Ignacio celebrates 125th San Ignacio Fiesta

Sierra Red attempts to fill Harmony Reynolds’ bucket in the water relay, as Makayla Red awaits her turn.

Reverend Father Cesar Cayetano Arras – St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish

Local community elder, Glen Walker crosses the finish line after completing the course. Walker, who is now in his 80’s, is well known throughout the community for his supportive efforts and athletic abilities.

Beau Moore and daughter, Lorelei Moore, race across the finish line of the St. Ignatius 5K Run and Walk event held on Saturday, July 29 in support of the Ignacio High School Cross Country Team.

Distance walkers and runners gathered at the Piinu Nuuchi Skate Park for the St. Ignatius 5K Run and Walk race hosted by the Ignacio High School Cross Country Team on Saturday, July 29. Attendees of all ages ran and walked in support of the team, with all proceeds going to the group. Racers competed for three awards in their age category and a plaque for the overall winner.

Ignacio High School Volleycats hand out popsicles to the crowd during this year’s San Ignacio Parade, following directly behind the volleyball program was the Ignacio High School Girl’s Basketball program. Both groups placed first in their category.

The Al Kaly Shriners-Tin Lizzies of Southern Colorado ride along the parade route during the San Ignacio Parade, waving and honking their horns to the people along the route. The Al Kaly Shriners travels throughout the nation attending various seasonal and holiday parades, the group placed first in their category.

Jr. Miss Southern Ute, Leandra Litz sits atop her family vehicle, throwing candy and waving to crowds of spectators along Goddard Ave., on Saturday, July 29. Litz went on to be announced as the grand prize winner of the parade, taking home a cash prize.

The Southern Ute Veteran’s Association marches down Goddard Ave. in Ignacio, Colo. on Saturday, July 29– leading the San Ignacio Parade. The parade kicked off the 123rd Annual San Ignacio Fiesta, celebrating 125 years of the St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish Catholic Church. The theme for this year’s fiesta was “Celebrating Generations of Fiesta.”

The Velasquez family float won Memoriam First-Place in the Ignacio San Ignacio Parade on Saturday, July 29. Floats of all kinds were "on parade" in Ignacio – included Commercial and Non-Commercial, Civic and Community Services, Political, Royalty, Auto, Family Memorium, and Children's floats.

Betty Box gives out coins to Joaiden and Josiah Richards at the San Ignatius Parade on Saturday, July 29.

Aliana Borgarin attempts to fill Brian “Big B” Median’s bucket, during the water relay race.

Self-proclaimed, “Spice King” Kingston Bravo bites into one of many jalapenos, as he goes head-to-head against two other opponents, Michael Archuleta and Adam Archuleta to win the jalapeno eating contest.

Olivia Salazar, Sophia Salazar, Ashley Salazar and A’Liviah Sage give each other encouragement as they attempt to outdo each other in the watermelon eating contest.

Sophia Salazar bites into a slice of watermelon during the watermelon eating contest.

Grupo Ritmo, of Ignacio and Aztec was on hand to entertain those in attendance in the Shoshone Park (Town Park).

Meadow Tracy shows her surprise as the water from Harmony Reynolds’ bucket, as she attempts to fill her bucket.

Southern Ute elder Keith Thompson and nephew Stephen Romero were the winners of the egg toss.

Marcy Barnes and Kelly Sirios prepare mangos as part of their fundraiser for the the Ignacio girls’ volleyball and basketball teams.

Cloe Seibel and Lily Quintana prepare mangos, cutting and coating the mangos with Chamoy and Tajin as part of the fundraiser held by the Ignacio girls’ volleyball and basketball teams.

Jr. Miss Southern Ute, Leandra Litz takes a bite of mango prepared and sold by the Ignacio girls’ volleyball and basketball teams to raise money for both teams.

Jennifer Seibel, Leslie Barnes and Soly Cosio work the Ignacio girls’ volleyball and basketball teams’ fundraiser booth, set up across from the Shoshone Park.

Elijah Hamm of Pagosa Spring, Colo., selling his own Penguin Pups, dog treats made with apple and pumpkin. A portion of the proceeds help get nutritious foods to children in need.

Vendors were selling arts & crafts, food, and various other goods. Friends and family members of La Quey Lucero with Sweets and Treats were on hand selling baked goods. The Sunshine, Music and Fun in the park was organized by Mandy Velasquez-Roybal, with prize donations from community businesses.

Robert L Ortiz | SU Drum

Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum

Krista Richards | SU Drum

Robert L Ortiz | SU Drum

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Thu Aug 10th, 2023 , by Staff report |

Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish hosted the annual 125th San Ignacio Fiesta and Patronal Celebrations in Ignacio, Colo., from Thursday, July 27 through Sunday, July 30.

The Fiesta included the annual San Ignacio Parade on Saturday with floats, and a return of events to Shoshone Park, dubbed “Sunshine, Music and Fun in the Park,” featuring Ignacio’s very own, Grupo Ritmo. Vendors and youth games also made up the afternoon’s events in the park. The events were organized by Mandy Velasquez-Roybal. Farmer’s Fresh also hosted numerous events after the parade as well; with food, and a cornhole tourney.

A Mass concluded the annual fiesta on Sunday, July 30 in the St. Ignatius Parish, with a dinner, live music and the annual raffle. Winners of the annual parade were announced, Jr. Miss Southern Ute, Leandra Kitz was crowned the parade’s Grand Champion.

Winners of the annual raffle were also announced, Eppie Quintana Jr., won the $500 Grand Prize.

Thankful and grateful: San Ignacio’s 125 Patronal Celebrations

St. Ignatius Patronal Celebrations in Ignacio, Colo., is one of the most beautiful and jubilant expressions of the Catholic Heritage in the area of the Four Corners. Rooted in a long-lasting Catholic identity and rich cultural heritage, the Tri-Ethnic community of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish once again gathered from July 27 – July 30 to witness the joy of the Gospel, being grateful for 125 years of Catholic presence and for our lives together here in Ignacio since 1898.

125 years of walking together, one cannot help but to reflect on the many blessings the Heavenly Father has bestowed on each one of our families and to ponder on the role of St. Ignatius of Loyola, our patron and protector, in all the good that has happened to us. San Ignacio’s Patronal Celebrations happens every year on the last full weekend of July, offering an opportunity for those who may be living on their own, or who are not able to get away that easy for a break, to spend some time around people to enjoy one another’s company through the religious celebrations of the parish or the food festival of the town.

Saturday’s San Ignacio Fiesta Parade was opened by the Parish’s car float representing our community being unified in the Lord was prepared by parishioners and the Theatine Fathers. The car floats and the parade were a true manifestation of catholicity, i.e., universality. Over two hundred people from all over the Four Corners, Catholics and non-Catholics, come together on this day to take a break and enjoy the colorful celebration filled with the enthusiasm and happiness distinctive of our community.

Sunday’s solemn Mass was presided by Rev. Fr. Cesar Cayetano Arras, CR, last Theatine administrator and animated by Rev. Fr. Juan Miguel Tabares, CR, performing with the guitar and at the church organ proper bilingual music for the occasion. The homily reflected the principle and foundation of mankind, “to love and serve the Lord in all things,” and the importance of wisdom to discern between many goods and learn to choose the best for our humanization.

After the Eucharistic celebration, the Theatine Fathers formally thanked St. Ignatius community for their support and love over the last 117 years as they prepare to conclude their service and history in the Parish by returning its pastoral care to the Diocese of Pueblo due to personnel shortage. The celebrant also assured the people of Ignacio that the Diocese is in the process of appointing a new priest. The celebration concluded with the solemn blessing and with the people adjourning to the parish hall to conclude the festivities with a big dinner, live music and our annual raffle.

Rev. Fr. Cesar Cayetano Arras,

St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish