NM2007 - Culture - New Mexico Festivals

When you listen to the beat of a drum accompanied by the insistent shake of rattles and the melody of violins during a Matachine Dance, you instinctively tap your feet in time to ancient rhythms. The Matachine dancers, wearing masks, lavishly decorated with beads and ribbons, repeat the fast steps of a celebratory dance that crosses cultures. Matachines are performed in the Hispanic villages of Northern New Mexico as well as in several pueblos.

Spaniards, influenced by the Moors, are believed to have brought the dance to the New World more than 400 years ago. The word "matachine" means mask for a clown. The dances are often held to scare away evil spirits and to honor the Virgin Mary.

Matachine dances are an excellent example of the diverse population of New Mexico, a land of contrasting cultures, blended over time. Cowboys and Indians, Hispanics, artists, writers, rocket scientists, rugged individualists, and the occasional extra-terrestrial being, if the folks in Roswell are to be believed, all live here. New Mexico is a rich and diversified mosaic, where visitors experience history and the different cultures that have shaped The Land of Enchantment.

Native American tribes, Spanish colonists and missionaries, Anglo trappers, traders, and ranchers settled in the state. The underlying theme in New Mexico history is the collision and co-mingling of different cultures, all trying to survive on an unforgiving frontier, says New Mexico historian Marc Simmons.

When the Spanish missionaries arrived, the Pueblo Indians combined Catholicism with their own spiritual beliefs. The San Geronimo Day festivities held at Taos Pueblo Sept. 29-30 exemplify this. A statute of St. Jerome is carried in a procession from the church to a place of honor, overlooking a relay footrace path. Later in the day, the chi-pu-nah arrive. These sacred clowns, painted in black and white stripes, play jokes and pranks on the crowd. Eventually, one climbs to the top of a smooth tree-tall pole to claim symbolic prizes.

All of the Pueblo Indians, believed to be descendents of the Anasazi, honor their culture. Each celebrates feast days, which often include corn and deer dances.

The Zuni hold a special ceremony, Shalako, at the end of November or early December. On the night of the ceremony, six Shalako figures come out of the darkness and enter the village. Each of these kachina figures goes to a special house prepared for the ceremony. Inside, elders sing the entire history of the people. Throughout the night, dances take place.

The Navajo and Apache tribes also have special events, including dances and fairs. Indian Market in Santa Fe and the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup are wonderful events, as well.

The Spanish colonial influence on New Mexico prevails here, as well. Fiestas and the Spanish Market in Santa Fe offer opportunities for visitors to experience the enduring Hispanic culture that has infused the area with exotic flavor. The fiestas feature parades, singing and dancing, and traditional food.

During the early 1800s, when the Santa Fe Trail opened, Anglos of all stripes appeared. Mountain men and trappers — Kit Carson was the most famous — added to New Mexico's colorful and romantic mix. Santa Fe, Angel Fire, and Taos hold events honoring these mountain men who spent long cold days and nights in the mountains searching for beaver and other fur bearing critters. The Mountain Men Rendezvous held to honor these fellows typically includes competitive events.

Ranchers, cowboys, miners, and the railroad soon followed the trappers into the state. Even today, you may come across a man on horseback blocking a state highway with a herd of sheep he is moving to another pasture. Men and women still work cattle on large and small ranches throughout the state. Rodeos are popular events, featuring competitions in bull and bucking bronco riding, calf roping, and barrel racing.

To fully experience New Mexico's history and diversity, leave the beaten path and enjoy the various cultural events held year-round.