free copy april 2009

New Mexican Hispanic Culture Preservation League
LA VERDAD CON ORGULLO
April 2009 Volume 11, No. 4 www.nmhcpl.org
Towns of Spain by
Don Juan
Antepasados-Calatayud-Joseph Brondate, Linar Lovera
Zaragoza was founded in 24 BC and is the capital city of Zaragoza province
and the former Kingdom of Aragon, Spain. It is situated on the river Ebro and
its tributaries, the Huerva and Gállego. It has a Mediterranean Climate and the
terrain varies from desert (Los Monegros) to thick forest, meadows and
mountains. In 2008 the population of the metropolitan area was 682,283. The
area is home to more than 50 percent of the Aragonese population. It
constitutes a crossroads between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and
Toulouse, France.
It used to be a Carthaginian military post built on the remains of a Celtiberian
village. When the Romans invaded the area it fell under the colonia of
Caesaraugusta, founded under Augustus in Hispania Citerior.
In 714 the Arabs took control of the city, renaming it Saraqusta. It later
became part of the Emirate of Cordoba. It grew to become the biggest Arab
controlled city of Northern Spain. In 777 Charlemagne attempted to take the
city but was forced to withdraw when faced by the organized defense of the
city and the Basque attacks.
In 1118 the Aragonese conquered the city and made it the capital of the
Kingdom of Aragon. The Spanish Civil War is the event that had the deepest
impact on local communities in the 20th century. By its end in 1939 towns
were left poor, ruined and divided. Estimates put the death toll between
500.000 and one million people. Zaragoza was bombed during this three year
war and was the site of important conflicts.
Despite a decline in the outlying rural economy, Zaragoza has continued to
grow due to a number of factories in the region. A General Motors Opel
factory was opened in 1982 in Figureuelas, a small village nearby. Appliances
and railway engines for both national and international markets are
manufactured in the area.
Zaragoza is linked to the beginnings of Christianity in Spain. The Virgin Mary
appeared miraculously to Saint James the Great in the first century, standing on a
pillar. The event is commemorated by a
famous Catholic basilica, Nuestra Señora
del Pilar (pictured to the left). The event
is celebrated for 9 days starting on October
12 with Las Fiestas del Pilar. As in
Valencia, flowers are offered to the Virgin
(Ofrenda de Flores) resulting in an
enormous cloak made of the flowers Since
the event coincided in 1492 with the
discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus that day is also celebrated as
El Dia de la Hispanidad (Columbus Day) by Spanish speaking people worldwide.
Zaragoza has many centuries old
buildings including many
magnificent palaces and churches
that comprise a World Heritage Site.
Outside the city center is the
Aljaferia (pictured above), an
extensive castle and palace. They are
the most important Moorish
buildings in northern Spain and
presently house the Aragonese
Parliament.
There are numerous museums
containing works by El Greco,
Ribera, Goya Rubens, Rembrandt,
Van Dyck, Velazquez, Renoir,
Manet and Sorolla.
Zaragoza has one of the oldest
universities in Spain and is a major
research and development center and
awards all the highest academic
degrees in dozens of fields.
Expo 2008 (the official World’s
Fair) was held in Zaragoza with the
theme of Water and Sustainable
Development.
They also have a small commercial
airport that is home to the Spanish
Air Force, 15th group and is utilized
by NASA as a contingency landing
site for the Space Shuttle in case of a
Transoceanic Abort Landing.
Zaragoza is over 2,000 years with a
tumultuous history and has many
historic areas and buildings to visit
and admire.
President Conchita Márquez de Lucero
The Legislature of the State of New Mexico,
Forty-Fourth Legislature 2000 proclaimed
April as Hispanic New Mexico History
Month. Hope your plans to promote the
history include carrying a banner April 18th
during the Founder’s Day Fiesta, contact
Ramon Gonzales if you can help at please
stop by Plaza Escondido for history materials
and lectures. While in Old Town don’t forget
to see the plaques on the wall next to of La
Jornada monument.
