Beans, tortillas and green chile. It’s about as New Mexican as it gets. The City of Moriarty has long celebrated the homely bean, and the date is set for the annual Pinto Bean Fiesta.
The fiesta originally started in the 1980s to celebrate the local farm industry and pinto bean farmers. This year’s fiesta will be held Saturday, Sept. 28. It’s a family friendly event that attracts hundreds of fiesta-goers each year.
Speaking about why the pinto bean is so revered in Torrance County, Brenda Tapia, city spokesperson, said, “It is known as the Pinto Bean Valley, and because the majority of pinto beans are grown, for the state in our area.”
A highly anticipated part of the fiesta is the crowning of the Pinto Bean Queen.
The fiesta is set to have all the crowd favorites it has had in years past, including live performances throughout the day, more than 60 vendors selling their art, along with local pinto bean farmers selling their wares in the harvest extravaganza.
Event organizers say that parade and vendor forms will be available on the city’s website, mountainairnm.gov, at the beginning of June. Vendor spots often sell out, so it is recommended that you reserve your spot early.