Wednesday, August 9, 2006

Navajo tacos, Al Hurricane, parade highlight fiestas

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writer

Belen It's not just a day of celebration but a whole weekend full of fun where family, friends and complete strangers can come together and celebrate Our Lady of Belen's 213th annual fiesta.

This year's theme is God's Family Praying for Peace and Unity, and while the festivities are a religious genre, there is plenty of entertainment and activities for anyone interested in going.

Over the years, the number of people in attendance has been between 4,000 and 6,000 and Bryan Mascareñas, a committee member, said this year's fiesta should be the biggest ever.

"It's grown so much over the years and the response has just been excellent this year," Mascareñas said. "We've had calls from all over the state and some from out of state."

The fiesta will kick off on Friday, Aug. 11, at 5 p.m. with the crowning of the fiesta queen and a carnival opening at 6 p.m.

In addition to a parade on Saturday, there will be live entertainment each day from musicians such as Estilo of Española, Westwind Band of Isleta, Ana Maria Y Sangre Latino, who is an award winner, Dominic Vargas, Robbie Jude Band, New Mexico's rising star of the year, Nitefall, from Socorro, Eddie Benavidez Y Los Jesters, Lagrima Band and the Al Hurricane Band.

Mascareñas said some new additions to the fiesta include a pizza booth and a Navajo fry bread booth as well as Navajo taco stands.

"Some of it is the same but there will be a lot of new things," Mascareñas said. "On Friday, we will have a country band and a Spanish band which is new this year."

There will also be a main raffle with a grand prize of $10,000 along with a 2006 Fiesta Queen raffle.

Between dance contests, chile contests, bingo, performances from S & A Dance Academy and the burning of Old Man Quejas, (problems) patrons will have an array of things to do and see.

Putting on a fiesta of this magnitude takes many volunteers and participants to make sure everything runs smoothly.

"We have a lot of dedicated people on the committee, and there are so many others who contribute to the success of the fiesta," Mascareñas said. "It's gotten to a point where we all know our jobs."

For months, preparations have been made for this annual event and hundreds of hours have been put it to ensure its success.

Louise Ortega said in the creation of Old Man Quejas that people from the community helped with providing materials needed to create the nearly 26 foot tall papier-maché figure.

"We've been working on it since June," Ortega said. "The county, city and schools came through with the shredded paper we needed and we'll have the fire department there when he's (Old Man Quejas) burned. We couldn't do it without them."

Before the papier-maché figure is lit, people can write their problems on pieces of paper and put them in a box in front of him, Ortega said.

Although things are in place and ready to go, final arrangements for the fiesta will be conducted this week and Mascareñas said they still need more people to help carry the American flag in the parade on Saturday.

In addition, Mascareñas stated that security personnel has been hired to provide a safe venue for people to attend.

"We ask that you continue to support the fiesta and the queen candidates and come out and enjoy the festivities," Mascareñas said. "The fiesta is a safe place for families to go."

If you would like more information regarding the fiestas, call 864-8043 or, for information on the parade, call Bryan at 620-8678.

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