Have you purchased your tickets for the
Thanksgiving and Awards banquet? It is one of the few times we come
together to acknowledge those who promote our Spanish roots and
history. We need silent auction items and help. Contact banquet chairs
Pauline at 242-6582, Patryka at 281-0766 or Orae, silent auction chair
at 243-2325. Our books sales include bargains, one of which is Dr.
John Kessell’s book Pueblos, Spaniard and the Kingdom of New
Mexico. No Charge cards accepted.
A premier of the documentary Corazon de Santa Fe is scheduled for
later this summer and information will be forthcoming. Monsignor
Jerome Martinez and the Santa Fe Cathedral are sponsoring the
documentary which is being done by E. Anthony Martinez. He was the
producers of the Colors of Courage which we saw clips of at the last
banquet. El Corazon de Santa Fe, I believe it is unique in that it tells
the history of Santa Fe from the Catholic/Spanish perspective.
April Calendar April is New Mexican Hispanic History month
1
3
8
10
12
15
16
18
19
NMHCPL Board Meeting 6:15 call Pauline 239-4335 also April Fools Day
Dia de San Ricardo
Death of Don Diego de Vargas 1704/Senator Dennis Chavez’ Birthday 1888
Good Friday / First Taos Trade Fair held 1650
Easter Sunday
Cabeza de Vaca completes trek of Southwest 1542
Don Juan de Oñate inscribes his name at El Morro 1605
Founders Day Fiesta
Pedro B. Pino dies 1829- Only NM Delegate to Spanish Cortes
“Pino fue Pino vino”
NMHCPL 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving banquet and awards ceremony
21 La Villa de la Santa Cruz de la Cañada founded 1695
21 Padre José Manuel Gallegos dies 1875
22 Coronado Expedition to NM begins 1540
22 Rafael Chacón Born 1833 Union Co. K Captain 1st Infantry
Volunteer Regiment of New Mexico I am poor and my only inheritance is my
honor." Read “Legacy of Honor" By Jaqueline Dorgan Meketa *****
25 Thanksgiving and Awards Banquet 11:00 am Embassy Suites
26 La Villa de Alburquerque founded 1706
27 Villagrá Epic Historia de la Nueva Mexico published 1610
30 El Reino de la Nueva Mexico founded - Entrada of Oñate –
First Thanksgiving - El Camino Real extended 1598
Sometime in April Cabeza de Vaca completes trek of Southwest
La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asís founded 1610
(Dr. Thomas Chavez refers to documents earlier 1608)
Late April/early May Santa Fe founded
NMHCPL BOARD
page 2
President Conchita Lucero 299-6726
Vice President
Pauline Anaya
Second Vice President
Melvyn Montano
Secretary
Patryka Duran y Chaves
Treasurer
John Lucero
President Emeritus
Ricardo Quintana
Board Members
Kathy Garcia
Frances Perotti
Orae Dominguez
Honorary Board
Socorro Aragon
Eva Torres Aschenbrener
Pauline Chávez Bent
Honorary Council to Spain
Sheldon Hall
Adele Baca Hundley
Robert Martinez
Jeff Romero Attorney at Law
Past Ambassador to Spain
Ed Romero
Corina Santistevan
Website
Orae Dominguez
Patryka Durán y Chávez
News letter staff 299-6726
Editor Conchita Márquez de Lucero
Corine Garcia Márquez
John Lucero
Prayer Requests
Eva Torres Aschenbrener
Joty Baca & family
Viola Chavez & Steve Hurst
Josephine Jensen
Dean Lucero & Alex Sloan
Soldiers in peril & World Peace
Santiago Márquez Special Forces
Miguel Márquez ABC News
Correspondent
Josephine Márquez
Márquez Family, Dennis, Dolores, Al
David Martinez family
Ricardo Quintana
Jeff & Evangeline Romero
Kylene Sais
“So What's Truth Got To Do With It?”
John L. Kessell will be the 2009 Thanksgiving and
Awards Banquet key note speaker.
Reflections on Onate and the Black Legend"
Although John Kessell
first signed on with the
National Park Service
in the early 1960s at the
Saratoga battlefield in
upstate New York, he
soon
found his calling in
southern Arizona.
