Barelas Senior Center Celebrates Return of Annual Fiestas
Today, the Department of Senior Affairs celebrated the return of the Barelas Senior Center Fiestas for the first time since 2019.
The Fiestas were a staple of the Barelas community for many years but were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic due to health and safety concerns. This year marked the return of the popular event to the Barelas neighborhood. The event was created as a day of celebration for Albuquerque seniors and their families with plenty of live entertainment, dancing, food and family fun!
“Barelas Senior Center is a special place where seniors and families go to connect, learn, and play while building a stronger community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The return of fiestas is a great opportunity to reflect and appreciate how these “third places” in our city create an important sense of belonging and bring us together.”
Hundreds of people from all nine of the City of Albuquerque’s senior and multigenerational centers gathered in the Barelas neighborhood for the event. The Fiestas also celebrated National Senior Center Month, which is in September.
“Events like this really show how special our community is, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and new ones taking part in the festivities,” said Anna Sanchez, Director of Senior Affairs. “We were thrilled to be able to bring this experience back to the Barelas community.”
Musical guests included Baila! Baila! Dance Academy, Mariachi Xochitl, Marisol Flores, and headliner Al Hurricane Jr.