Courtesy photo
THEATER News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Celebrate over 25 years of Mariachi Christmas with the annual New Mexican holiday tradition at Popejoy Hall at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19. Well-known for bringing the sights and sounds of Christmas in Mexico to the Popejoy Hall stage, Mariachi Christmas soars with rich mariachi music and traditional ballet folklórico. The show, with its cheery music and charming dance, all based in the faith and traditions found across Mexico, provides a magical holiday performance for the whole family.
Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán provides the music for this special performance alongside the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Ballet Folklórico dancers. The UTRGV teaches both mariachi music and Folklórico dance. They continue their practices to protect traditional mariachi culture as well as maintain their stance as one of the longest-running programs in the nation for teaching Mexican culture. Comprised of 32 students, Ballet Folklórico presents concerts at multi-state and multinational events alongside producing ballets, concerts, zarzuelas, and musicals. The group consistently receives national recognition from the American College Dance Association (ACDA).
Dr. Dahlia Guerra founded the nationally award-winning Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán. The group is also co-directed by Mr. Francisco Loera. The university program has set a high standard of excellence among international collegiate performing ensembles. For over fifteen years, in San Antonio, Texas, and in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mariachi Aztlán received the “Outstanding College or University Mariachi” in nationwide competition.
Tickets to Mariachi Christmas are on sale for $80.50, $58.50, $45.40, and $29.50. Tickets may be purchased online at popejoypresents.com. Tickets are also available to purchase in person at the UNM Ticket Offices located at the UNM Bookstore or by calling 505.277.4569. For more information on the 2025-2026 Popejoy Presents season, visit popejoypresents.com.
About Popejoy Hall
Popejoy Hall, the premier performing arts center in New Mexico, hosts touring Broadway productions, symphony concerts, world-class musical artists, renowned ballet and modern dance companies, and distinguished speakers from various fields. Seating up to 1,985 guests each performance, Popejoy Hall remains the state’s largest multi-purpose venue.