New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) invites the public to the 2025 Biennial Matanza, a time-honored gathering that bonds tradition, culture, and community in a day of celebration!
On November 1, 2025, the Cultural Center at Melody Park will come alive with the sights, scents, and sounds of northern New Mexican heritage.
This year’s Matanza, sponsored by New Mexico Highlands University and supported by the City of Las Vegas Lodgers’ Tax, focuses on traditionally prepared northern New Mexican cuisine, the biscochito contest, and the harmony of live mariachi music performed by the NMHU Music Department.
Event Chair Dr. Eric Romero, longtime coordinator of the Matanza, said, “This Matanza centers on nourishment for the body and spirit, honoring our culinary traditions while bringing people together around tables that symbolize abundance and reciprocity.”
Designed for broad access and a shared experience, NMHU will distribute 1,000 free tickets to ensure wide community participation: 500 tickets are reserved for NMHU students, faculty, and staff, while an additional 500 will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to community members and tourists.
The community meal begins at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, featuring culinary demonstrations and tasting stations that showcase regional cooking techniques and family recipes handed down through generations.
NMHU President Neil Woolf welcomes all: “This will be my first NMHU Matanza, and I invite everyone to join us as education, culture, and community come together—sharing dishes, melodies, and traditions that connect us all.”
Seating will be prioritized for elders from the community. For ticket information, program details, and opportunities to volunteer or support, please visit the NMHU events page at https://www.nmhu.edu/ilfeld-auditorium/tickets/ or contact the NMHU Department of Languages and Cultural Arts at (505) 454-3013.