The New Mexico Interfaith Dialogue will be having an in-person dialogue on Thursday July 23rd, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, at Raindrop Foundation, located, 7901 Mountain Rd NE, Albuquerque NM 87110. Our speaker will be Dr. Joseph Moreno.  We look forward to an engaging dialogue about “I am a Matachines and Here Is What I Would Like People to Know about the tradition of the dance.”

Dr. Joseph Moreno

About the Speaker: Dr. Joseph Moreno, from Llanito (Bernalillo), son of Benny and Cordy Moreno, started dancing the Matachines in 2002. After dancing on la corrida for five years, Joe moved onto the fila. He served as a capitan de atras for five years. Joseph has also researched and lectured on the history, meaning and symbolism of our dance, having presented over 50 lectures throughout the region. Reflecting on his time in the Matachines, Joe says “The Matachines became such an important part of my life. I danced more years of my life than I did not. My involvement with the tradition is one of the central tenets of my life and identity. It means family, history, tradition, and pride. My 22 years as a dancer having retired from dancing in 2024, I remain involved in other ways. These years are indicative of my desire to ensure that our language and culture, especially this tradition, continue another 300+ years.”