Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we take the podcast on the road for a truly special episode—recorded inside one of the oldest and most beloved restaurants in Las Cruces. Join us as we sit down with Victor Gallegos of Nopalito's to explore more than 60 years of family history, community resilience, and the culture that shaped Mesquite Street and the city itself. From the legendary green chile recipe that put Nopalito's on the map to the incredible story of how the restaurant began inside a former Spanish Baptist church, this conversation is packed with unforgettable moments.

Victor shares stories passed down through generations—about growing up in the neighborhood, surviving hard times, supporting local families, preserving historic buildings, and fighting to keep culture alive. We talk bingo nights and soap operas, fiestas and car shows, Chiva Town legends, and how community support carried this business through decades of change, including the pandemic. This episode is a love letter to mom-and-pop businesses, local history, and the people who never stopped believing in Las Cruces.

If you love food, history, culture, and stories rooted in community, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Watch here.

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Diaz

Special Guest: Victor Gallegos

Produced by: Caroline Zamora, Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Diaz, Jacob Slaughter

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter