Tap into the Spirit World in Taos through Haunted Locations, Dias de los Muertos Celebrations
Press release 9/29/2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2011
CONTACT: Erica Asmus-Otero (505) 259-2202 Erica@griffinassoc.com
Known as the fifth highest bridge in the United States at 650 feet – the Rio Grande Gorge – is also better known by locals as a haunted site because of its history. Witnesses, including a State Trooper, report seeing a young woman wearing jeans and a white t-shirt walking east along the bridge’s walkway. When approached, she suddenly vanishes.
Another allegedly haunted location in Taos takes place at the historic Bent House and Museum, home to former New Mexico Governor Charles Bent – the first civil Governor in the territory of New Mexico in 1846 who was later killed in his home. Stories claim that Governor Bent still roams the museum; however, there has been no evidence as such. The Bent House and Museum is located at 117 Bent Street.
One of the best places to catch a glimpse of a “ghost” is at the Historic Taos Inn, just across the street from the Bent Street Museum. Since 1936, famous people such as Greta Garbo, D.H. Lawrence, Jessica Lange and Robert Redford have stayed or passed through the Historic Taos Inn. The Inn has a long, fascinating history and ambience, which has enticed visitors to stay and return – some which have purportedly never left.
After Taos’ first and only physician, Dr. Thomas (Doc) Martin bought the largest house in Taos, he spent his life in the building which is now Doc Martin’s Restaurant with his wife Helen who was an artist and sister in law of artist Bert Phillips, one of Taos’ Society of Artists. After Doc Martin’s death, Helen purchased buildings around the plaza and enclosed it, opening the Hotel Martin in 1936, which was later renamed Taos Inn.
Legends lurk among Inn staff and visitors about spirits who roam the halls, such as that of Arthur Manby, the man who sold Doc Martin his home.. Visitors and staff alike have reported seeing a man with a tall brown hat, matching Manby’s description, in the restaurant and kitchen. The figure of a woman has also been reported, along with apparitions in the Adobe Bar. Room 102, 106, 109 and 206 are the most reported when it comes to spirit activity or encounters.
“Whether they’re spirits in the Adobe Bar - such as in our famous margaritas – or spirits from the after world, the legends are alive and well at the Taos Inn,” said Jamie Tadesco, of the Taos Inn. “According to many staff members here, pots and pans have spontaneously crashed to the floor late at night, doors have opened and closed on their own, and housekeepers even report cool puffs of air coming from unventilated areas such as in room 109. These reports just add even more character to theTaos Inn, which has been and continues to be beloved by people for decades.”
The Historic Taos Inn is located at 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. Call 888-458-8267 for reservations or visit taosinn.com.
Aside from ghost stories and urban legends around Halloween, Taos’ Harwood Museum of Art is hosting a free workshop for parents and their children to create art inspired by Halloween. The “Halloween at the Harwood” starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 29. Call 575-758-9826 or email education@harwoodmuseum.org for information.
The Taos Youth and Family Center will also be hosting their 15th annual Children’s Halloween Party on Saturday, October 29 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Taos Convention Center. The free event will provide the children of Taos with a fun, safe and supervised event.
The first 750 children will also receive a free Halloween bag filled with treats and goodies. There will also be various carnival games with prizes for children. A costume contest will be held for each of four age groups. Prizes will be awarded to the child with the most original costume, funniest costume and best costume. Children ages 2 and under will be judged at 2:30 p.m.; 3-5 year olds at 3:15 p.m.; 6-8 year olds at 4 p.m., and 9-12 year olds at 4:45 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit youth and community groups throughout Taos. For more information call Judy Esquibel at (575) 758-4160.
The spirits of loved ones who have gone before us will be honored in traditional “Dia de los Muertos,” or “Day of the Dead,” celebrations throughout Taos, beginning on Saturday, October 22 at Two Graces Gallery. The Gallery is offering a free “Making a Home Altar" workshop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Robert Cafazzo or Holly at (575) 758-4639 for more information.
On Sunday, October 30, Hacienda de los Martinez honors an old tradition and begins a new one by joining artist Anita Rodriquez and New Mexico Furniture Company owner David Mapes who collaborated to present a Dia de los Muertos altar for the community, to honor loved ones.
Then on November 2, for the 22nd year, the Historic Taos Inn will honor the dead with a special Dias de los Muertos event. The free event will feature event founder/organizer and artist, George Chacon, who will discuss the history of Dias de los Muertos beginning at 6:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., the Taos Inn will offer food and drink specials associated with Day of the Dead festivities all over the world.
A communal altar will be on display for a week at the Inn, where guests can write blessings and memories of their loved ones on a piece of paper, which are pinned to the altar. Chacon’s artwork and related “Day of the Dead” art from local artists will be on exhibit as well.
Last year, 500 memorials that people brought to the altar were burned along with prayers. Contact George Chacon at gcstudio@msn.com or The Taos Inn at (575) 758-2233 for more information.
Visit www.taos.org for a complete list of events.
