The historic High Masses reenacted at Tumacácori honor the pioneering work of both the Jesuits and Franciscans in the missions of the Pimería Alta.  These Masses occur twice a year:  1) in the late spring in which we commemorate the Jesuits and 2) in late October to commemorate the Franciscans and to celebrate Juan Bautista de Anza’s trek to California.  The goal of these reenactments is to give visitors a personal experience of what it might have been like and to help people understand the significance of the Misa Mayor in the lives of the people of the mission communities.

The October Mass is generally held in conjunction with the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park's "Anza Days" celebration since this Mass also honors Juan Bautista de Anza.  While Captain of the Tubac Presidio, in 1775 - 1776, Anza led three hundred settlers on an historic trek to colonize San Francisco, California. Immediately after the Mass, Commandant Juan Bautista de Anza (Park Ranger Don Garate) along with a troupe of mounted Spanish soldado's de cuera receive a blessing from the priest before riding on to Tubac.

The basic difference between the "High" Mass and "Low" Mass is that the High Mass was, and is, sung, whereas the Low Mass is recited.  Historically the High Mass was sung only in Latin.  When the Padre delivered his sermon, however, it was either delivered in Spanish or the native language of the mission.

Music was an important component of the High Mass. The choir and orchestra played from the choir loft, if the church had one.  If not, the musicians usually positioned themselves by one of the side altars.  The type of singing that was performed consisted of early eighteenth century period music and Gregorian chant.  Although the church generally required an all male choir, the frontier missions could not always supply all that was needed, so women often sang in their choirs.  Stringed instruments such as the violin, harp and guitar, along with  an occasional European or native flute were generally the only type of music that could be supplied on a frontier so far removed from the grand cathedrals of Mexico or Spain.

Historically there were no pews or benches in the church so people stood and kneeled.  The same scenario is recreated during the High Mass by requiring all participants to stand.

All Mass participants are attired in costumes from early Spanish-Mexican American or mission Indian cultures.  The goal is not to have visitors spend a fortune on elaborate costumes, but to be dressed as historically accurate as possible.  Simple costume ideas include dark slacks, white shirt and sandals for men and long skirt, blouse and shawl for women.

Commandant Anza leads his mounted  soldados on a ride to Tubac.	Spanish soldados from Santa Barbara, California  in front of the church at Tumacácori.