La Fiesta de Colores
‘You don’t have to be Hispanic to be in the art show’
Area residents attend the annual La Fiesta de Colors at St. Teresa Catholic
Church's Community Center in Grants. {Courtesy photo]

By Jim Tiffin
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — Sylvia Yazzie said she attends the annual La Fiesta de Colores, “Festival of Colors,” in Grants every year.

“I like the art that they show there,” she said.
Jerry Montoya, one of the organizers, and who is in charge of the art show, said the event celebrates the Hispanic culture.

“The Fiesta was started 25 or 30 years ago with the intent to help school students learn about the culture,” he said. “You don’t have to be Hispanic to be in the art show, just create art that is Hispanic in nature.”

One of the biggest sections of Hispanic art is that of Spanish Colonial period, showcasing traditional culture from 400 years ago, he said. This year the Fiesta is from May 1-4. There are paintings, tin work and sculptures.

There is also a classic car show, a special celebration honoring local residents who have contributed to the community, entertainment and a traditional Mariachi Mass at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church on Sunday.

The event is held inside the St. Teresa Community Center.
Paul Milan, also one of the organizers, said this year he is trying to get a show from Albuquerque that will bring dance and song celebrating indigenous people, the Spanish, Mexican and New Mexican eras.

“I am not sure whether we can get the show yet,” he said.
He said he is also trying to get the Santa Fe Aztec Dancers to return again this year to perform.

Each year the event selects a king and queen. That portion of the Fiesta has been taken over by the schools, which will select two students, one male and one female to fulfill the role during the event.

A tentative schedule for this year is:

Thursday, May 1

The burning of the Lumis in Milan is at night. It is a traditional event which has a larger than life schools-created straw man which celebrates the beginning of the Fiesta.

Friday, May 2

The art show opens, usually about 1 p.m., and is just for school-aged youth. The schools usually bring pupils that afternoon, and some of the artists who have wares on display provide demonstrations of their work.

About 6-6:30 p.m., is the official opening with a ceremony until 9 p.m. It includes the crowning of the king and queen. The winners are selected from essays written depicting the history of he Hispanic culture.

The Circle of Success is held, naming local citizens who have contributed greatly to the community. There are usually several area residents who are honored. Mariachis and dancers perform as well.

Saturday, May 3

The “Oldies But Goodies Car Show” car show begins at 10 a.m., in the parking area at the community center, with a procession by the king and queen. Anyone who wishes to honor their patron saints is invited to walk in the procession.
The processions begins at Riverwalk Park and proceeds to the center. Following the procession, the art show is open and there is entertainment all day.

Dancers, singers, even local comedians are invited to participate. The Fiesta usually lasts until about 9 p.m.

Sunday, May 4

The art show opens at 10 a.m., and there is a Mariachi Mass are held inside the church. The event finishes with a silent auction with artwork donated by the invitation only artists to help raise funds for the Fiesta. The Fiesta usually winds up about noon.

Volunteers are being sought to help with the event.
Information: Grants-Cibola Chamber of Commerce,
(505) 287-4802.

To contact reporter Jim Tiffin call (505) 287-2197 or e-mail: jtiffin.independen
t@yahoo.com.