You can view Bobby’s mother, Teresa Ortega‘s wonderful book about Questa history, Another Time in this Place online. Written with Judy Cuddihy
This episode features Bobby Ortega and his son, Dwayne Ortega, in conversation with MC Michael Rael, sharing the history, culture, and natural beauty of Questa, New Mexico. The discussion opens with reflections on the local mountains, trails, and canyons, as Bobby shares personal experiences and the inspiration he draws from the region’s landscape, alongside a call to preserve these natural spaces for future generations. Throughout the conversation, Dwayne performs traditional music, including mariachi songs and the entrega, a wedding ritual song, discussing how understanding the lyrics is essential to conveying the true emotion behind the music.
The heart of the conversation centers on family history and cultural preservation. Bobby and Dwayne trace their lineage through the Rael and Ortega families and describe the historical significance of the matanza, a traditional community butchering practice. They also recall local sheep herders from the early 20th century, with Bobby sharing stories of his grandfather and noting how the surrounding mountains carry physical traces of this history, including old tree carvings found in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness, such as one dated 1911 and attributed to Cleofus Vigil. The pair further honor Northern New Mexico musical traditions like Dando los Dias, paying tribute to the legacy of musicians such as Evarito Flaminio Ortiz, who once led los Dias in the Questa area, and expressing gratitude to figures like Bernie Torres for keeping these customs alive today.
The conversation also touches on the role of the Catholic church in Questa as a cornerstone of community, culture and history, reinforcing storytelling and music as vital threads connecting past and present. Ultimately, the episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to the heritage of Questa and the Northern Rio Grande region, closing with a reflection on the responsibility of passing these traditions to the next generation with the acknowledgment that even as younger community members like Dwayne balance work and family commitments, carrying this cultural legacy forward remains a shared duty.
Voces de Nuestro País are monthly story gatherings celebrating local voices and culture. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience on September 12, 2026 at Questa Public Library in collaboration with Voices of the Northern Rio Grande community archive. With MC Michael Rael, these gatherings bring our community together through stories of family, community, history, love, land, work, adventures, and misadventures. Event hosting by Questa Public Library; audio recording and event coordination by Claire Coté; videography by Wyman Edwards; editing and upload by Dan Frank Digital Design (Dan Kuehn); opening and closing music by Michael Rael.
Voces de Nuestro País events and podcast are made possible through the generous support from the LOR Foundation, TCF Chevron Grants for Good, and individual contributions. Thank you to everyone who attends and helps make these gatherings possible. ¡Gracias!
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