MANITOS COMMUNITY MEMORY PROJECT: CONNECTING THROUGH MUSIC AND DANCE

In March 2023, the community of Peñasco hosted a unique celebration of local culture and heritage, thanks to the support of the American Rescue Plan grant funds. The special event, which included both a dance workshop and a community concert, was organized by the New Mexico Humanities Council and the Peñasco Independent School District.

The event as part of the Manitos Community Memory Project (MCM Project) -an initiative to establish a community based archive, grounded in the living culture of the villages of northern New Mexico, southern Colorado and the Indo-Hispanic diaspora intricately connected to this region-featured traditional bailes and folk music of Northern New Mexico.

The gathering began with a dance workshop led by renowned dance instructor Lucy Salazar, where participants of all ages learned traditional New Mexico dance steps. The event continued with a concert by Lone Piñon and a special performance by musician and tradition bearer Cipriano Vigil.

The social bailes and fandangos bridged generations, reconnecting students and older generations with the traditional folk music and dances of Northern New Mexico. We encourage you to watch highlights of the Peñasco Community Baile and to stay tuned as more videos capturing the day and bailes are to come.