Ballet folklórico dance at the Mariachi Christmas celebration

 

“Mariachi Christmas” rings in the holiday season with featured groups Mariachi Juvenil Aztlan and Ballet Folklorico University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. The colorful show is curated by Noberta Fresquez, the co-founder and producer of the annual Mariachi Spectacular concert in Albuquerque. Fresquez said she’s proud that the show has, over the years, become part of so many Socorro-area families’ holiday season.

“I’m so pleased it’s really caught on,” she said. “Everywhere we go, we become a tradition.”

Fresquez said she’s especially delighted to have the opportunity to connect with NMT students from outside the region, who may be unfamiliar with the cultural heritage of the Southwest.

“The show itself is a journey highlighting Southwest cultural traditions,” she said. “Mariachi Christmas” showcases the stories of the 12 days leading up to Christmas, when Joseph and Mary were traveling to Bethlehem; as well as the Nativity story, the birth of Jesus in the manger; and that of the three kings, or wise men, who visit baby Jesus, bearing gifts. Narration during the musical performances helps explain specific traditions, such as the use of luminarias, which are holiday lights also known as farolitos.

“It’s very educational and enjoyable,” Fresquez said, entertaining audiences with original performances featuring folk dancing, traditional instruments, and music highlighting three Southwest regions, also known as districts, of Mexico: Jalisco, Veracruz, and the Yucatan Peninsula. “We hope that it is very appealing to everyone,” she added.

Fresquez said she appreciates the ability to perform “Mariachi Christmas” on college campuses, such as New Mexico Tech’s, because the show attracts community members of all ages, including children, many of whom may not have had the opportunity to attend an event at a university.

“It provides an opportunity for people who would never have been on a campus” to attend a musical performance, she said. “It’s a rare place for some kids,” a place they may consider when thinking about their future.

Dana Chavez-Baca, NMTPAS director, described “Mariachi Christmas” as a celebration of the holiday season.

“Mariachi Christmas has become an institutional tradition at NMT PAS,” she said. “We love seeing families, year after year after year, kick off their holidays with us. This show is a wonderful testament to the beauty of Latine culture and holiday traditions across Mexico and Central America, many of which we celebrate here at home.”

Chavez-Baca said NMTPAS warmly welcomes the musicians and dancers to the Macey Center stage and encourages students, staff, faculty, and community members to attend the show.

“Noberta is an absolute legend and her vision of bringing this program to New Mexico so long ago has become iconic,” she said. “We are lucky to be a part of this tour.”

Sponsors of “Mariachi Christmas” include: City of Socorro, Socorro Electric Co-op, A-1 Quality Redi-Mix, Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC), First State Bank, Presbyterian Socorro General Hospital, Creative West, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Sofia’s Kitchen.