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
The Heartwarming Holiday Tradition Returns
By popular demand, we are pleased to bring you the second annual performances of Hector Armienta’s glowing adaptation of Rudolfo Anaya’s beloved children’s book, The Farolitos of Christmas is an opera for people of all ages to enjoy 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-
