Spanish and Portuguese ETDs

Publication Date

4-25-2007

Abstract

Although excellent regional studies of conquest drama and ritual dance have been conducted in northern Mexico and New Mexico, this is the first which links the Moros y Cristianos equestrian traditions in a comparative study along the cultural corridor of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. In the past, the Mexican cultural heritage of these dramas was overlooked. Many researchers linked the conquest dramas directly to Spain without exploring the contexts in which they were already being performed in the Americas. More attention also needs to be given the Moros y Cristianos equestrian play of New Mexico and its relation to analogous plays along in the Mexican state of Zacatecas. The dramas which are studied here are the Morisma de Bracho in the city of Zacatecas, "Moros y Cristianos" in Chimayó, New Mexico, and "Los Comanches" from Alcalde, New Mexico.

This study addresses Moros y Cristianos as a complex site of cultural negotiation in which these dramas speak to domination, resistance and reconciliation in contemporary contexts. Finally, this study proposes how these dramas celebrated in mestizo communities can be understood by contextualizing the cultural and political meanings they generate in a post 9-11 world.

Degree Name

Spanish (MA)

First Committee Member (Chair)

Enrique Eufrasio Lamadrid

Second Committee Member

Illegible

Third Committee Member

Illegible

Sponsors

Center for Regional Studies from whom I was fortunate to receive a 2006 summer research grant to investigate Mexican Moros y Cristianos in Michoacan and Zacatecas.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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