ShareBen Myers Ridge-A-ThonHome Annual Events Page 2 The Ben Myers Ridge-A-Thon at Taos Ski Valley embodies the idea of coming together to work hard and have fun to provide health related services and support for members of our community in need. Each year Ridge-A-Thon participants and donors help encourage donations for the Emergency Medicines Fund at Taos Community Foundation, which funds grants in the area of health and basic needs in Taos and Western Colfax Counties. Ridge-A-Thon is a breath-taking snow sports event at Taos Ski Valley. Participants lap the hike-to terrain over two days, or take just a single hike. For those who can’t or don’t ski/board/hike you have the opportunity to design another TSV mountain pursuit, (with advance approval of TSV) to serve as your “Ridge Challenge”.
ShareLas PosadasHome Annual Events Page 2 One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Northern New Mexico is Las Posadas, a multi day celebration of religious observance. The ritual has been a tradition in Mexico for over 400 years. Many Mexican holidays include dramatizations of original events, a tradition which has its roots in the ritual of Bible plays used to teach the scriptures to a largely illiterate population in Europe as early as the 10th and 11th centuries. “Posadas” is Spanish for “lodging” or accommodation” and Las Posadas is a traditional play enacted 9 days before Christmas telling the story of Joseph and Mary on their journey looking for a place to stay before their baby Jesus was born. Each day corresponds to one month that baby Jesus was carried in the womb of the Virgin Mary. In Taos Las Posadas is celebrated throughout the county. It is a time to come together for nine days and nights of devotion to purification, meditation and getting in touch with the holiness of the season. The Posaditas go to different houses each night and are sent away, until the ninth night, when they are finally given posada (shelter). People along the route decorate their home entrances with farolitos to light the way and cook traditional foods like Tamales and biscochitos which are given to the posadistas. As part of the ceremony prayer is recited for the posadistas and community joining in the celebrations. Besides the Posadas organized by local churches, it is also organized in private homes. To find out the Las Posadas locations contact San Francisco de Asis Church in Ranchos de Taos. Call (575) 758-2754. 2023 San Francisco de Asis Church Schedule December 15 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 16 – 5:00 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 17 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 18 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 19 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 20 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 21 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 22 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 23 – 5:00 pm at Talpa Capilla December 24 – 8:00 am & 10:00 am at San Francisco de Asis Church (Sunday Obligatioin) December 24 – 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass at San Francisco de Asis Church (Fulfills Christmas Obligation not Sundays) December 25 – 8:00 am & 10:00 am Christmas Day at San Francisco de Asis Church (Holy Day of Obligation) Where: 60 St. Francis Plaza in Ranchos de Taos, NMCall: 575-758-2754More Information: [email protected]
ShareDixon Studio TourHome Annual Events Page 2 The Dixon Studio Tour is one of the oldest continuously run studio tours in the state. Dixon, nestled in the Embudo Valley in Northern New Mexico where the Rio Embudo flows into the Rio Grande, has been long known for its rich Native American and Hispanic heritage, productive farm lands and pastoral beauty. During the last 30+ years many artists moved to the valley to pursue their artistic talent and a simpler way of life. The annual Dixon Studio Tour is always help the first full weekend of November. Dixon is located 50 miles north of Santa Fe and 25 miles south of Taos. Many artists, craftspeople, and local businesses will be displaying their wares. Food will be available at the Dixon Coop and Deli and at various stands at the Mercados and at the Presbyterian Mission Cafe, and La Chiripada Winery, Vivac Winery, and Blue Heron Brewing Company will all be open for business during the Dixon Studio Tour.
