Meet the 2024 Contest Selection Candidates

Each spring, Santa Fe Fiesta, Inc. selects a local man and woman to portray the roles of General Don Diego de Vargas and La Reina de La Fiesta de Santa Fe™. Contestants deliver a speech in English and Spanish, and field questions in English and Spanish that confirm their knowledge of historical events surrounding Fiesta de Santa Fe.

The annual Contest Selection will be held at 7 PM on Monday, April 15, 2024 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Doors open at 6:30 PM.

Tickets are only $5 / person. Children 12 and under are FREE.

James Vincent Ramirez
James Vincent Ramirez

Don Diego de Vargas Candidate #1

James Vincent Ramirez, (46) is the son of Robert and Priscilla Ramirez. Born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, He is the youngest of three children. He is the proud father of Samantha Rose Ramirez. He is a catholic parishioner of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. James attended St. Francis Cathedral School and graduated from Santa Fe High School. He attended Santa Fe Community College where he studied television and radio production. Currently, James is a self-employed entertainment promoter/manager with Ramirez Promotions and Entertainment. He has managed music artists and promotes music entertainment in New Mexico since 2015. He is proud to be sponsored by Union Protectiva de Santa Fe.

Joshua Thomas Santistevan
Joshua Thomas Santistevan

Don Diego de Vargas Candidate #2

Joshua Thomas Santistevan, 42, is the firstborn son of Thomas and Patricia Santistevan. A native of Taos, NM. Joshua graduated Santa Fe High School in 1999 and went on to study computer science and graphic design at the Santa Fe Community College and the Art Center Design college. In 2006 he became the primary caregiver for his mother who was ill. Joshua pursued a career in Sales and IT, earning various certifications and qualifications in Computer hardware repair. Currently he is a field repair technician with Presbyterian Medical Services of New Mexico. He is active in his church and involved in local and worldwide charities. Joshua is sponsored by the Caballeros de Vargas and is very proud of his Spanish heritage, reaching back these three-hundred and thirty-two years in the city of Holy Faith!

Elena Sophia Talisha Valdez
Elena Sophia Talisha Valdez

La Reina de La Fiesta de Santa Fe Contestant #1

Elena Sophia Talisha Valdez, 33, is the daughter of Roman and Lourdes Valdez. A 2009 graduate of Capital High School. Elena’s heart lies in her dedication to her three children and her passion for community involvement, particularly in fostering the growth and prosperity of the Credit Union Movement. As the Board Secretary for The Northern New Mexico Chapter of Credit Unions, Elena’s commitment to service extends far beyond familial duties. Elena is dedicated to supporting our youth. She actively supports initiatives aimed at educating elementary children about financial responsibility. In doing so, Elena ensures the next generation is equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions. She is sponsored by State Employees Credit Union, Elena serves as the Cerrillos Branch Manager.

Kassandra Rosales - Ugarte
Kassandra Rosales - Ugarte

La Reina de La Fiesta de Santa Fe Candidate #2

Kassandra Rosales Ugarte, 30 is the daughter of Jose and Maria Rosales. She is a 2012 graduate of the Santa Fe Masters Program. She is a BusinessBanker at Del Norte Credit Union. She is passionate about the growth and development of our community. Kassandra serves in the employee-led committee for the non-profit The Del Norte Lov Foundation. They give away scholarships forseniors going college, they grant sponsorships to local non-profits, and they have anemployee-led committee that empowers their staff to use their voice. Equipping them with toolsand skills to further their careers and develop relationships with peers and the community. Sheis proud to be sponsored by her father, owner of Lukasa Trucking Company.

Celeste Marie Cantu Sanchez
Celeste Marie Cantu Sanchez

La Reina de La Fiesta de Santa Fe Candidate #3

Celeste Marie Cantu Sanchez, 35, is the daughter of Orlando and Emma Sanchez. She is a 2007 graduate of Santa Fe High School. She has 2 children Diego and Jasmine Maturin that both attend St. Michaels High School. Celeste is a Native of Santa Fe and has worked for Santa Fe County for over 14 years. As a child Celeste attended Cristo Rey Catholic School, where her devotion for our lady was ignited. Celeste’s commitment to the community started at the age of 4, by dancing with Danza Carino at the many Northern New Mexico Fiestas. She has served as a volunteer and coach over the last 15 years. Celeste has been a board member of the following committees, Northern New Mexico Childrens Sports League, Santa Fe County Employees benefit committee, AAU Basketball League, and the St. Michaels Parents Association Club. Celeste is a Eucharistic minister with her parish San Isidro church. She is proud and grateful to be sponsored by Los Caballeros De Vargas.

Rebekah Camille Montoya y Velarde
Rebekah Camille Montoya y Velarde

La Reina de La Fiesta de Santa Fe Candidate #4

Rebekah Camille Montoya y Velarde, 24, is the youngest daughter of Manuel and Anadina Velarde and descendent of Juan Velarde Colodro of Madrid, Spain. In 2018, she graduated from Santa Fe High School with multiple honors. While attending Santa Fe High School, she participated in a number of sports including dance, soccer, and golf, and was a part of the Santa Fe High School Cheer Team that earned the NMAA State Championship title in 2015. Rebekah became a Certified Pharmacy Technician, working at Del Norte Pharmacy for 5 years before moving onto her current position as a Management Analyst with the New Mexico Office of Inspector General. She plans to continue her education in the future, in order to further assist those in need in New Mexico. Rebekah is proudly sponsored by The Fraternal Order of Eagles #2811.