Celebrate Our Rich New Mexican History
With a history older than the United States itself, the community of Belén has so much to explore. Over the last 400 years, New Mexico has experienced many changes, yet remains entrenched in a rich and varied history. The Camino Real, Santa Fe Railroad, Native Tribes, Spanish settlers and German merchants and more, all became part of the community known as Belén. Often called, the friendly city, we continue to welcome visitors from near and far, to help us celebrate our Past, Present and Future.
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. We invite you to Explore Belén!
Visit Belén!
With a rich history, older than the United States itself, our community has so much to explore! Art and recreation are always in season in Belén. Come see all that we have to offer!