The Children's Pet Parade is part of the annual Fiesta de Santa Fe, celebrated by locals the week after Labor Day when most tourists have temporarily cleared out of town. Characterized by posole, the scent of roasting chile peppers, carefully cooked tamales, a solemn processional with a statue of the Virgin Mary, and the burning of a 50 foot rendering of ugly Old Man Gloom (this year in pouring rain; see previous Zozobra entries), the rituals of Fiestas are worth experiencing at least once.
As for the dogs, cats, and other critters who take part in the pet parade, the phrase "long suffering" comes to mind as they endure dress-up by the people they own.
All pet parade photos by our friend, soon-to-be-famous artist Ali Cavanaugh.