ShareYuletide in TaosHome Annual Events Page 2 Taos’ Magical Time of Year When: November through New Year’s DayWhere: Historic District of Taos and Surrounding Areas Yuletide in Taos is the name we give to all the unique New Mexican celebrations that happen throughout the holiday season. With the falling of snow on candle-lit farolitos that line the streets in front of old adobe shops and homes, one is transported to another time and place. Yuletide is the entire holiday season and includes all the unique traditions of the holiday season here in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. Indoor Winter Market at the Taos Cow @ Anglada When:10am to 2pm every Saturday from November 16th to April 26thWhere: Taos Cow @ Anglada736 Kit Carson RdTaos, NM 87571Local artists vending and community fun. TAOS FOLK When: November 18 – December 24, 2024 / 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM EverydayWhere: Stables Art GalleryMore info: taosfolkart.com Taos’s favorite holiday pop-up store, Taos Folk, is popping up again! Featuring affordable, handmade crafts from over 50 artists. Choose from fantastic jewelry, winter wear, home décor, fragrant candles and lotions, and exquisite pottery, all made by Taos hands. Plus marvelous books by Taos authors, and much, much more! Don’t miss Taos Folk popping-up! 3rd Annual Winter Jamboree Arts & Crafts Fair When: Friday, November 29th – 10am-6:30pmSaturday, November 30th – 9am-6:30pmSunday, December 1st – 9am-5:30pmWhere: Sagebrush Inn Convention Center(1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571) Arts and Craft Fair with a variety of local artists, with goods ranging from Jewelry to Quilts. Bring your holiday gift lists and shop for family and friends! Twirl Aglow Party When: Friday November 29th, 2024 / 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMWhere: TwirlMore info: twirltaos.org Join us as we kick off the holiday giving season and connect with friends and family. We will have lots of our old favorites – the most popular Santa around, entertainment, treats, and face painting with Tatyana and her elves. Come join us as we celebrate and make the holidays brighter for our kids! Lighting of Ledoux When: December 6, 2024 / 4:00 PM – 7:00 PMWhere: Ledoux StreetMore info: harwoodmuseum.org The historic narrow Ledoux Street glows with the light from farolitos, luminarias and bonfires. Galleries, shops, and museums are open late, offering holiday food and drink. People gather around the fires and share their stories in the cool starlit night. Jolly Jamboree and Christmas Tree Lighting Presented by the Town of Taos When: December 7, 2024 / 4:00PM – 6:30 PMWhere: Taos Youth and Family Center (407 Paseo Del Cañon E, Taos, NM 87571)More info: Click Here Free Community Event with Free Cookies & Hot Chocolate! Special Performances by: Julia Fernandez de Maez Mystic Dance Mariachi Paisanos de Taos Taos High School Choir Santa will visit the pool and hand out treat filled Goodie bags to the first 400 kids!! 4-6PM Christmas Tree Lighting Countdown will begin at 6:15PM Taos Pueblo Collective Holiday Market When: December 7, 2024 / 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWhere: Taos Visitor Center / Taos Pueblo Collective located at 1201 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571More info: Click Here Gifts, crafts and food. Hosted by Taos Pueblo Tourism. 27th Annual Millicent Rogers Museum Holiday Fiesta When: Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 11am-3pmWhere: Millicent Rogers MuseumMore info: millicentrogers.org In the spirit of generations of Taos museum-goers, on December 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the community is invited to gather, create, and enjoy the warmth of the season throughout the museum galleries, where tables of holiday arts and crafts projects and other seasonal entertainment will delight the child in us all. Talpa Annual Arts and Crafts Fair When: December 7th & 8th, 2024 / 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMWhere: Talpa Community Center – 4 Archuleta Rd, Ranchos de Taos, NM, United States, New Mexico 87557More info: Click Here Join us for our Annual Craft Fair on December 7th and 8th, 2024. Santa will be on site at 1pm on Saturday with goody bags for the first 50 kids. The fair will be open from 10 am to 4 pm, featuring over 20 local artists and crafters offering unique gift items for everyone on your list. As a token of appreciation for the community’s support, we’ll be serving free lunch consisting of a bowl of green chile stew or posole with red chile. Free coffee will be available, and sodas or water can be purchased for $1, with proceeds