Felices Fiestas: Holiday Traditions of New Mexico
Felices Fiestas: Holiday Traditions of New Mexico
Fri, Dec 15, 2023, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Presented by Nicolasa Chávez
December 15th, 2023, 6:30-8:30pm
Hosted by Fort Sumner Public Library (ADDRESS)
What do Medieval Moriscas dances in Spain have in common with the Matachines dances performed by Pueblo and Hispano cultures during the Holiday season? How did the tradition of Los Comanches develop into three separate traditions celebrated from Christmas Eve to the New Year and how is Los Comanches related to old European mummers' plays? How is Dar los Días in the north of the state similar to Wassailing? What is the origin of the New Mexican farolito and the empanadita? Learn this and more as we celebrate our local New Mexican Holiday traditions.
Villancicos Flamencos — Celebrating the Holidays in Spain
Villancicos Flamencos — Celebrating the Holidays in Spain
Thu, Dec 21, 2023, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Presented by Nicolasa Chávez & Luis Campos
December 21st, 2023, 4-6pm
Hosted by the El Morro Area Arts Council (ADDRESS)
This presentation traces the history of Villancicos (Spanish holiday songs) via the lyrics and music of Medieval Spain to the present. Villancicos often represent the journey of José y María, (Joseph and Mary) and Los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings) or they represent the local villagers preparing for the wedding of José y María, or searching for the perfect gift for the Christ child. The Gitanos of Southern Spain have passed down the Flamenco versions of these songs for generations, often imbuing the characters with a local twist. This celebratory presentation combines history, storytelling, and music to bring Villancicos Flamencos to New Mexico and demonstrate their relationship to our local dramatic reenactments of Las Posadas, Los Pastores and Los Reyes Magos. Luis Campos has been a part of the New Mexico flamenco scene since its earliest beginnings. He received a Bachelor's Degree from Cuban born Maestro Héctor García at the University of New Mexico 1976. He and Nicolasa Chávez collaborated with Niño David in creating a program of Flamenco Villancicos (Flamenco Christmas songs) and he and Nicolasa have done a number of duet concerts on the same theme as well as lecture demonstrations on the Villancicos, Flamenco in general and its appearance and impact on our state of New Mexico.
