Cabalgata Binacional arrives in Columbus, N.M.
Event commemorates Pancho Villa raid, promotes Mexico ties
COLUMBUS, N.M. — Close to 100 riders on horseback proudly rode from the international border separating Puerto Palomas, Mexico, and the United States on Saturday in a show of goodwill between the two nations.
The 19th annual Cabalgata Binacional (Cavalry) was greeted in the village of Columbus — just three miles north of the border — on the U.S. side by over 400 villagers and guests who had food, music and hugs for the weary travelers.
The Cabalgata traveled an estimated 300 miles over a two-week stretch to reach Columbus — the site of the Mexican revolutionary general Francisco “Pancho” Villa’s raid on the border town on March 9, 1916. During that predawn raid, 18 Americans were killed and several businesses were burned to the ground. Among the dead were eight solders from nearby Camp Furlong. Over 100 of Villa’s soldiers were killed.
Ezekiel Salas took in the festivities as Columbus’ newlyelected mayor. “We here in Columbus today are celebrating our binational friendship day, and some people know it as the Cabalgata here in Columbus — the day that Pancho Villa raided Columbus in 1916. What I want to make sure people understand is that we are not crazy. We are not celebrating an invasion. We are using what happened as a basis to grow a relationship with our border partners in Mexico,” Salas said, as the crowds began to form in the village plaza. “We have been using this Fiesta de Amistad to grow better relationships with our city to the south in Palomas.”
The riders were led by Pancho Villa impersonator Rafael Celestino of the Museo de Villa in Durango, Mexico. Flanked by flags representing Mexico, the United States and New Mexico, and dressed in military garb, Celestino addressed the crowd and shared his thoughts on the goodwill between the two nations and the understanding of the relationship between two diverse cultures.
“This has been a positive experience for the border towns of Palomas and Columbus,” Salas said.
“Economically, it brings people into both communities, it makes us known throughout the world because of this event and we are looking forward to making it better. The chamber has done a wonderful job since bringing it into the light.”
Crowds began forming at about 9 a.m. Saturday, while the riders were preparing to trek the final three miles from Palomas into Columbus. At approximately 10:45 a.m., the riders were greeted by cheers as the Cabalgata made its way down Taft Street and into the plaza.
The national anthems for both countries were sung and the riders were treated to a lunch and refreshments at the Andrew Sanchez Community Center.
Norma Gomez and July McClure of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce organized the event that set off the celebration without a hitch.
“We have other events happening today,” Salas said. “We have the Camp Furlong Day program at Pancho Villa State Park and an art show with a theme for horses and a competition, hosted by the Desert Roses Art Gallery.”
Salas also mentioned that the village library is hosting the Braceros: Melding History and Art exhibit from Deming artist Diana LeMarbe.
The plaza was lined with vendors, selling food, curious, toys and refreshments. Famed pottery from Mata Ortiz, Mexico, drew a big crowd.
“We also have a film crew from Ithaca, New York, near the Finger Lakes, doing a documentary on our village and our relationship with Mexico,” Salas said. “Columbus is a friendly place and we hear that all the time.”
The Cabalgata traveled an estimated 300 miles over a twoweek stretch to reach Columbus.