Keeping a tradition alive

For more than 50 years, members of the Castillo family have spent part of their June serving food, greeting neighbors and helping keep one of Anthony’s longest-running traditions alive. 

The St. Anthony Kermés returns June 13-14 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 324 Lincoln St. in Anthony, NM bringing together generations of families who have helped organize, volunteer and support the annual celebration for decades. For Sara Castillo, the event has been part of life for as long as she can remember. 

“We have been involved with the Kermés since about 1975,” Castillo said. “It started with my siblings and my father, Richard and I. We originally started in the baseball toss booth. In 2001 we picked up a gordita booth and have been doing gorditas ever since.” 

What began as a feast day celebration honoring St. Anthony has evolved into a community gathering known for its food, music, games and family atmosphere. While visitors often come for the gorditas, bingo and entertainment, organizers say the event’s lasting appeal comes from the relationships and memories built over generations. 

“Everybody kind of looks forward to it every year,” said Christina Martinez, 2026 Kermés coordinator. “It’s that one big party in Anthony that we all get to enjoy. You get to see people you haven’t seen in a while, hear music, eat gorditas and spend time with the community.” 

Martinez said planning begins months in advance and relies on local families willing to dedicate their time and energy to the event. 

“It’s about a four-to-six-month process,” Martinez said. “Different families get together and do everything from choosing the music and setting up dates and times to ordering food and getting advertisements. It’s a hectic experience, but also an amazing experience being able to serve our church and our community.” 

The Rodriguez family has played a similar role for decades. 

“For approximately 35 years, the Rodriguez family has proudly participated in this tradition,” Maria Rodriguez said. “Throughout the years, we have grown to operate up to four booths, serving favorites such as elotes, mangos, chilidrinas and paletas de hielo.” 

For many families, involvement extends far beyond volunteering. The annual gathering provides an opportunity for parents and grandparents to share traditions with younger generations while strengthening ties throughout the community. 

“Parents who enjoyed the event as children often want their own children to experience the same games, food, music and sense of community,” Rodriguez said. “These positive experiences create a strong emotional attachment, making the event an important family tradition that is passed down from one generation to the next.” 

Castillo said some of her favorite memories include hayrides, musical performances, and the crowds that gather each year to support the parish. Yet the deeper significance comes from continuing a tradition started by family members decades ago. 

“I always say God does a lot for us and we call on Him all year long,” Castillo said. “I think giving two days of your time is nothing. We’ve been working this Kermés for years and it’s been a tradition to give back our time.” 

That dedication has helped sustain the celebration through changing generations while preserving a tradition many residents consider part of Anthony’s identity. 

“To me, this is part of me. This is part of my family,” Castillo said. “There’s a part of my father with me always when I’m at the Kermés. I see myself helping for as long as I can.” 

The St. Anthony Kermés will be held June 13 and 14 at St. Anthony Catholic Church on 324 Lincoln St, in Anthony. Activities are expected to include food booths, bingo, games, live music and community celebrations surrounding the feast day of St. Anthony.