Barelas Senior Center celebrates their first fiestas since the pandemic

When the familiar sound of a local music icon’s signature songs rang out underneath a tent near the Barelas Senior Center in southwest Albuquerque on Friday afternoon, dozens of the elderly sprang to the their feet and raced to the dance floor.

Moving to the beat of song after song, it was a scene that had been years in the making. Friday’s celebration marked the first Barelas Senior Center Fiestas event since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our director Anna Sanchez really pushed us to do something for the community. And we know they enjoy the fiestas, so this was our year to go back with a bang,” said Angel Montoya, recreation division manager for the Department of Senior Affairs.

Friday’s event included food, vendor tents offering free goods and information on services and live musical performances from local artists, including Al Hurricane Jr., who headlined the event.

As they danced the afternoon away, every senior both on the dance floor and sitting nearby was smiling. This was a welcome sight for many of the community members, including Paula Narvaez, who worked at the Barelas Senior Center for 17 years before she retired nearly two years ago.

During her time working at the center, Narvaez fell in love with the community, so much so that she still volunteers her time there after her retirement. “I love my seniors. They make you feel at home,” she said. That’s why she was overjoyed for the center and its residents at the return of the fiestas.

“They love spending time with each other and having a fun time,” Narvaez said. “This event means a lot to them and it brings us together.”