Interviewer
Alexis V. Acosta
Project
El Paso Folklore (English 3374)
Summary of Interview
The interview was conducted with Ruben Montanez, age 58; he works as a store clerk at Circle K. The interview took place at my grandmother’s house on November 21st, 2025, and lasted for 17 minutes and 56 seconds. The conversation focused on family tradition and curanderismo, specifically with the tradition of the limpia with an egg, and how this practice has been carried through many generations in the Montanez family. Ruben shared memories of his childhood in Mexico and later, when migrating to El Paso, Texas, with his family. He described his family dynamic as a Catholic household where healing practices and faith were deeply interwoven. He recalled his grandmother and great-grandmother as the primary healers in the family, both from deep within Mexico, Zacatecas, which is where their herbal knowledge came from.
My uncle Ruben discussed witnessing limpias beginning in early childhood, speaking on his grandmother would pray often using Catholic prayers while moving the egg across the body in a cross pattern. He explained how that the ritual was commonly used mostly to calm fussy infants to ease their emotional distress. Or clear negative energy. Key themes that seemed to be spoken about Faith, Intergenerational knowledge, cultural continuity, family unity, and the interwoven traditions of indigenous and catholic traditions. Ruben spoke on how, although many may see the limpia as a “myth,” its folklore, and he expresses that he hopes the future generations, including the interviewer, will continue to honor the practice with intention and faith.
Date of Interview
11-21-2025
Length of Interview
17:56
Listen to the Interview
Tape Number
No. 1813
Transcript Number
No. 1813
Interview Number
1813
Terms of Use
Unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Interview with Ruben Montanez by Alexis V. Acosta, 2025, "Interview No. 1813," Institute of Oral History, University of Texas at El Paso.
Comments
Student Created