330th annual Las Fiestas de San Lorenzo coming to Bernalillo

A historical celebration based in Bernalillo, Los Matachines Dance, is receiving attention in Albuquerque as its annual fiesta approaches in early August.

The Matachine dance has been performed in Bernalillo each August since 1693, and this year is no exception. This Wednesday, the city of Albuquerque invites residents to attend Dr. Joseph Moreno’s lecture about the history and expressions of the dance.

Moreno has been dancing the Matachine for more than 20 years and received his PhD from the University of New Mexico, according to the city of Albuquerque. He is a longtime Bernalillo resident who works with the Bernalillo Community Museum. As a photographer, he specializes in creating portraits of the community.

“The dance is known throughout the region as the original and largest Matachine dance and a crucial component of Bernalillo’s identity,” reads a release on the city’s website.

According to the town of Bernalillo, the history of the dance dates back to 1680, when it is believed that Bernalillo residents were aware of the impending Pueblo Revolt. They fled to present-day El Paso, where they learned the Matachines dance and brought it back to Bernalillo.

The revolt took place on Aug. 10, 1680. Diego de Vargas made a promise (or promesa) that anybody returning to New Mexico would celebrate the day of the revolt annually.

“The Matachines dance was now one of the central celebrations in Bernalillo, and local residents take great pride in the dance being performed continuously since 1693,” reads a release on Bernalillo’s website. “Although the dance has changed throughout time, the Bernalillo mindset of the promesa remains true to the very first celebration in 1693.”

Moreno’s lecture will take place at the Albuquerque Museum at 11 a.m. Aug. 2. For more information, visit cabq.gov or contact Elizabeth Becker at ebecker@cabq.gov.

This year’s fiesta will begin at 2 p.m. Aug. 9 at 600 S. Camino del Pueblo in Bernalillo. The three-day event will consist of events including dances, several processions, a vigil and a ceremony. For more information about the fiesta, visit tobnm.gov.