“Of course, I enjoy celebrating our unique culture,” she wrote in her veto message, ticking off numerous official state symbols and songs that New Mexico has adopted over the years.

It all started with a king’s command and the struggles of farmers. But over time, Pohela Boishakh became much more than just a calendar fix—it turned into a celebration of people, pride, and protest.

“Of course, I enjoy celebrating our unique culture,” she wrote in her veto message, ticking off numerous official state symbols and songs that New Mexico has adopted over the years.