Harold Van Winkle, the former Director of Bands at the University of New Mexico, created the Zia Marching Band Fiesta in 1978. The Fiesta has survived blizzards, rainstorms, technological changes, format changes and vast changes in styles of marching and music. From its inception, however, the Fiesta has always sought to provide a positive musical experience for its participants and spectators. A pdf version of the Fiesta History is available below.
.