Part Nine: A procession as the globe warms

Fire, heat and drought change one village’s generations-old matachines tradition

CARNUEL, N.M. —Danzantes, from left to right: LeAnne Chavez with her father Ted Chavez, 6-year-old Deja Tapia and Isaac Nieto for the Saint Anthony Fiesta in June 2022. (Photo by Diana Cervantes for Source NM)

Ted and LeAnne Chavez follow other congregants into the church for vespers before the procession. In previous years, the figure of Saint Anthony would be carried up the mountain to a small spring for a blessing, but the combination of drought, heat and health concerns shortened the procession. (Photo by Dianna Cervantes for Source NM)

Deja Tapia, 6, plays the part of la Malinche in the procession. (Photo by Diana Cervantes for Source NM)

LeAnne Chavez adjusts her father’s kerchief before the dance. 2022 marked their last season dancing together, as both intended to retire. (Photo by Diana Cervantes for Source NM)

Matachines gather near the Ojito of San Antonio as the priest led everyone in a prayer on June 9, 2018. (Diana Cervantes Archive Image)

Streamers decorate the entrance of the San Antonio Mission Church for the fiestas in 2019. (Diana Cervantes Archive Image)