Santa Fe, NM – september 25, 2023 – A vibrant tapestry of history and fantasy unfolded this weekend at the annual Santa Fe renaissance faire, held at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living museum depicting the spanish Colonial, Mexican and territorial periods of New Mexico. Attendees embraced a world of turkey legs, musical performances, and costumed characters, ranging from swashbuckling pirates to mythical goddesses.
The event drew a diverse crowd, including those deeply invested in ancient recreation and those seeking a temporary escape from modern life. A fortune teller identifying herself as Calpyso, goddess of the sea, offered card readings while lamenting her romantic history: “I’m also trying to find my husband,” she said. “I’ve been with Davy Jones, Jack Sparrow and Odysseus. it has not been good for me.”
Action was plentiful, with the Order of Epona jousting troupe providing a thrilling spectacle. Michael Lee, playing the villainous Korvis, narrowly avoided a blow from Rosario, portrayed by Josh Cordova, during Saturday’s performance.
Beyond the fantasy, the Faire showcased authentic historical crafts and demonstrations, including blacksmithing and dyemaking. Teddy Becker, 25, dressed as a pirate, highlighted the event’s significance. “Not only is it just an excellent place for a bunch of nerds to get together and just feel like themselves for a while… it’s knowledge and practices and lessons – disciplines that deserve to survive,” Becker stated. She also pointed to the importance of preserving thes skills in light of ”unreliable systems like the electricity grid.”
Becker was accompanied by boyfriend Anthony Pegler,31,chief mechanical officer of Santa Fe’s Sky Railway,who meticulously portrayed Indiana Jones,even sourcing a hat and jacket from the same craftsman who created props for Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark. “I have not been called by my name all day. They say Dr. Jones,” Pegler remarked, describing the Faire as “a break from reality where you can kind of leave your other skin behind. You’re someone else for a day. you don’t think about bills.”
Pegler noted an increase in costumed participants in recent years and echoed Becker’s sentiment regarding historical preservation, stating, “Instead of it just being in a display case in a cabinet, it’s tangible,” and quoting Indiana Jones: “If you want to be a good archaeologist, you’ve got to get out of the library.” Crystal “Fidgits” Hoetzl also captivated audiences with her fire-eating act.