1 Decide for yourself.

Malinche, as she is known to history, was a central figure during the Spanish conquest of Mexico from 1519 to 1521. An Indigenous woman, Malinche spoke Nahuatl and Maya, skills she used to survive when she was “given” to Hernando Cortés by a local ruler. She became his translator and interpreter, helping him navigate between the Spanish and Indigenous worlds and eventually bearing his child. 

A new exhibition at the Albuquerque Museum, Traitor, Survivor, Icon: The Legacy of La Malinche, portrays her as five archetypes: interpreter, Indigenous woman, original “mother of all mestizos,” and traitor to her own people. Historic pieces and new works, some created by New Mexico artists, include a codex by Delilah Montoya, altarpieces by Brandon Maldonado, and photographs by Miguel Gandert. See it through September 4.

Bronx-based dancer Nélida Tirado performs with her troupe on Sunday night. Photograph courtesy of Festival Flamenco Alburquerque.

2 Join the jaleo.

The 35th annual Festival Flamenco Alburquerque dances into the Duke City this weekend with workshops and performances from world-renowned performers. Bringing the jaleo (uproar) are 75 of the best flamenco artists to teach classes, sing, play guitar, and dance during 20 performances that include José Maya, Rafael Estévez, and Paloma Fantova. The festival offers free programs and online viewing, too. See a full schedule of events and buy tickets via the festival’s website. ¡Olé!

The Museum of International Folk Art hosts the 11th annual Folk Art Flea. Photograph courtesy of the Museum of International Folk Art.

3 Shop ’til you drop.

The 11th Annual Folk Art Flea on Saturday is bursting with so many global goodies that the event needed more room. It happens from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds. “We have three years’ worth of items that have been lovingly preserved while the flea was temporarily suspended in 2020 and 2021,” says Laurie Vander Velde, co-chair of the event. The collection includes textiles, clothing, jewelry, sculpture, wood carvings, dolls, toys, and masks. Goods will be organized by category and fill two large buildings on the fairgrounds. Admission and parking are free.

State Historian Rob Martínez delivers a musical lecture, “The History of Hispano Music.” Jen Judge

4 Travel through time.

State Historian Robert Martínez delivers a musical lecture, “The History of Hispano Music,” from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Casa San Ysidro, in Corrales. Martínez will play songs that are hundreds of years old, including alabados and alabanzas, Inditas, and Mexican corridos. The event is free.

5 Gallop to Gallup.

Take the kids to Art123 Gallery, in Gallup, on Saturday during the monthly ArtsCrawl, from 7 to 9 p.m., where they—and you—can make a mobile horse puppet with recycled materials. While at the gallery, check out Shannon Gurley O’Donnell’s All Over the Board exhibit and then wander Coal Avenue for live music, food and craft vendors, art demonstrations, and a dip into local culture.