Saturday December 5, 2026 2PM & 4PM
Sunday December 6, 2026 2PM & 4PM
At the National Hispanic Cultural Center Albuquerque Journal Theatre
Tickets on sale in August!
Music & Libretto / Hector Armienta
A new opera based on Rudolfo Anaya’s beloved children’s book, The Farolitos of Christmas, is a heartwarming holiday opera about love, tradition, and the quiet power of invention.
Luz’s father is away at war. Her grandfather is too sick to build the luminarias. So Luz finds a new way to light the path on Christmas Eve, one that will become tradition.
With music and libretto by Héctor Armienta (Zorro, Bless Me, Ultima) , this luminous one-act opera captures the spirit of New Mexico in winter: flickering light, faith, and family that endures.
CAST
Luz / Mary Burke
Reina / Alicia Esmeralda
Belinda / Sammy Sosa
Dolores / Cristina Bakhoum Sanchez
Abuelo / Javier Ortiz
Papa / Angel Vargas
CREATIVE TEAM
Conductor / Anthony Barrese
Director /
Scenic Designer / Liliana Duque Pineiro
Wigs & Makeup / Jacqueline Chavez
Lighting / Daniel Chapman
Chorus Master / Aaron Howe
MAJOR SUPPORT
City of Albuquerque
Bernalillo County
The Rocking JT Foundation
New Mexico Multicultural Foundation
Stephanie Bennett-Smith
Running Time: Approx 1 hour
-English translations are projected above the stage for all operas-