CONTACT: Erica Asmus-Otero (505) 259-2202 Erica@griffinassoc.com
Tap into the Spirit World in Taos through Haunted Locations, Dias de los Muertos Celebrations
TAOS, NM — Taos, New Mexico’s fascinating history, culture and legends have long been an attraction to the many that visit and live there, along with the Town’s ability to evoke a sense of spiritual awakening. That’s why Halloween in Taos has become a popular destination this time of year – from it’s haunted locations to its unique celebration of loved ones who have passed through “Dia de los Muertos” events.Known as the fifth highest bridge in the United States at 650 feet – the Rio Grande Gorge – is also better known by locals as a haunted site because of its history. Witnesses, including a State Trooper, report seeing a young woman wearing jeans and a white t-shirt walking east along the bridge’s walkway. When approached, she suddenly vanishes.
Another allegedly haunted location in Taos takes place at the historic Bent House and Museum, home to former New Mexico Governor Charles Bent – the first civil Governor in the territory of New Mexico in 1846 who was later killed in his home. Stories claim that Governor Bent still roams the museum; however, there has been no evidence as such. The Bent House and Museum is located at 117 Bent Street.
One of the best places to catch a glimpse of a “ghost” is at the Historic Taos Inn, just across the street from the Bent Street Museum. Since 1936, famous people such as Greta Garbo, D.H. Lawrence, Jessica Lange and Robert Redford have stayed or passed through the Historic Taos Inn. The Inn has a long, fascinating history and ambience, which has enticed visitors to stay and return – some which have purportedly never left.
After Taos’ first and only physician, Dr. Thomas (Doc) Martin bought the largest house in Taos, he spent his life in the building which is now Doc Martin’s Restaurant with his wife Helen who was an artist and sister in law of artist Bert Phillips, one of Taos’ Society of Artists. After Doc Martin’s death, Helen purchased buildings around the plaza and enclosed it, opening the Hotel Martin in 1936, which was later renamed Taos Inn.
Legends lurk among Inn staff and visitors about spirits who roam the halls, such as that of Arthur Manby, the man who sold Doc Martin his home.. Visitors and staff alike have reported seeing a man with a tall brown hat, matching Manby’s description, in the restaurant and kitchen. The figure of a woman has also been reported, along with apparitions in the Adobe Bar. Room 102, 106, 109 and 206 are the most reported when it comes to spirit activity or encounters.
“Whether they’re spirits in the Adobe Bar - such as in our famous margaritas – or spirits from the after world, the legends are alive and well at the Taos Inn,” said Jamie Tadesco, of the Taos Inn. “According to many staff members here, pots and pans have spontaneously crashed to the floor late at night, doors have opened and closed on their own, and housekeepers even report cool puffs of air coming from unventilated areas such as in room 109. These reports just add even more character to theTaos Inn, which has been and continues to be beloved by people for decades.”
The Historic Taos Inn is located at 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. Call 888-458-8267 for reservations or visit taosinn.com.
Aside from ghost stories and urban legends around Halloween, Taos’ Harwood Museum of Art is hosting a free workshop for parents and their children to create art inspired by Halloween. The “Halloween at the Harwood” starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 29. Call 575-758-9826 or email education@harwoodmuseum.org for information.
The Taos Youth and Family Center will also be hosting their 15th annual Children’s Halloween Party on Saturday, October 29 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Taos Convention Center. The free event will provide the children of Taos with a fun, safe and supervised event.
The first 750 children will also receive a free Halloween bag filled with treats and goodies. There will also be various carnival games with prizes for children. A costume contest will be held for each of four age groups. Prizes will be awarded to the child with the most original costume, funniest costume and best costume. Children ages 2 and under will be judged at 2:30 p.m.; 3-5 year olds at 3:15 p.m.; 6-8 year olds at 4 p.m., and 9-12 year olds at 4:45 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit youth and community groups throughout Taos. For more information call Judy Esquibel at (575) 758-4160.
The spirits of loved ones who have gone before us will be honored in traditional “Dia de los Muertos,” or “Day of the Dead,” celebrations throughout Taos, beginning on Saturday, October 22 at Two Graces Gallery. The Gallery is offering a free “Making a Home Altar" workshop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Robert Cafazzo or Holly at (575) 758-4639 for more information.
On Sunday, October 30, Hacienda de los Martinez honors an old tradition and begins a new one by joining artist Anita Rodriquez and New Mexico Furniture Company owner David Mapes who collaborated to present a Dia de los Muertos altar for the community, to honor loved ones.
Then on November 2, for the 22nd year, the Historic Taos Inn will honor the dead with a special Dias de los Muertos event. The free event will feature event founder/organizer and artist, George Chacon, who will discuss the history of Dias de los Muertos beginning at 6:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., the Taos Inn will offer food and drink specials associated with Day of the Dead festivities all over the world.
A communal altar will be on display for a week at the Inn, where guests can write blessings and memories of their loved ones on a piece of paper, which are pinned to the altar. Chacon’s artwork and related “Day of the Dead” art from local artists will be on exhibit as well.
Last year, 500 memorials that people brought to the altar were burned along with prayers. Contact George Chacon at gcstudio@msn.com or The Taos Inn at (575) 758-2233 for more information.
Visit www.taos.org for a complete list of events.
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