There at Tumacacori
National Monument,
the intensely human
story of a Franciscan mission captivated
him. His abiding interest to this day remains the
Spanish colonial period in the American Southwest.
After graduate school at the University of New
Mexico, Kessell spent a precarious decade as a
historical free lance, during which time, under
contract to the NPS, he wrote Kiva, Cross, and
Crown: The Pecos Indians and New Mexico (1979).
Hired by the Department of History at UNM in the
early 1980s, he launched the long-term Vargas
Project. He credits colleagues Rick Hendricks,
Meredith D. Dodge, and Larry D. Miller for the
eventual publication of the six-volume Journals of
don Diego de Vargas, New Mexico, 1691-1704
(1989-2002).
Kessell's latest book, Pueblos, Spaniards, and the
Kingdom of New Mexico (2008), chronicles the
colony's tumultuous history from its founding by Juan
de Oñate to its restoration under Vargas.
He is retired just east of Durango, Colorado, and
prays annually for longer and longer cross-country ski
seasons.
John graciously has agreed to have a book signing at
the banquet of his current book Pueblos Spaniards
and the Kingdom of New Mexico.
We will be selling this book for $20 (suggested retail
is $24.95)
President of Más New Mexico and honored
Mistress of Ceremonies
Clara Padilla Andrews is a lady of many talents
Clara will be the
MC for this years
Thanksgiving and
Awards banquet.
Many of you will
recall that she
served as New
Mexico’s Secretary
of State from 1983 to 1986. Clara has always had a
strong commitment to the community.
She was born in Los Padillas, a small town near
Albuquerque.
"Clara Padilla Andrews, publisher of El Hispanic
News, was elected president of the National
Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP) in
Scottsdale Arizona at the NAHP 25th Anniversary &
22nd National Convention."
El Hispanic News, a bilingual weekly Oregon
newspaper with a 20,000 circulation weekly and is the
oldest Hispanic publication in the Northwest. She
previously was Hispanic Services coordinator and
supervisor for Community and Family Services
Integration of Services for Multnomah County.
Active in all levels of government she also founded
the Susana Maria Gurule Foundation, in honor of her
granddaughter Susannah Maria Gurule, who died of
leukemia.
Other awards Clara has received include:
Recipient of a Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Distinguished Service Award in 1986
Recipient of Doernbecher Hospital Hero's Award in
1994
Member of the President's Board of Visitors for
Minority Affairs at Oregon State University
Named one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics
four times !
Maria Lisa Johnson, executive director of Lationo
Network stated that Clara is a tireless advocate for the
community and help to found the non profit
organization for at-risk Latino youth. Padilla
Andrews won a prestigious George Russill
community service award in 2001. An entire issue
could be dedicated to Clara’s accomplishment.
Founding of Alburquerque 1706
NORTH TO ALASKA
Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdes, as
governor of Nueva Mexico established the
villa site which was originally named
Bosque Grande de San Francisco Xavier.
He appointed Captain Martín Hurtado to
serve as the first alcalde, or mayor.
Instead of having a cabildo, Hurtado
assigned the families their land and
conducted the founding ceremony. The
villa had good pasture, water and timber
according to documents Dn Francisco wrote to the viceroy. Unfortunately the
settlers were not safe from Indian raids. Ten soldiers were assigned to the
villa for security. Indian raids from Navajos and Apaches continued on the
villa until the 1821, killing of settlers and Pueblo Indians. Women and
children were taken captive and livestock was stolen making it difficult to
settle the area.
It was recorded some time later that the settlers had sworn an oath when they
took possession of their lands. During the tercentennial re enactment the
following oath was given by those representing their founding family
members, this was the custom.
Alcalde Martin Hurtado to the Founding Families:
I ask you in the name of his Majesty, King Felipe, to repeat after me.
x I, (NAME), do solemnly swear, to live and improve upon these lands.
x And that the House to be built shall be adapted for defense,
cleanliness and healthfulness of the inhabitants.
x I am aware that if I fail to follow any of the any of the above criteria,
my land and property revert back to his Majesty.
x
ALL: at this time all the head of families pick up grass & stones and throw
them in the air shouting VIVA EL REY!!! VIVA EL REY!!! VIVA EL
REY!!!