benefiting the center. Taos Chamber Music Group Concerts When: December 13th, 14th & 15th, 2024Where: Arthur Bell Auditorium at the Harwood Museum of ArtMore info: taoschambermusicgroup.org Holiday concerts performances by the Taos Chamber Music Group. Stakeout Holiday Makers Market When: Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15 2024 from 10:00am to 4:00pmWhere: The Stakeout, 101 Stakeout Drive, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557 Art by local makers of New Mexico, live music, vintage clothing! Brunch & drinks served on Saturday. Bonfires on Bent Street When: Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pmWhere: Bent Street Hosted by the John Dunn Shops and Bent Street merchants. Bonfires and farolitos will warm you up and light the way. Shops will be decorated for the festivities and offer snacks and specials all day. Any evening full of blessings, caroling, entertainment, food and hot beverages. Festival of Trees When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 from 4pm to 8pmWhere: Bataan Hall (121 Civic Plaza Drive)More info: taosmilagrorotary.com The Taos Milagro Rotary Club is participating in the Town of Taos holiday event by hosting the Festival of Trees which features 26 Christmas trees decorated by sponsors and businesses, 15 decorated wreaths, many gift baskets and donor gift items – all available for purchase in a silent auction. Funds raised at this event directly benefit the community through the literacy program, scholarship program, or community grants. Taos Pueblo Winter Market When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 from 10am to 9pmWhere: Taos Pueblo Heritage Center (501 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571)More info: Click here It’s that time of year again! Taos Pueblo Recovery Works! is happy to announce that we will be hosting the Taos Pueblo Winter Market for the 3rd year in a row! The event features over 40 Taos Pueblo Artists and Crafters in one location to help you get your Christmas shopping done locally. The event also helps to support the Taos Pueblo Community during a time when there is no tourist activity at the pueblo.This year the Recovery Works! Crew will be creating a Taos Pueblo Christmas atmosphere around the Market and we invite you to bring the family to enjoy hot cider, hot cocoa, candy apples and Taos Pueblo cookies, in the company of neighbors, while you hang out and shop. We will also have a fundraising concession with other eats available. Procession of the Virgin Mary When: December 24, 2024 / 5:00 PMWhere: Taos PuebloMore info: taospueblo.com Mass will start at 5 pm (approximately), procession proceeds after mass, as well as the burning of the bonfires, lasting 2 hours or so. Parking is limited, showing up early would be ideal, dress warm! (FREE ADMISSION after a designated time) Please keep in mind there is no guaranteed handicap parking. No where else on Earth can you experience this magical event. A stunning contrast between massive bonfires and the Procession of the Virgin with rifle salutes from the rooftops of the 1000 year old adobe pueblo buildings. A pageant of beauty, heritage, and awe inspiring imagery. Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance When: December 25, 2024Where: Taos PuebloMore info: taospueblo.com Dependent on which dance here is the tentative schedule: Deer dance will start at 1 pm (approximately), lasting all afternoon. Matachina dance will start at 11 am (approximately), lasting all day. (FREE ADMISSION). No cameras, cell phones, or video cameras allowed. Torchlight Parades & Fireworks When: November and DecemberWhere: Red River Ski AreaMore info: redriverskiarea.com/events/ Red River showcases parades and fireworks throughout November and December. Watch as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark with flares and enjoy firework displays. New Year’s Eve at Taos SKi Valley When: December 31, 2024Where: Taos Ski ValleyLearn more: https://www.skitaos.com/calendar Ring in the New Year with Taos Ski Valley’s torchlight parade, firework display, and Annual Snow Ball. Watch as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark with flares as their only means of light.
ShareFrank Morgan Taos Jazz FestivalHome Annual Events Page 2 For jazz lovers in northern New Mexico, it doesn’t get any better than this! Taos Jazz Bebop Society presents the annual TAOS JAZZ FESTIVAL, created to honor Frank Morgan, the late, great alto saxophonist who called Taos home. Every November the Festival’s roster of world-class jazz artists attracts capacity crowds from Taos and beyond. If you’re a jazz fan, this is a not-to-be-missed event.
