January 17 – 19, 2025

Price: Free

Schedule of Events*

January 17 – KickOff Glow 7pm -9pm at the Downtown Plaza (100 N Main St, Las Cruces, NM 88001). The RC (radio controlled) balloons gather and glow in the Downtown Plaza to give spectators a taste of the sights and sounds of the upcoming weekend.

January 18 – Morning Ascension – Sunrise (around 7am) at the Field of Dreams (2300 Tashiro Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88007). The Full-Size Balloons inflate, launch and fly in the morning from the southwest lot (the dirt lot) of the Field of Dreams. The RC balloons put on their show in the west parking lot of Field of Dreams

January 18 – Evening Glow – Sunset (around 5:30pm) at the Field of Dreams (2300 Tashiro Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88007). All full-size and RC balloons show off their colors in the night. Come revel in the magic!

January 19 – Morning Ascension – Sunrise (around 7am) at the Field of Dreams (2300 Tashiro Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88007). Once again, the Full Size Balloons take to the skies from the dirt lot. The RC balloons will strut their stuff in west parking lot.

* NOTE: ?Keep in mind that this sport is dependent on good weather. Safety is of the utmost importance with weather as a major factor when making the determination of when to fly. If the weather is too windy (more than 10 mph) or if there are storms within 50 miles, most pilots will not risk flying. The pilots have the final say-so of when to fly.

For more information: https://mesillavalleyballoonrally.weebly.com

By Joe Olvera ©, 2012*

When the Three Wise Men, or Magi, were chosen by fate to visit the little town of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the new-born Christ Child, little did they figure that some day in the distant future, they would be competing for attention with La Rosca de Reyes, a delicious concoction in the Spanish-speaking world. But, first to the Three Wise Men.

In the time of King Herod, King of Judea – after Jesus had been born – he had ordered the Three Wise Men to bring him news of the birth so that he too could pay homage. But, he had other plans. As the birth of Jesus had been prophesied, he would become the new King of the Jews, a title which already belonged to Herod. He would harbor no competition for his throne, which meant that his intention was to murder Jesus. The Three Wise Men continued on their travels to find Jesus, finding him in the little town of Bethlehem, led by the Rising Star.

Traveling from afar, the three Magi were Melchior – a Persian scholar; Baltazar, an Arabian scholar, and Caspar, an Indian scholar – who proffered their gifts to the baby Jesus, they knelt to him in honor and respect. Having heard of Herod’s intentions in a dream, they returned to the land of their births through a different route. Each was said to be a King in his own land. When Herod learned that the Wise Men were not to pass through his Kingdom again, he ordered the deaths of all the children in Bethlehem, in effect, to kill the new-born Jesus. The day was known as the Massacre of Innocents. However, his plan was thwarted because Jesus and his family had already fled to Egypt.

The three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were said to mean different things to different people. Gold was the symbol of Kingship, myrrh was an anointing oil, while frankincense was a perfume of sorts. Jesus survived King Herod, of course, and, thus was born a Mexican tradition and in effect a tradition throughout the Spanish-speaking world that on January 6, children would be given their presents celebrating Christmas, rather than on the more traditional day of December 25. Known as El Dia de Los Reyes, January 6 became the day in which the three Magi found the baby Jesus.
Just as in the traditional Christmas Day, children in Mexico and now in El Paso eagerly await the morning of January 6, when the Magi have left them their gifts. Children write letters to their favorite Wise Man asking for their favorite things. On the night of January 5, the figurines of the Three Wise Men are added to the Nativity Scene. Before going to bed, children place their old shoes under the bed or in the living room, where the Wise Men will leave their gifts so that the children will find them in the morning when they awaken. On that magic day, adults prepare a feast that will include the Rosca de Reyes – which is an oval sweetbread loaded with candied fruit – tamales, and hot chocolate. The Roscas come in all sizes – some as small as to feed two people, and some large enough for 20 people.

The feast, called La Merienda de Reyes originated in Spain and was brought to the New World with La Rosca taking center stage. Hidden inside each Rosca is a plastic figurine of the baby Jesus. As each guest opens his slice of bread, he looks for the figurine, giving a sigh of relief when it is not there. When the figurine is found, however, whoever finds it is obligated to provide another feast to take place on February 2.
The knife which is used to cut the slices symbolizes the danger that faced the baby Jesus. As each guest opens up his or her slice, sighs of relief are heard that the figurine was not found. But, the joke is on everyone, because whoever found the figurine, it becomes a symbol of pride that they have been chosen to continue Christmas Day. On this day, known as El Dia de la Candelaria, the baby Jesus in the Nativity Scene is dressed in new clothes.

Hispanics all over the world, including El Paso, also celebrate one more day, on Feb. 2 (Día de la Candelaria), when the Nativity Scene is put away. Another family feast of tamales and hot chocolate then marks the end of the holiday season. With so many Mexicans relocating to El Paso, celebrations such as Los Tres Reyes Magos and, of course, La Rosca, will continue to grow and flourish.

*This article was originally published in 2012 in Spotlight EP News.

PICTURE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY

MARCH 14-15, 2025
PLAZA THEATRE

The Thorn tells the epic story of God’s love for the world and the spiritual battle for all humanity. The story of Christ is presented in an immersive show with live music, drama, aerial acts, movement arts, modern dance, and special effects. Witnessed live by more than 1 million people over 25 years, The Thorn in Spanish will engage audiences in the definitive story of love, sacrifice and redemption like never before.

For more information: https://thethorn.com
Photo credit:thethorn.com

For more information

DECEMBER 22, 2024
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Franklin Mountains State Park – Tom Mays Access Rd., El Paso, TX 79911
Admission: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Test yourself against some of the most difficult hikes in the Franklin Mountains State Park.