Let us mark in time their efforts and commemorate the founders for future
generations by volunteering to carry a family surname banner and participate
in the costume contest. Eras for the costume contest are: Indian, Spainish,
Mexican, Territorial and Statehood. Please contact don Ramón Gonzalez
(505)873-0840 immediately, [email protected]. For additional
information click on http://www.nmhcpl.org and click on to the Alburquerque
tab. Craig Rivera of the Office of Cultural Affairs hosted an interview which
will be aired on the City’s Government Access channel 16.
Pictured left to
right:
Vidal Santillanes,
Conchita Lucero,
Ramon Gonzales
and Craig Rivera
Manager
Community Events
Division
Cultural Services
Department for City
of Alburquerque
Anyone?
A deal’s been struck, “Friends
and Families” of HCPL are going
on an Alaskan Cruise departing
from Seattle round-trip on
Holland America’s Zaandam.
August 28, 2009 is the date for 7
days. Prices are great and what a
deal on a balcony stateroom, free
hotel accommodations at the
Fairmont Olympic with transfers
a day prior to cruise. Additional
amenities and surprises will
prevail, including a reduced
deposit to hold your stateroom.
Contact ll Dolores Marquez, with
Good Mood Cruises at 505-2933540 or message 1-800-8035288.for additional information
email [email protected]
Silent auction
We have some wonderful items
being donated. Jody Schwartz
has pledged to donate a few of
the professional 8 X 10 signed
photos of John and Ethan Houser
with the Equestrian sculpture at
Eagle Bronze Foundry in Lander,
Wyoming. The background has
been removed so it is white and
the horse is not yet painted. Jody
captured history in the making.
Sheldon Hall is donating a poster
signed by artist José Cisneros of
the First Thanksgiving.
Items donates are appreciated.
Remember we accept check or
cash but can not accept charge
cards. The items for auction will
be available for bid at 11:00 a.m.
We will have some great books
for sale at discounted prices.
Apology for errors in the last
newsletter! Robert Himmerich y
Valencia Ph.D. was misspelled
and his title omitted.
The Legislature of the State of New Mexico, in 2000
proclaimed April as
Hispanic New Mexico History Month.
The proclamation reads:
Whereas, it is our desire that Hispanic New Mexican
children and youth develop and maintain a healthy selfimage; and
Whereas, to develop a positive self-image it is
imperative that Hispanic children of New Mexico know,
understand and develop a sense of pride in who they are
and the role their ancestors played in the development of
our state; and
Whereas it is right and proper for all peoples to know
and understand the unique history of Hispanics and the
role they played in the formation of our state; and
Whereas, between 1598 and 1821, when the Spanish
flag flew over New Mexico, our state had sixty-one
Hispanic governors and our territory was vast, extending
from southern Colorado, to west Texas, through parts of
northern Mexico, parts of Utah and all of Arizona to
eastern California; and
Whereas between 1821 and 1846, when the Mexican
flag flew over New Mexico, our state had seventeen
Hispanic governors; and
Whereas, for the first two hundred fifty years of our
Hispanic New Mexican History, we proudly maintained
our Spanish language, customs, culture and faith: and
Whereas, in 1848, New Mexico became a territory of the
United States until we were made a state in 1912; and
Whereas, now, four hundred and two years later, we still
proudly herald and celebrate the survival of the Spanish
language, customs, culture and faith; and
Whereas, Hispanic children of New Mexico should find
their roots reflected in story books, oral history, history
books and as part of the curriculum in their schools,
enabling them to take ownership and pride in the four
hundred year development of their country, the United
States of America; and
Whereas, our Hispanic New Mexico History is unique
among all the states in the union; and
Whereas, studying our history will build understanding
and acceptance among all people;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the legislature of the
State of New Mexico that April be proclaimed Hispanic
New Mexico History Month.
