7:30 pm—Saturday
2 pm—Sunday
Kalpulli Ehecatl/Ehecatl Aztec Dancers and Friends present Panquetzaliztli, a theatrical performance in three acts. The presentation, an Aztec celebration of the season, draws upon Mesoamerican creation myths and the history behind traditional holiday customs and includes a lyrically performed version of the Panquetzaliztli (Alzamiento de los Estandartes, or Raising of the Banners) celebration, a retelling of the history of Yankwik Tletl (Fuego Nuevo, or the New Fire Ritual, performed during Panquetzaliztli every 52 years), and, as a closing act, the Serpent of Fire Dance.
Panquetzaliztli, from December 16 to January 2, is the fifteenth Zempoalilwitl, or twenty-day period, in the Mexika (Aztec) calendar. The seasonal festival goes by the same name, and is celebrated ten days into the twenty-day period. It celebrates the winter solstice and the birth of the new Sun as Witzilopochtli (Hummingbird on the Left), one of the principal energies honored by the Mexika.
The festival of Panquetzaliztli is celebrated with dance, music, and a foot race. An effigy of Witzilopochtli is constructed from amaranth flour and agave nectar, and consumed after the race as an integral part of the festivities. Tamales are also made and eaten, and mock battles in honor of the season are waged between students of rival telpochkallis (schools). During the entire twenty days, gratitude is shown towards all trees and plants for providing fruits, grains, herbs, firewood, etc., and they are adorned with decorations in the form of painted banners fabricated from strips of papel de amate (bark paper).
Kalpulli Ehecatl has been active in New Mexico for almost forty years, educating the public about indigenous Mexika traditions while entertaining with warrior-style Mexika, or Aztec, dance.
$12 w/ $2 discount for students/seniors/NHCC members