 to 8 p.m., and Gonzalo plays from 8 p.m. to midnight. A fireworks display will begin at 11 p.m. All music is in the San Luis Community Park and is free of charge.  

Festivities begin on Sunday at 7 a.m. with the Stations of the Cross 10K run. According to raceenrty.com, this event goes through town, out along beautiful country roads, through the historic Vega, past the oldest public ditch, and up the Shrine of the Stations of the Cross path, passing magnificent, sacred sculptures. 

A parade begins at 10 a.m. in downtown San Luis. 

The Mariachi San Luis will perform a Mass in the Sangre de Cristo Church courtyard at 11 a.m. After the Mass there will be a mariachi performance by the group.  

Joseph Quintana with Mariachi San Luis told the Valley Courier that it is a six-piece ensemble featuring two trumpet players and one performer each on violin, guitar, guitarrón, and vihuela. The guitarrón and vihuela are Spanish stringed instruments that date back to the 15th century. 

According to Quintana, the group formed about 28 years ago, mostly with musicians from San Luis and a few from Alamosa. To maintain their quality, the members attend several mariachi conferences a year. Giving back to the community, Mariachi San Luis has helped train over 150 local students, several have gone on to become professional musicians. 

Festivities continue when Spanish colonial dancers will perform at noon in the church courtyard.