In Quest of Saint Anthony Cemetery, Questa, N.M.

 

As a seasoned “taphophile” I keep an eye out for burial sites when traveling to and through new places. 

One such find we spotted on our approach to Taos, N.M. where we would visit the old and historic Taos Pueblo village. 

We made a quick stop in another village, Questa. so I could check out this cemetery. It certainly looks different from most of the burial grounds in the Charleston area. 

I was struck by the rugged look of Saint Anthony Catholic Cemetery (also known as Questa Cemetery). There are many minimalist wooden grave markers amid the shrub grasslands. 

This site lists several dozens of people buried here.

Founded in 1842, Questa, elevation 7,615 feet, is at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The population in 2022 was 1,800.

In contrast to the spartan part of Saint Anthony Cemetery shown above is another section with many colorfully decorated gravesites.

American patriotism is shown on a number of graves. Brothers Floyd and Fred Ortega were both military veterans. Fred passed in 2018 at age 71. Floyd preceded him in death. 

Questa’s population is 80 percent Hispanic. I was struck by the number of U.S. flags I saw in town and at this cemetery and I was also impressed seeing along Questa's main street banners of Questa High School’s Class of 2024 graduates. 

This seems like a small town with strong values- family, religious and American. 

Jose Abedon Garcia (1935-2022) was likely also a veteran. Saint Anthony Cemetery is on the Find A Grave site but only 57 people are memorialized on it. But that’s not to say the graves are neglected because as you see many are well-maintained. 

How about Agustin Rael’s headstone? Love the mountains, the trees, the river, the musical notes, and of course the man on the horse. You think Agustin was a cowboy? I do. 

Visiting this cemetery made me curious about Hispanic burial traditions. There are many distinctions, according to this article. 

Quoting the article posted by a funeral home, “The Hispanic culture treats death and dying differently from what many people are accustomed to. Rather than shying away from the subject of death, Hispanic tradition addresses the issue openly and honestly. 

“You can observe this difference in the Mexican celebration known as Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). Each year on November 2, people in Mexico and worldwide celebrate the lives of people they have lost.  

“They give gifts of food, candles and sugar skulls to their dearly departed, and they may even dance to a Mexican funeral band.” 

The article points out that customs may differ among Hispanic families. The vibrancy of this cemetery in Questa, N.M. shows these residents believe this is a sacred place that has their respect and their commitment to keeping it looking alive, ironically.

I'm glad to have spent a short time here!