HOUSE MEMORIAL 58

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Alonzo Baldonado

A MEMORIAL

CELEBRATING THE DEEP CULTURAL IMPORTANCE OF THE MATANZA.

     WHEREAS, a matanza is a traditional and cultural family and community event and includes the preparing of livestock for human consumption; and

     WHEREAS, matanzas have been held annually, typically during the winter months, for over four hundred years and have deep cultural meaning within the Hispanic community in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the original purpose of a matanza was to harvest livestock meat and lard for the community; and

     WHEREAS, over time, the matanza grew to be a social event that transcended its original purpose of feeding the community; and

     WHEREAS, today, the matanza's purpose is to preserve and maintain the lifelong bonds of immediate and extended family;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the deep cultural importance of the matanza be recognized; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation, the Valencia county Hispano chamber of commerce and the appropriate interim legislative committee.

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