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Community keeps tradition alive with 28th annual Kelly Fiestas
For nearly three decades, the tiny ghost town of Kelly has come alive for one weekend each June, drawing crowds from near and far for a celebration of heritage, community and family.
The 28th Annual Kelly Fiestas will take place the weekend of June 21, beginning with a special Mass at 10 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a full day and night of festivities including free food, music, dancing, and community gathering. On Friday night, the event will kick off with a communal meal, and people that have come before know not to show up empty handed.
At the heart of the celebration is longtime organizer and mayordomo of St. John the Baptist Church in Kelly, Carlos Tafoya, who has overseen the Fiesta for nearly all of its 28-year run.
“I made a promise to my brother that I’d keep it going,” Tafoya said. “I like doing it. People say it’s too much work, but to me, it’s not. I get everything—generators, machines, even the restrooms. I don’t have to rent anything.”
Though Tafoya doesn’t live in Kelly, his family roots run deep in the now-abandoned mining town. His father and grandfather once worked the local mines, and his grandparents are buried there. The town itself is little more than a historic church surrounded by trees today — a far cry from its bustling past — but once a year, it buzzes again with life, laughter, and the aroma of slow-cooked meat and beans in the ground.
Food is a cornerstone of the celebration. All of it is made on-site and served free to anyone who comes. Attendees are treated to red and green chile, beans, homemade bread, and about 150 pounds of barbecued beef — most of it cooked in traditional pits dug in the ground.
“We don’t charge for the food,” Tafoya said. “It’s for anybody. There’s only one God.”
In keeping with the communal spirit, many attendees bring their own contributions—whether it’s a pot of chile, a cooler of drinks, or a few extra folding chairs. Some camp out in trailers around the church, turning the weekend into a rustic retreat. Others join in the dancing under the stars to a live band.
A raffle on Saturday night also adds excitement to the gathering, with donated prizes ranging from kitchen appliances to chile bundles and collectible items, the proceeds of which help off set Tafoya’s costs.
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While most attendees come from out of town, many have personal or family connections to Kelly, and the event has gained a reputation for being a must-attend celebration in the region.
“It’s like the old days,” he said. “You see people you haven’t seen in years. That’s the good part. It brings people together.”
Though Tafoya is unsure who might take over the tradition after him, he remains committed for now — even as the work becomes more physically demanding.
“I’m getting older, but I still like to do it.” he said with a smile. “It’s a labor of love.”
The Kelly Fiestas are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, sun protection, and — if they wish — a dish or drink to share. The road to the site will be cleared in advance, and early arrivals are welcome, with Tafoya beginning setup as early as June 16.
