Luna, Luna, Luna Flamenco Fiesta de Santa Fe 2026 Fall

October 23, 24, and 25, 2026

About

One of the most accomplished and captivating flamenco guitarists in the world, comes from Spain.

CHUSCALES

"Chuscales"

This was the name given to Jose Valle Fajardo by his Grandfather. Since then, the name Chusco has come to describe a guitarist of consummate skill and a profound understanding of the Flamenco traditions.

A native of Antequera, Spain, Chuscales grew up in a traditional gypsy family known for its professional musicians and dancers. His grandmother was among those who lived in the caves of Sacromonte, one of the legendary cradles of flamenco. Chuscales recalls, "there were shows with Gypsies from Granada who grew up in families that lived there. I wish you could see it, the families in the caves and the singing and dancing. There might be seven, eight, maybe nine caves, all with singing and dancing, and there would be more singing and dancing on the streets every day. It was unbelievable. It was a very formative time in my life. It was like a dream. This is where I learned everything — the rhythm, the beat, the guitar. I am still learning from those thousands of nights performing with my family, my father, my Grandfather, and my friends.

Chusco began guitar lessons at age six under the instruction of his uncle Joaquín Fajardo and Maestro Agustinillo, two prominent masters in the region where such greats as Segovia have studied. As a teenager, Chuscales found himself in the company of Paco de Lucía, who often performed in the area and would take time to play with the talented youngster and answer his questions. Meanwhile, he began his performing career as a dancer — an experience that gave him a detailed understanding of flamenco's rhythmic nuances. Chusco elaborates as the accompanying guitarist, "I can understand and follow dancers. I can see where they are going before they take their next step. I know what the dancer is looking for, how much tension is in the music, the right rhythm when to play strong or soft, so if a dancer asks me for something, I know what they ask." Chuscales' affinity for dance is delightfully apparent in his artistry; blending music and movement as he does is no accident. "It's something we learn through life," he says. "Many people don't have my luck to grow up in the caves, learning flamenco in a Gypsy family where the music comes from tradition to tradition, from legend to legend. I thank God I have been around such great musicians all my life.

Whether versed in flamenco traditions or not, audiences find Chuscales' music touching and exotic; his presence is engaging, and his skill as a guitarist is simply astounding. A Chuscales concert is an experience that audiences take with them.

Chuscales performed in many productions including “Memories of Granada” (2024), “Doce Mujeres – 12 Women – The Power of Women “ (2024), “Guitar and Tree” (2024), "Flamenco Passion" (2023), "Chuscales at Tulsa" (2023), "Four Seasons" (2023), "Chuscales & Friends" (Santa Fe, NM 2022), "Festival Flamenco 2021" (Albuquerque, NM 2021), "Lemon & Orange" (Santa Fe, NM 2021)("Tree of Life" (Santa Fe, NM 2020), "Gypsy Moon & Stars" (Santa Fe, 2019), "Tulsa Jazz Festival" (Tulsa, OK 2019), "Monet's Moon" (Santa Fe, NM 2019) "Feria de Abril in Santa Fe" (Santa Fe, NM 2019), "Monet's Moon" (Santa Fe, NM 2018), "Holiday Dream" (2018), "Carmen La Golondrina" (Santa Fe, NM 2018), "The Little Match Girl" (Santa Fe, NM 2017), "Dance with Spirit" (Santa Fe, NM 2017), "Illusions in Arts "Calligraphy & Choreography" (Santa Fe, NM 2017), "Romance de la Luna "(Santa Fe, NM, 2016), "Una Nota de Lorca" (Santa Fe, NM 2021 & 2016), "Gypsy Book" (Santa Fe, NM 2015), "Flamenco Masters at Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre" (Denver, CO 2015), "Houston Spanish & Flamenco Festival 2015" (Houston, TX 2015), "Flamenco X3" (Santa Fe, NM 2015), "Gypsy Passion" (Santa Fe, NM 2014), "Flamenco Fiesta!" (Santa Fe, NM 2014 & 2013), "Forever in My Heart" (Santa Fe, NM 2013 ), "My Gypsy Soul" (Santa Fe, NM 2012), "Chuscales at Old Main, Boulder" (Boulder, CO 2011), "Chuscales y Mina Fajardo con Las Tres Mujeres" (Las Vegas. NM, 2010), "Chuscales Live at MIT" (Boston, MA 2009), Telluride Jazz Festival (Telluride, CO 2008), "Chuscales at Tubac" (Tubac, AZ 2007), "Soul del Arte Tradiciones e Innovaciones" (San Francisco, CA 2005), "Ainadamar, Landscapes and Impression" Santa Fe Opera (Santa Fe, NM 2005), "A Night of Flamenco Magic" Lakewood Cultural Center (Denver, CO 2005), "Santa Fe Jazz and International Music Festival" (Santa Fe, NM 2004 & 2001), The John E. Morlow Guitar Series "Flamenco Night" (Chevy Chase, MD 2004), SJC Multicultural Arts Series "Flamenco" (San Juan Capistrano, CA 2003).

