The Molycorp field in Questa will remain quiet this June as organizers of the annual Fiestas de San Antonio announced the event will take a hiatus for the 2026 season. The decision marks a strategic “breather” for the village tradition, with a focus on restructuring for a comeback in 2027.

The Fiestas, which celebrate the village’s patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua, were successfully revived in 2023 after a 15-year absence. However, the logistical demands of coordinating the two-day event—which traditionally features live music and the crowning of royalty—have prompted the planning committee to prioritize long-term sustainability over an annual schedule.

“It’s about doing it right, rather than just doing it,” said Katrina Gonzales, past Village Councilwoman and a key organizer.

The primary objective for the 2027 return is to bridge the gap between the civic celebration and its religious origins. Organizers are currently in talks to bring St. Anthony’s Parish back into the heart of the planning process.
Historically, the Fiestas were a fusion of faith and tradition. The weekend would begin with a solemn mass and a procession from the historic adobe church to the Molycorp field. By reintegrating the church, organizers hope to restore these elements, including the blessing of the fields, which once served as the backbone of the event.

The hiatus also provides a window for the committee to recruit a new wave of volunteers. Since the 2023 revival, the planning has been managed by a small group of dedicated residents.

“We want the Fiestas to belong to the whole community again,” Gonzales added.

While the 2026 cancellation is bittersweet for local vendors and families who use the weekend for reunions, the committee remains optimistic. They view the 2027 return as an opportunity to cement the Fiestas as a permanent, well-supported fixture of Northern New Mexico culture.