Members of Tortugas Pueblo and surrounding communities came together for the annual Fall Red Enchilada Fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Hall. Visitors enjoyed homemade red enchiladas and hamburgers in support of Los Indígenas de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, an organization that has carried on this tradition since the early 1970s.
The event was originally created to help pay property taxes and maintain the buildings in the Tortugas Pueblo community. The fundraiser continues today with the same purpose as well as to fund the annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta, held Dec.10–12.
For decades, the event has grown from a small community gathering into one of Tortugas Pueblo’s most cherished traditions, drawing hundreds of participants each season.
“The Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta is one of me and my family’s favorite annual events, so I’ll do anything I can to help see it through every year”, attendee Annalisa Castro said.
This year’s fall fundraiser was the first to be held at the Parish Hall, after years of being hosted in the smaller “Casa de Comida” dining hall. The move was necessary as the event continues to grow.
“Expansion was essential, and it was a great reminder of the hard work we’ve done with the event,” co-chair of the event Eric Fierro said.
The Parish Hall provided seating for about 300 guests, and throughout the day, tables were constantly full while the to-go line stretched across the hall.
Guests enjoyed made-to-order red enchilada plates for $12, complete with beans, garnish, and a roll, while hamburgers and cheeseburgers were available for $7. Drinks and desserts were also offered along with raffle prizes that helped raise additional funds. Organizers gratefully accepted donations from attendees who wanted to contribute beyond the cost of their meals.
More than 1,100 enchilada plates and roughly 350 hamburgers were sold during the Fall Red Enchilada Fundraiser, with about 75 percent of the enchilada orders for takeout.
Proceeds from the event, estimated at around $10,000, will directly support preparations for the upcoming Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta.
The Fall Red Enchilada Fundraiser has grown into more than just an event, it’s a cherished tradition for community members.
“I grew up coming to these fundraisers with my family,” attendee Saul Gutierrez said. “Now that I’m older, it feels good to give back to our community that has given us so much.”
