For 26 years, Mariachi Christmas has filled Popejoy Hall with the vibrancy of Mexican and Southwestern holiday traditions. What began as one woman’s vision has grown into one of New Mexico’s most beloved annual performances, a show that blends mariachi music, ballet folklórico and centuries-old customs into a single celebratory evening.
Noberta Fresquez, who helped create and produce the show, remembers the exact moment the idea sparked. More than two decades ago, she attended a mariachi Christmas performance in Arizona. While “it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen,” she was disappointed that the holiday theme appeared only at the end.
“They brought out a little small tree and two little kids dressed in Christmas pajamas, and the group sang, like, three Christmas carols, and that was it. And, oh, I was so devastated.” says Fresquez.
On her flight home, inspiration struck. “My mind started whirling and whirling and whirling about what I envisioned in a mariachi Christmas,” says Fresuez. Within a month, the concept had fully formed in her mind. The timing aligned perfectly with a call from Popejoy Hall.
Fresquez recalled how Tom Tkach, then at Popejoy, told her he wanted “something that is more relevant to our community here.” She jumped at the chance. “I said, Tom, I think I have the exact thing you’re looking for,” says Fresquez. After she shared her vision, he immediately agreed to move forward with the production the following year.
From its very first year, Mariachi Christmas stood apart. “It was different from the very get go,” says Fresquez.
The show highlighted traditions including the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter, the birth of Jesus, and the arrival of the Three Kings. It also incorporated customs that some audiences were encountering for the first time. “We do narrations in English. We want everybody to enjoy it and understand the why and how we do things,” says Fresquez.
For those who have never attended, Fresquez emphasized that the show represents both Mexican and Southwestern heritage. “A lot of people think it’s mostly just Mexican,” says Fresquez, “but those traditions are very big around Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.”
The performance also blends education with entertainment. “For people that don’t speak Spanish, they can expect narrations that explain each tradition and explain each region that we do,” says Fresquez. “A lot of people get very emotional, because it brings back a lot of memories. So it’s very nostalgic.”
Each year features returning elements, such as Jalisco and Veracruz dances, while still offering fresh additions. “We always add something a little different,” says Fresquez.
Fresquez continually researches new history, symbols and regional styles to weave into the script. From the story behind poinsettias to the origins of piñatas, she strives to include a lot of interesting facts, making different changes in choreography, among other things.
This year’s performers maintain the show’s high standard. “Our groups are known nationally as the best university-level musicians,” says Frequez, praising the ensembles from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Mariachi Christmas will once again illuminate Popejoy Hall with music, dance, and tradition, bringing its enduring celebration of passion, community, and culture to the stage on Dec. 19.
Mariachi Christmas
Popejoy Hall
203 Cornell Dr.
Dec. 19
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $29.50 – $80.50
popejoypresents.com