Belen’s Eagle Park Hosts World’s Largest Matanza Jan. 24 for Scholarships

A daylong celebration of food and community will descend on Eagle Park in Belen when the Hispano Chamber of Valencia County stages the World’s Largest Matanza Saturday, Jan. 24. The event runs 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Eagle Park, 305 Eagle Lane, and aims to convert an old-fashioned community feast into scholarship dollars for Valencia County students.

The matanza will combine traditional cooking with festival-style attractions, including live music, a team matanza competition, a public food competition, vendor booths, and a beer garden. Attendees may sample dishes prepared by competing teams throughout the day, turning the event into both a culinary showcase and a community fundraiser. Hispano Chamber of Valencia County is organizing the event and will direct all proceeds toward local scholarships.

For local residents, the event is more than a day of food and music. Scholarship fundraising addresses gaps in student financing at a time when college and vocational costs remain a concern for many Valencia County families. Community-based scholarships can reduce student debt burdens and increase access to postsecondary education for high school graduates in Belen and surrounding communities.

The festival also carries short-term economic benefits for small businesses and vendors. A concentrated crowd between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. presents a sales opportunity for food sellers, artisans, and local service providers. Foot traffic in and around Eagle Park can translate into immediate revenues and broader visibility for Valencia County entrepreneurs who rely on weekend events to supplement income during slower months.

Logistics are straightforward for attendees. The matanza opens early to accommodate traditional preparation and tasting schedules and runs through midafternoon. The public is welcome to sample food from competing teams, and festival offerings include both competition tastings and vendor sales. Further information and event details are available at hispanochambervc.org.

The World’s Largest Matanza reflects a long-standing tradition of community-driven fundraising in Valencia County, where cultural events double as civic support for students and local commerce. For Belen residents, the event is an opportunity to enjoy live music, support scholarship programs, and help sustain neighborhood vendors. Mark Jan. 24 on the calendar, plan for an early start, and consider attending to support local students and businesses; the money raised will go directly to scholarships that benefit Valencia County learners.