We are all reminiscent of the more prosperous days of our Valley, whether it entailed lighting farolitos along Oñate Street on Christmas Eve, showcasing our classic cars at Big Rock Center, enjoying a delicious dinner at the Rio Grande Cafe, or enjoying the Española Valley High School Marching Band successes under the direction of Robert Felix.
Some of these stories make up the core of who we are as part of this beautiful Valley. The history of this Valley is so rich with the origination of the native peoples in the Tewa Basin who built Puyé in the Pajarito Plateau; the Spanish arriving in 1598 and settling at San Gabriel de las Españoles near present-day Chamita, or the arrival of the Anglos in 1882 with the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, affectionately known as “The Chili Line.”
Many of our ancestors helped dig the oldest acequia in the country, the Acequia de Chamita; some of our ancestors helped build Santa Cruz de la Cañada Parish; and many of our families were brought from the surrounding nearby Valley communities into the city limits when Española began to grow because of its proximity to Los Alamos. Pride and heart is a word that is constantly tossed around when I proudly announce I am from Española to anyone not having the privilege of calling this Valley home. It’s no secret that the people of this Valley love their home and are not afraid to show it. One of the most unique characteristics about this Valley is nobody is truly from Española – we claim our individual communities such as Velarde, La Puebla, Santo Niño, or even Guachupangue.
Growing up on the West Side, I learned from many of the ancianos about even more historic names such as El Curucú or La Loma that have slowly been lost to time. We watch from afar as Santa Fe and Taos have become victims of gentrification and may have lost some of the spirit of their historic communities. This is why it is so important for the preservation of our culture and heritage for this town to continue to enjoy what makes it unique – our cuisine, art, history – this is the story of us! For many people, they have moved to this Valley in search of the true “Norteño life” that still exists in our Valley. The pride that beams from this Valley surely outshines so many other communities; I have witnessed it and know that the people of this Valley truly showcase their love for it. On March 15th, the City of Española will celebrate Española Day at the State Capitol with our Governor, State Legislators, Pueblo leaders and other State officials. We are inviting the community to participate by attending our day of festivities which includes entertainment, informational tables from local organizations, and the ability to visit with our State officials about funding for much needed projects that will benefit our Española Valley. I fondly remember visiting the State Capitol for the first time as a page for the late distinguished State Representative Nick Salazar when I was around 7 years old.
Representative Salazar introduced me as was standard procedure and stated my goal was to one day be the Mayor of Española. I remember later walking around the Capitol Building to perform errands as young pages are requested to do so; some students from an unidentified school in Santa Fe I recall making fun of me because I came from Española. Childish shameful behavior but nonetheless it did emotionally affect me to the point I remember telling my grandmother Alberta about it, she simply replied, “They’re just jealous!” Truly I believe in these words everyday I had growing up in this beautiful Valley and know that this community shines bright when we focus on the positives and identify solutions for the issues. I am inviting our Valley to shine on Española Day to showcase itself to the rest of the State of New Mexico and be proud of this special place we call home! Believe in Our Valley – Love Our Valley!
John Ramon Vigil is the mayor of the City of Española and a board of trustee member of Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative, Inc.