Los dias

Tome, New Mexico. "Los Manueles" is a New Year's custom of friends visiting neighbors and greeting them in song and poetry in the wee hours of the morning. Numerous persons named "Manuel" are mentioned. Includes talk about la gala, or tip, and el reenganche, or recruiting of farm workers. Quality: Good.

Socorro, New Mexico. Informant recites four verses, some of which are improvised, used in a serenade, "Los dias," and addressed to the communicant. Quality: Good/Fair

Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico. In Hispanic New Mexico and Colorado, the New Year is awaited with anxiety and greeted with shouts of joy and cheer. After it is literally shot and "killed," groups of young men go out serenading from house to house, beginning at midnight. Here are fifteen traditional couplets. Instrumental accompaniment. Quality: Fair.