Maferefun Orisha: A Salute to the Saints

Welcome to Domingos en Arte—a summer music and dance series presented by Melaza Music, AMP Concerts, and the National Hispanic Cultural Center. After two preview shows in June, the series will run weekly from July 1 to August 19 in the NHCC's charming Fountain Courtyard. We have invited a wide range of Latin artists for family-friendly summer Sundays that will feature live music, drinks and delicious Latin cuisine.

Cash bar and light snacks will be available for purchase from La Fonda del Bosque.

Tickets are $11 in advance, $14 day of show (plus applicable service charges). Admission is free for children 12 and younger; tickets are available online as well as from the NHCC BoxOffice, in person or by phone at (505) 724-4771.

This performance will introduce the public to the Pantheon of Afro-Cuban Gods and Goddesses. These saints—or Orisha, as they are called—represent different aspects of nature and humanity.

The first set of this performance will showcase the Orishas through story, song and dance. The Bataleros de Querque will sing traditional songs in Yoruban while playing the sacred bata drums. The Odara Dance Ensemble will portray the different gods and goddesses through dance and costume. Hear and see Chango, the god of Thunder and Lighting; Ochun the River Goddess of love; Oya the goddess of the wind; and more. 

During the second set, the Odara Dance Ensemble and the Bataleros de Querque will perform and teach a set of Afro Cuban Folklore. This set will include the Rumba, Macuta and Son. Odara will ask for audience participation, so this will be your chance to learn these Cuban Folkloric dances.

New Mexico Culture Squared (NMC²) is a NM Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) project to build and manage partnerships between DCA institutions and cultural organizations that will enhance the impact, effectiveness, attendance, and visitor experience of exhibits and programs of DCA entities. Under the management of AMP Concerts, NMC² will create programs in collaboration with State Historic Sites, DCA Museums and various cultural organizations with the goal of increasing public programs statewide and promoting New Mexico as a destination for arts and culture.