Chama Valley & Abiquiú Daily Digest Saturday, July 11, 2026
Ty's Take
Fiesta season is already spinning up down the valley, which means the whole corridor—from here in Chama country all the way south through Abiquiú and into Española—is about to remember who it is and where it comes from. These aren't tourist pageants or heritage reenactments; they're the annual reassertion of four centuries of land, family, and survival in this high country, the kind of continuity that gets tested every time a new subdivision goes up or a second-home buyer shows up with different ideas about how things should work. When you see Monroe Martinez y Salazar's name attached to this year's fiesta royalty, you're looking at the kind of naming that carries weight—these families know their genealogy like a map. The news down here tends toward the routine—construction schedules, court deals, violations—but the real story every spring is always the same: this place knows its own.
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Rio Grande SUN
Former Teaches Takes Plea Deal
A former Holy Cross Catholic School teacher accepted a plea deal in June for sexually assaulting a student after initially rejecting the agreement. Calvin Robinson, 44, agreed to terms that prohibit him from living with anyone under 18.
Road work begins Wednesday on U.S. Highway 64/84 near Tierra Amarilla as part of a rehabilitation project by the state transportation department. Drivers should expect delays during the roughly 10-day project, which runs weekdays only.
Greetings from Fiesta del Valle de Española President Tito Terrazas Jr.
Tito Terrazas Jr. returns for a second term as president of the Fiesta del Valle de Española, pledging to preserve and strengthen the valley's cultural traditions.
History of Tradition and Legacy
The Fiesta del Valle de Española celebration traces its roots back to 1933 when the first Oñate Fiesta began, establishing a tradition that honors the region's rich cultural and faith heritage. The event has been passed down through generations as a source of community pride.
Monroe Martinez y Salazar 2026 La Reina de la Fiesta del Valle de Española
Monroe Martinez y Salazar has been selected as La Reina de la Fiesta del Valle de Española for 2026, accepting the role as a sacred privilege to celebrate the valley's cultural heritage.
Don Juan de Oñate: Joshua Paul Montoya y Pacheco
Joshua Paul Montoya y Pacheco, a Cuyamungue native, will serve as Don Juan de Oñate y Salazar for the 2026 Fiesta del Valle de Española. He accepts the honor with gratitude and a commitment to upholding the community's faith and cultural traditions.
2026 Fiesta Del Valle De Española Schedule
The 2026 Fiesta del Valle de Española runs July 10-11 at Plaza de Española with events including an opening ceremony, pet parade, live music performances, and various vendor markets throughout both days.
The 2026 Fiesta del Valle de Española Fiesta Council includes Tito Terrazas Jr. as president, Adam L. Enciñas as vice president, and Pita Salazar as treasurer, along with numerous council members and committee chairs.
The Fiesta del Valle de Española maintains records of past Oñates and Reinas dating back to 1933, documenting decades of community leaders who have held the honored ceremonial positions.
Man Accused of Violating Conditions of Release
A 71-year-old man faces allegations of violating his release conditions in connection with a stabbing incident at a Mesa Vista High School graduation party in Ojo Caliente in June. The First Judicial District Attorney's Office appointed prosecutors to handle the case.
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