Flags of New Spain
“Castile and Leon. Most commonly shown as the
flag displayed in New Spain and in Spanish Texas,
this banner represented the combined kingdoms of
Castile (the castle) and Leon (the lions). Variants
using the two symbols were flown by Spanish
explorers of the New
World including
Columbus. (Adapted
from C. E. Gilbert Jr. A
Concise History of
Early Texas: As told by
its 30 historic flags.)”
www.tamu.edu
Thanksgiving Awards Banquet
By now you should have gotten your invitation,
so mark your calendars and join us in celebrating
the
accomplishments of: Jody Polk Schwartz fund
raiser for XII Travelers of El Paso, Texas, John
Sherrill Houser master sculptor of the Equestrian
don Juan de Oñate, Robert Himmerich y Valencia
Ph.D. author and historian and Nick LaRue teacher.
Volunteers are needed to set up table
decorations, material and the silent auction items.
Last year for the anniversary program we added
the programs but dropped the presenters to save
time, several people commented that they were
disappointed in this action. This year presenter will
be give personal experiences as to the merits of the
awardees. Tickets purchased after April 4 will be
held at the door. Mail checks made out to
NMHCPL 1801 June NE, Albuquerque NM 87112
for more information call Conchita (505) 299-6726.
Lois Gerber Franke author of J.Frank Torres, Judge
and Crusader, was a finalist in the 2008 New
Mexico Book awards and was the 1st runner up in
the Multi-cultural category. Senator Tom Udall has
sponsored a Congressional Proclamation for the
book. If you have not read the book yet you are in
for a treat: it has been endorsed by Marc Simmons,
John Kessell, Jose Antonio Esquibel and Adrian
Bustamante. Torres had the courage many admire
and this book has been a big hit in Colorado. Torres
had to overcome many obstacles and rose above it
all with honor.
Orden de Santiago
The Military Order of Saint James was formally known as El Orden de Santiago which was
approved by Pope Alexander II, in the Bull Benedictus Deus of 3 July 1175. The order began
as a small brotherhood consisting of thirteen knights, who were the founders and represented
the twelve Apostles and Our Lord Jesus Christ, referred to as Trecenezagos. The red Latin
Cross of the Order has flory ends on the top three extension with the lower extension shaped
like a sword. The knights wore white robes resembling monk habits with the Santiago cross
sewn on the left, and a red and gold enameled badge (Historic name Espada) held by a red
ribbon worn around the neck. They were based in the Estramadura area near Caceres and
spread quickly through Castille, Leon, and Portugal. Traditionally the Order is believed to have
been founded by Fernando II of Leon in 1170.
Initially the Order of Santiago was established to provide protection from the Moorish bandits who attacked
pilgrims on the roads leading to one of the largest pilgrimage centers in the world, Santiago de Compostela. The
Cathedral houses the tomb of the apostle St. James. The Knight worked with monasteries to provide hospital
services and evangelization of the citizens of their territories. The council of thirteen was replicated in all of the
Orders’s principal fortresses. They founded hospitals in Toledo, Avila, Talavera and Cuenca. The Knights
were required to take the vows of poverty, obedience and marital chastity and vowed to defend and sustain the
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. Like the Knights Templar and the Knights Hositallers they had
extensive feudal powers. As they acquired estates they made them into defensible buildings or
fortresses,(pictured below) leaving an architectural legacy such as San Marcos (in Leon), Uclés (Cuenca
Province ) and Calera de León (Badajoz) (which contain the history aspects of the architectural heritage of the
Order. Some of our conquistadors were members of the prestigues Order of Sanitago. Currently the
Commendador-Mayor of Castille is the Prince Felipe of Asturias. (baptised as Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de
Todos los Santos (et omnes sancti) de Borbón y de Grecia; born 30 January 1968.
Known members of the Orden de Santiago who served in New Mexico: Don Francisco Cuervo de Valdez and
Don Juan de Oñate
The imposing Convent of San Marcos in León
was built in 1173 as a pilgrim hospital and
resting place on the way to Santiago de
Compostela. Today it serves as an elegantly
restored and furnished parador (governmentowned historic hotel).