He played the guitar for the prince and Prince of Spain at Santa Fe in 2009. He appeared in films "Camelamos Nauerar" (1976), "The Flamenco Guitar of Jose Valle" (1985), "Gypsy Heart" (1998), "Flamenco Passion & Soul" (1999), "Viaje Al Duende" (2009), "The Spanish Table" (2010) and "El Payo" (2010), "Españoles en el Mundo - Nuevo Mexico" (2013), "CNN Hero – Roger Montoya" (2019).

He received the Dora More Award for outstanding sound design/composition (2010, 2009 & 2007) Isadora Duncan Awards for composition, arrangement, and direction (2011 & 1997).CDs: "Al Alba" (1988), "Formas e Imagenes" (1991), "Forever in My Heart" (1996), "Soul Encounters" (1999), "Midnight in Madrid" (2001), "Best of Narada New Flamenco Guitar" (2003), "El Payo" (2010), "Azafrán" (2018), "A Time of Silence" (2020), "Natural Meditation (2020), "O Holy Night" (2021).

For booking:

Chuscales Flamenco Guitar

https://www.gigsalad.com/jose_valle_chuscales_santa_fe

Flamenco Fiesta de Santa Fe 2026 Fall - Luna, Luna, Luna (Moon, Moon, Moon)

Flamenco Fiesta de Santa Fe Fall 2026

Luna, Luna, Luna – Moon, Moon, Moon

An Original Flamenco Production Inspired by Federico García Lorca

Performance Schedule

Friday, October 23, 2026
7:00 PM

Saturday, October 24, 2026
2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, October 25, 2026
2:00 PM

Santa Fe, New Mexico — Following the sold-out success of their Summer and Winter Tablao series and acclaimed productions including Return to the Lorca, Return to the River, Mariposa del Aire, and Tree of Life, Compañía Chuscales & Mina Fajardo proudly presents Flamenco Fiesta de Santa Fe Fall 2026 – Luna, Luna, Luna (Moon, Moon, Moon), an original theatrical flamenco production inspired by Federico García Lorca's beloved poem Romance de la Luna, Luna.

Performances will be held at Teatro Paraguas, 3205 Calle Marie, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Inspired by Lorca's timeless poetry, Luna, Luna, Luna explores the mystery, beauty, and symbolism of the moon through flamenco dance, music, poetry, and theatrical storytelling.

For Music Director and Composer Chuscales, born in Granada, Spain, the moon has always been part of flamenco's soul. Many audience members may not realize that the famous flamenco polka-dot dress has its roots in ancient Roma traditions. In Spanish, polka dots are called lunares—"little moons." According to Roma tradition, circular patterns and reflective decorations were worn to honor the moon and help protect against negative spirits. As families traveled across Andalusia beneath moonlit skies, the moon served as both a guide and a companion. Over time, these "little moons" became one of the most recognizable symbols of flamenco.

Artistic Director Mina Fajardo, born in Japan, was inspired by this beautiful connection between flamenco and the moon. Together, Mina and Chuscales have created a production in which every dance, song, and poem reflects a different face of the moon—its beauty, mystery, romance, solitude, imagination, and hope.

The evening features poetry inspired by Federico García Lorca, children's poetry celebrating the moon through the eyes of future generations, and theatrical storytelling that brings poetry to life through music and dance.

