The El Paso Chihuahuas, Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres in the Pacific Coast League, unveiled an alternate identity with roots in Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican cultures. The team will play select games as the Matachines, a tribute to traditional dancers in the region. The identity is El Paso’s entry in Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión program, which aims to promote baseball to Latino and Hispanic communities.
“The Matachines identity celebrates the centuries-old ceremonial dance tradition found throughout the Southwest United States and Northern Mexico,” the team said in a statement. “Accompanied by drums and the rhythmic sounds of ankle rattles known as ayoyotes, the dances tell stories of faith, cultural resilience, and identity that have been passed down through generations of families in the region.”
The brand incorporates elements from traditional Matachines attire and symbolism. The primary logo features a Matachines dancer wearing a skull mask, a feathered headdress, and ceremonial clothing. The turquoise, pink, and purple color palette draws from ribboned headdresses that dancers wear, with gold accents in based on elements often found in the costumes. A secondary mark highlights the skull mask facing forward.
This will be the Chihuahuas’ fourth (and best) entry in the Copa program, with previous identities including Los Chihuahuas (2018), the El Paso Margaritas (2019–2022), and the El Paso Strawberry Margaritas (2023–2025). The Matachines will take the field April 11, May 5, May 21, July 2, August 14, and September 3.