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Noticias de Doña Eufemia
2006 Pauline Chavez Bent
Pauline Chavez Bent will appear on Write On Four Corners, Friday, April 24 at 2:30 pm this is an
author’s program which originated at public radio station KSJE 90.9, FM Farmington, N.M. and you
can click on www.ksje.com to listen live . The show highlights authors in the Four Corners states of
Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, but also brings in authors from the larger southwest in
Nevada, Texas, and California. The program will be aired on Mountain Time and is hosted by KSJE
FM’s Program Director, Connie Gotsch. Connie’s books are available from dlsijpress.com and Amazon.com entitled A
Mouth Full of Shell and Snap Me a Future and her children’s book Belle’s Star will be out in August from Artemesia
Publishing. Her web site is conniegotsch.com
Penitentes Show of Devotion during Holy Week
Many can claim a brotherhood of Penitentes yet
there is something special in the Holy Week
observances in Spain. To their credit the spiritual
ceremonies
make one
contemplate,
pray, cry and
sing. The
observances
are meant as a
personal
journey with
Our Lord Jesus
and our Holy
Mother Mary.
The passion of
the hooded
Penitentes (Nazarenes) can be felt as they pass
carrying their crosses and accompanying richly
adorned floats called Paso’s. They are carried by
Cofradia members of the Hermanidad called
Costaleros who shoulder up to 120 pounds each.
These processions signifying the way of the cross.
It saddness me for two reasons as we in the United
States have lost many of our Spanish traditions
because of indifference and a refusal to get
involved.
In an article written by Benoit Bemelmans the
Crusade he states “They say Holy Week is
celebrated outwardly but lived inwardly in the
soul…” Bemelmans quotes Eduardo del Rey
Tirado, who commented about Holy Week saying
“is the expression of a profound religiosity,
transmitted through
generations, and
manifested in centuries-old
customs.” “These customs
are rooted in the very
identity of the people of
Andalucia expressed
through artistic forms and
devotion.” I think this can
be said about all of Spain
in most of it celebrations
regions which helps to
understand our roots.
The dress of the Nazarenes is designed to bring a
solemn personal penance to the Catholic Faith as
they reflect on the Passion and the sorrow of our
Blessed Mother.
The Cofradias take care of the statues on the floats,
organize the processions and sustain works of
charity, hold lectures about faith and culture. The
dress of each brotherhood is unique in color and
style as it identifies the Corfradia, many will go
barefoot or wear sandals. In Zaragosa there are 24
Cofradias who stage 49 processions with 3500
Tambores y Bombos and in Sevilla there are more
than 50 brotherhoods. The bands organize in front
of the church as the door opens and the Guiding
Cross comes out followed by the Nazarenes and the
senatus (sign SPOR) which recalls the power of the
Romans and some participants dress as the Roman
soldiers.
La Centuria Romana (100 Roman soldiers) belongs
to the La Macarena procession
Oviedo, Asturias,
northern Spain,
20 March 2008.
EPA/ALBERTO
MORANTE
A group of
penitents go out of
Saint Royal John
church for the
'Captive Jesus
Christ' Maundy
Thursday
procession of the
Holy Week at
Oviedo,.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/features/artic
le_1396337.php/In_photos_Spain_Holy_Week#ixzz0AMgrg4
PQ
Penitence leads to salvation Information from http://www.travelinginspain.com/sevilla/holyweek.htmThe
Brotherhoods of Passion have their roots in the "Great Famine", the "Black Death" and the uprisings of the late
Middle Ages. These trying times encouraged the belief that penitence and suffering lay the way to salvation.
The cult of "Vía Crucis" gained more popularity in 1521, when the Marqués de Tarifa returned to Spain from
the Holy Land. He institutionalized the Stations of the Cross in Spain.”
Attire for Spanish Devotion
Understanding our ancestors and their
customs is essential to learning about
our roots. You tube has very interesting
videos about Santa Semana from various areas.
Blessed Easter wishes to our members and families!
New Mexican Hispanic Culture
Preservation League
Old Town Station, P. O. Box 7956
Alburquerque, New Mexico 87194
Non Profit 501 ( c )(3) organization