Compañía Chuscales & Mina Fajardo is honored to welcome Fabian Esquipula Sisneros as a special guest artist. A proud Nuevo Mexicano whose family roots in New Mexico date back to 1630, Sisneros is a husband, father, teacher, dancer, writer, poet, choreographer, and lifelong resident of Albuquerque's South Valley. His poetry celebrates the land, history, and culture of New Mexico, creating a meaningful artistic bridge between Lorca's Spain and the rich cultural traditions of the Southwest.

Joining him is Argos MacCallum, whose dramatic poetry readings add another theatrical dimension to the production, guiding audiences through a dreamlike world illuminated by moonlight.

Featured Artists

Chuscales – Composer, Guitarist & Music Director
Mina Fajardo – Artistic Director, Dancer, Singer & Percussionist
Fabian Esquipula Sisneros – Special Guest Poet, Storyteller & Dancer
Argos MacCallum – Actor & Poetry Reading
Alexis Padilla – Youth Dancer
Jasmine Padilla – Youth Dancer
Dani Mouw – Dancer
Giovanna Chavez – Dancer
Allison Hoyman – Dancer
Isabella Garcia – Dancer
Allana Pratt – Dancer
Angelique Cordova – Dancer
Alandra Lopez – Dancer
Zoe Whittle – Dancer
Jojo Sena-Tarnoff – Flutist
Jeff Tarnoff – Keyboard Player

Ticket Prices

General Admission: $29
Seniors & Students: $25
Children under 12: $15

Venue

Teatro Paraguas
3205 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, NM 87507

Website: TeatroParaguasNM.org
Phone: 505-424-1601

Whether you are a lifelong flamenco enthusiast or discovering this art form for the first time, Luna, Luna, Luna (Moon, Moon, Moon) promises an unforgettable evening for audiences of all ages. Bring your family and friends to experience a magical journey where Lorca's poetry, the traditions of Andalusian flamenco, and the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico come together beneath the light of the moon.

Join us for one of Santa Fe's most inspiring cultural events of the fall season, where music, poetry, dance, and imagination shine as brightly as the moon itself.

Holiday Flamenco 2026 - Flamenco in Santa Fe

Holiday Flamenco 2026 - Flamenco in Santa fe

at 7 PM on Dec. 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28

at 2 PM on Dec.26 & 27

For more than two decades, internationally acclaimed husband-and-wife artists Chuscales, born in Granada, Spain, and Mina Fajardo, born in Japan, have captivated audiences with authentic flamenco music, dance, and theatrical productions. This holiday season, they once again invite audiences to celebrate the joy, warmth, and spirit of the season through an unforgettable evening of flamenco and holiday music.

Blending the passion of Andalucía with the festive spirit of Christmas, Holiday Flamenco 2026 transforms beloved seasonal classics into exciting flamenco arrangements. Audiences will enjoy spirited interpretations of holiday favorites including "Jingle Bells," "O Holy Night," "Silent Night," "Greensleeves," and other cherished seasonal melodies. Flamenco guitar, singing, percussion, dance, poetry, and live music come together to create a unique holiday experience found nowhere else in Santa Fe.

Music Director and Composer Chuscales brings his masterful guitar artistry and original arrangements to the stage, while Artistic Director Mina Fajardo delights audiences through passionate dance, soulful singing, and expressive percussion. Together they create a joyful celebration honoring family, friendship, peace, hope, and community.

Adding a theatrical dimension to the evening, Argos MacCallum shares seasonal poetry and storytelling, while a talented cast of dancers, musicians, and youth performers brings warmth, excitement, and holiday cheer to every performance. The production celebrates both the next generation of flamenco artists and Santa Fe's rich Spanish cultural heritage.

Contact Information

3205 Calle Marie Santa Fe NM 87507505-424-1601https://teatroparaguasnm.org

General Admission: $25
Seniors/Students: $20
Children under 12: $15

Click Here for Tickets

https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/teatro-paraguas-nm/holiday-flamenco-2026-flamenco-in-santa-fe

Contact: Argos MacCallum; argos@teatroparaguas.org, or 505-365-9459

Gloria Bendita by Chuscales

In Caló, the language of the Spanish Gypsies, Chusco means the crunchy end of a loaf of bread. Chuscales, or Chusco for short, refers to a person who is a "guitar-cruncher." José Luis Valle Fajardo, better known as Chuscales, is a guitarist with consummate skill and deep understanding.

Chuscales Music

Luna, Luna, Luna Flamenco Fiesta de Santa Fe 2026 Fall

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