Primos, primas, neighbors, and friends caught up with one another over warm cocoa and hot stew as beautiful floats donned with Christmas lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas cheer filled the streets of Questa on December 9.

The parade started at 5:30 p.m., and locals from Questa, Costilla, Amalia, Cerro, and Red River filled the streets to watch the parade drive down Questa’s main street.

When it ended, people gathered around Perovich Park, where Living Word Ministries Church enacted a live nativity. portraying the night Jesus was born. Live donkeys were in attendance, too, making the scene feel like a night in Bethlehem.

Following the play, Mayor John Ortega thanked many of the key players who made the night a success. A small countdown from five brought the village Christmas tree alive, filled with twinkling lights, to end the evening.

Following the events of the evening, Santa and Mrs. Claus sat talking with children and posing for photos with the community.