ABOUT THE COMMUNITY OF BELEN
Belén is one of many communities established in the early 1600's.The Spanish Explorer, Don Juan de Oñate settled the New Kingdom of Spain for the Spanish Empire. The Anasazi people had previously occupied the area from 700 AD. In 1693, Don Diego de Vargas reconquered New Mexico for the Spanish Empire, and "Alburquerque" is established in 1704. In 1740, the Belén Land Grant was established. Around 1880, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad is built through Valencia County.
We are the story of Southwest America that many Americans do not know. Our legacy is filled with remnants of a unique and historic past, which we still honor today. Perseverance, unified community, and remembering our shared ancestry continues to create a particular energy, here. This energy presents an authentic image of the New Mexico American Southwest that is preserved, proudly. It lives in every historic building, is tasted in every bite of our flavorful cuisine, and fills the air in every celebration. We love our town and are inspired by its past, present, and future. One visit and you will see that we honor our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.
Indeed, the city of Belén has grown with the times. But still, we maintain a love of our roots that is there in every welcoming smile and is vibrantly-alive in every festival, throughout the year. The combination gives us at once both an authentic flavor of the American Southwest, and a vibrant culture that looks both to the history of our area, and its future. We love our sense of community, our heritage, and are always excited to share our stories and celebrate our history. Whether this is your first visit to the Hub City, or you have lived here your entire life, there is so much to see and learn. We invite you to Explore Belén!