Santa Fe is a place of rich cultural traditions that are honored each year because of people who care deeply about the city’s history and preservation. One group that is part of that mission is La Sociedad Folklórica, a nonprofit organization that has been around for 90 years.  

First started in 1935 by Cleofas Jaramillo, the organization was originally a small meet up for other women to showcase their historic fashions with relationship building and putting on shows. It has since evolved into a women’s group that provides opportunities for the community to experience traditional folklore through its dances, language, recipe books and more.  

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by La Sociedad Folklórica’s past president and current member Gloria Kahn. Kahn discusses the group's efforts to preserve Spanish Colonia-era traditions in Santa Fe, the challenges of attracting younger members and shares about its upcoming Baile de Cascarones event happening Saturday, May 9, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.  

In the episode, Kahn also talks about some of the Northern New Mexico recipes and sayings that have been published by La Sociedad Folklórica and how they still draw interest from today’s generations.  

Editor’s note: This episode of “Conversations Different” happened to be Ms. Kahn’s first time ever on a podcast — and she’s in her 90s! We commend her for the enthusiasm and willingness to talk about one of her life passions.