Sunday December 7, 2025 4:00 PM
Friday December 12, 6:30 PM
Saturday December 13, 2:00 PM
Saturday December 13, 6:00 PM
Sunday December 14, 4:00 PM
At the National Hispanic Cultural Center Albuquerque Journal Theatre
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) and stage direction by John de los Santos (Frida, Before Night Falls), this luminous one-act opera captures the spirit of New Mexico in winter: flickering light, faith, and family that endures.
CAST
Luz / Ash Hurtado
Reina / Mary Burke Barber
Belinda / Christina Martos
Dolores / Cristina Sanchez
Abuelo / Carlos Archuleta
Papa / Angel Vargas
CREATIVE TEAM
Conductor / Anthony Barrese
Director / John de los Santos
Scenic Designer / Liliana Duque Piñeiro
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-
