On Sunday, April 15, 2012, the Museum of South Texas History hosts author and renowned curandero or healer, Alberto Salinas, Jr., as he presents “Conversations with a Curandero Border Healer” starting at 2 p.m. Salinas’ traditional healing practices stem from his childhood, culture, and profound connection to the legendary Mexican folk healer, El Niño Fidencio.

Growing up in the small South Texas town of Raymondville, Texas, during the 1950s, Salinas was exposed to a region in the midst of change.  However, Salinas, like many, was raised in a spiritually traditional family who sought the advice and healing powers ofcuranderos. Salinas said, “My mother took me to see a curanderawhen I was growing up.  It was and still is a very common practice in our region, although proper documentation of curanderismo or folk medicine is still growing.” 

Salinas’ book, The Border Healer: My Life as a Curandero, not only informs the reader of his spiritual journey but also documents how curanderismo is an important part of the region’s borderland heritage.  The book also addresses Salinas’ work with anthropologist and UTB professor Dr. Antonio Zavaleta.

Dr. Zavaleta met and worked with many curanderos but developed a professional relationship with Alberto Salinas.  It is through this anthropologist-curandero working relationship that spans more than 25 years, that numerous professional articles, books, and films have been produced, all designed to inform people of the importance of the border.

Visitors to this Sunday Speaker Series are invited to ask questions and gain knowledge from Salinas who has practiced curanderismofor more than 34 years. Dr. Antonio Zavaleta will also attend as a special guest and be available to answer questions.  Salinas has been featured in the New York TimesWashington PostDallas Morning News, and the Discovery Channel.   A book signing will immediately follow the program in the museum’s Grand Lobby.

The Sunday Speaker Series is included in the fee for regular museum admission.  FRIENDS of the Museum are admitted free as a benefit of FRIENDships. For information on becoming a FRIEND of the Museum, call 956.383.6911 or visit www.mosthistory.org. The Museum of South Texas History is located at 200 North Closner Boulevard on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square in downtown Edinburg.

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