2018 Reina's Farewell

My year has been filled with lots of happiness, laughter, memories and the creation of friendships that will last forever. I had the distinct honor of being able to represent my community and cultural beliefs in a positive way throughout my year. I had the biggest honor of traveling and creating amazing memories alongside my beautiful, intelligent and all together wonderful princesas, Katrina and Jazmine. But like all good things, my year as La Reina de las Fiestas de Santiago y Santana por el año dos mil dieciocho y diecinuevee will soon come to an end.

I start with the biggest thank you to my dad, Andres Romero, who supported me and traveled with me everywhere my reign took me. Another huge thank you to my mom, Soveida Garcia, who helped me prepare for all my events to make sure nothing was forgotten and that I was always laughing. You two have made this the best year ever by holding my hand everywhere I went and dancing with me every chance you got.

Thank you to my little sister, Andrea Romero, who gave me the inspiration to be the best at everything I can. Also to my older sister, Ashley Gaillour, and her wonderful family, who have been there to support me every chance they got. Both of you have always made sure that I am proud of everything I do and know that you are always there with endless support.

To my grandma, Anna Herrera, who has been my biggest supporter in everything I do. Thank you for making sure I knew where I needed to be, when I needed to be there and most of all making sure I never forgot to look the best I could. You have always helped me strive for this dream and made sure I was grateful for everyone who helped me get here.

To Serbie Veo, who was the most supportive person out there. Thank you for traveling alongside me and helping me decorate the float to look as beautiful as it did. You truly came in with undying support that I will never forget. Thank you for treating me like your own family.

To my great-grandma, Erlinda Herrera, who unfortunately was unable to be right next to me, but knowing you were always watching over me made me feel safe and how proud you are. You were my best friend who always made sure I knew I was strong enough to follow my dreams and achieve the goals I set. Thank you for being my angel and protector always.

Thank you to all of my caballeros who have been there for me throughout my year. Most of all, thank you to my caballero Connor Kasper, who has been there for me no matter what. I always knew if I needed someone you would drop everything to be there with me. You made sure I was happy and always smiling.

To my princesas and their caballeros, thank you for creating life-lasting friendships with me and making crazy, fun and unforgettable memories. To Jazmine, thank you for the laughter and inside jokes we share — you are such a fun person to be around. To Katrina, thank you for always making sure I’m laughing by telling the greatest jokes. You are truly a beautiful soul. I am so lucky to have been given such an amazing court. To Elma, thank you for for always putting everything together, no matter what. You were always there to support me and my Royal Court. You have taught me what true dedication is. From the second I turned in my application, you made me feel welcome. You made me feel like I was family. Thank you to the entire Fiesta Council for upholding this wonderful tradition. If it weren’t for all of you, I would have never been able to fulfill my longtime dream of being La Reina de Taos. All of you are my biggest supporters. No matter what event it was, I always knew that the Fiesta Council was standing right alongside me. You have made this journey exactly what I dreamed it would be like so, again, thank you.

To Mayor Barrone and the people of Taos County — without you, the Fiestas would be nothing. So thank you for helping me achieve my goals as well.

To all the little girls I have met along the way, who have looked up to me, smiled and talked to me, thank you all so much. You girls are the reason that I strive to be the best role model possible. And it’s important to me that I was able to show you that as long as you set your mind to it, you can make anything happen.

Most of all, thank you to God because if it wasn’t for you, I would not have the confidence to do the things I do. God has given me the ability to be the person I am today and to continue to be as strong as I am. I have learned through having the presence of God in my life, that you have all the support in the world.

Finally, I would like to say good luck to the incoming court. Make sure you treasure every minute of all the fun. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to where I am.

¡Que Vivan Las Fiestas! ¡Muchas gracias a todos ustedes y que Dios les bendiga a todos!

Con mucho cariño,

Alicia Marie Romero

LA REINA DE LAS FIESTAS DE TAOS 2018