This month we will hike to North Franklin Peak beginning at the W. Cottonwood Springs trailhead. This is a very strenuous hike of about 8 miles. It begins with a gradual incline over scree, or rubble, proving to be challenging for some; then transitions to a steady climb over loose rubble/rocks. Continue to meander across the ridgeline to the highest peak in the park, North Franklin Peak! Bring your camera, the views are unbelievable with a 360 perspective of our region –with views of Mexico, the City of El Paso, and into New Mexico.

Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Bring: water (we recommend 2-4 liters), snacks and/or a sack lunch, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: hiking stick, binoculars, camera, and a map.
Hikers with less than 1.5 litters of water or inadequate gear will not be allowed to attempt this hike
Meeting location: West Cottonwood Springs trailhead in the Tom Mays unit.
For more information: Diana Moy
Diana.Moy@tpwd.texas.gov
(915) 444-9121

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2024 • 6:30 PM
THE PLAZA THEATRE

Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

Runtime: Approx. 2 hours and 20 minutes including a 20-minute intermission

For more information: https://www.broadwayinelpaso.com/show/illusionists-magic-of-the-holidays/

Visitors can welcome the holiday and winter season at Fort Selden Historic Site at the annual event, Noche de Las Luminarias.

What: Enjoy the sights of the holidays as more than 900 luminarias dot Fort Selden, offering a special celebration on the longest night of the year. Guests can walk the luminarias-lined pathways and illuminated ruins. The event will feature a warm campfire to sit by and make a wish for 2025, family-friendly activities like a holiday ornament-making craft, and live music by Enchantment Historical Productions Carolers. Munchie Monster food truck will be on site selling hot drinks and dessert. Tickets for timed entry are $7/adults and free for children 16 years and younger and are available online.

Who: Fort Selden Historic Site

When: Saturday, December 21, 2024, 5 – 9 p.m.

Where: Fort Selden Historic Site, 1280 Fort Selden Road, Radium Springs, NM 88054

Why: Fort Selden hosts this annual event, offering visitors and the surrounding community a fun night in celebration of the holidays and coming winter season.

DECEMBER 23, 2024
The Plaza Theatre

Give the gift of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! to the whole family. Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes and stunning acrobatics! Share the tradition of pure Holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family of all ages. Don’t miss this chance to create memories of a lifetime.

For more information: https://nutcracker.com

Magic of Lights
Nov 22nd – Jan 4th
Wet N’ Wild

Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, is bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays that bring to life your favorite holiday scenes and characters. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas! Pile everyone into the car and experience more at the same low price!

Wet N’ Wild will be turned into a dazzling drive-through light display featuring thousands of holiday lights and animations.

For more information:https://magicoflights.com

November 9, 2024
Free admission
11:00 AM

The 28th annual Las Cruces Veterans Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in downtown Las Cruces.

The theme for this year’s parade is, “Honoring Veteran First Responders.”

The parade will stage at the corner of Main Street and Lohman Avenue, travel north on Main Street to the roundabout near City Hall and continue south on Water Street back to the staging area.

The parade reviewing stand will be at the intersection of Main Street and Las Cruces Avenue. Opening ceremonies and presentation of medals to the Grand Marshals are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. at the reviewing stand.

People with sensitive hearing should be aware that a cannon will be fired near the reviewing stand to mark the start of the parade. Parade-goers and nearby residents are reminded that the cannon is firing blanks and is merely announcing the start of the parade. The loud report from the firing of the cannon is not an emergency.

To accommodate the parade, Main Street and streets that feed into the parade route will begin closing at 6 a.m. on Nov. 9. Parking will be available at the lot just south of El Paso Electric, the Doña Ana County Judicial Complex, Thomas Branigan Library, City Hall and several parking lots located on the East side of the downtown area between Main Street and Church Street.

For more information about the Las Cruces Veterans Day Parade, visit the Las Cruces Veterans Day website.
http://www.lascrucesvetday.org/

To register: http://www.lascrucesvetday.org/LCVetDayPage2CSS.html

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
December 20-22, 2024
The Plaza Theatre

An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.

One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows were seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.

Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall.

Runtime: 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is recommended for ages 14+. The production includes loud music, strobe lighting, haze, gun shots, scenes depicting domestic violence and strong language.

For more information:https://www.broadwayinelpaso.com/show/tina-the-tina-turner-musical/

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
11 AM to 9 PM

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CITY OF EL PASO MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

Día de los Muertos is a day of remembrance that is observed throughout México. Overarching ritual practices trace back to the various indigenous cultures of México where these traditions varied but were and continue to be firmly associated with death and rooted in strong beliefs about the afterlife.

Contemporary celebrations reflect a merging of Pre-Columbian, Spanish and African cultural, beliefs, and practices. Common elements of this celebration include ofrendas or altars that are decorated with cempasúchil, papel picado, sugar skulls, pan de muerto, and embellished with favorite gustos (tastes and treats) of the dead.

Enjoy family-oriented art activities, food, live music, and more!

For more information:
https://epma.art/dia-de-los-muertos

HALLOWEEN TOWN ART SHOW & MARKET

OCTOBER 19, 2024
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
El Paso County Coliseum

It’s spooky season Our Annual Halloween Town market is right around the corner! Trick or Treat with our vendors (while supplies last KIDS ONLY!) First 50 kids get a free trick or treat bag at the KAM table Live music Food Big costume contest This year we’ll have categories for babies, kids, teens, adults and best in show! Bring your carved pumpkins to join our pumpkin carving contest Pumpkin must be submitted from 5:30pm and displayed for voting. Winner will be announced after the costume contest!

Don’t miss this FREE family friendly show!
See you there!

For more information: KaleidoscopeArtSpace@gmail.com