ShareTaos Mountain Balloon RallyHome Annual Events Page 2 The Taos Mountain Balloon Rally has truly been a Taos community event. Every year on the last full weekend in October, as the trees in the high country erupt into a painter’s canvas of oranges, reds, ambers and yellows, even more color is added to the vista as the Taos skies are filled with dozens of brightly colored hot air balloons lifting into the clear, cold dawn of a Taos Mountain sunrise. Smaller than many such events, the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally is an invitational and typically hosts 35-50 balloons and crews each year. The rally – primarily because it is smaller and more intimate – has become a popular stop for balloonists, families and crews, Taoseños and visitors alike. Parents and kids get up-close and personal” with the balloonists every morning as the crews prepare for launch. The three‐day event includes mass ascensions at dawn, balloon glows in the evening, a parade and a grand ball. Schedule of events: https://www.taosballoonrally.com/schedule.html
ShareTaos Wool FestivalHome Annual Events Page 2 The Wool Festival has moved to Santa Fe for 2022. For more information, visit www.mavwawoolfest.org Immerse yourself in the more than 400 years of wool tradition as New Mexico, Colorado and Texas breeders and fiber artists celebrate at the Wool Festival. Take a look at traditional and contemporary fiber artistry, an opportunity to get up close and personal with sheep, goats, rabbits, alpacas, and llamas. Kids can try their hand at a fiber project. The Festival includes: An outstanding regional wool market featuring Juried Artists, Crafters and Vendors offering their wool, fiber, yarns,fiber arts-related tools and equipment as well as finished items and other artistic, fiber creations.Fiber Critter Corner that includes live sheep, alpacas, goats, angora rabbits, and more.Demonstrations of spinning, dyeing, shearing sheep and many other fiber related skills.Juried Shows for handspun yarn, hand dyeing, fleeces (wool and alpaca), and finished garments and home accessories.Silent Auction Saturday Oct. 2nd, featuring many unique donated items.Hands-on activities for kids of all ages.Workshops before the festival weekend.Food vendors offering a variety of beverages, snacks, lunch items including regional lamb, and other delicious choices.With the added ambience of live music, the festival is unique and fun for the whole family. Find more information: mavwawoolfest.org
ShareTaos Fall Arts FestivalHome Annual Events Page 2 Founded in 1973 by a group of artists and gallerists. Over the years, other art events have set their dates to coincide with Fall Arts. The season has come to be known as “Grand Fall Arts” and it’s a most exciting time to visit. Nestled amongst breathtaking vistas, blanketed under luminous skies, and steeped in an enticing blend of cultural diversity, Taos has inspired artists for over a century and risen to prominence as a world class art destination. Each autumn, both locals and visitors gather in anticipation of the Taos Fall Arts Festival (TFAF), an opportunity to experience and celebrate all the artists of Taos. For over forty years the Taos Fall Arts Festival has been successful because of our artists and volunteers. If you would like to volunteer in capacities from take-in art days to greeting our many visitors please contact TFAF President, Lisa Harris, at [email protected]
ShareGlam Trash Fashion ShowHome Annual Events Page 2 Where: George Chacon Mural Stage at Kit Carson Park The Glam Trash Fashion Show in Taos is a free public art event featuring a runway contest of recycled wearable art! Contestants sashay to the music of a live band in a glitter filled, smile inducing, all ages celebration of recycling, fashion and creativity. The Glam Trash Fashion Show has been an iconic Taos event since 2001. Everyone is invited to create a wearable piece made of at least 90% reclaimed materials- no recycled clothing, but instead materials rescued from the waste stream such as saved coffee bags, film negatives, billboard, book pages, pop tops and the like. There are 3 age groups based on the age of the designer/creator of each piece. 12 & under, 13 to 19, Adults 20+. There is a small entry fee for each group that goes 100% towards prize money and insurance. Glam Trash is organized and created by unpaid volunteers as a labor of love. Entry forms are available by emailing [email protected] or coming by Seconds Eco Store to pick up a paper copy of the entry form. If you are interested in donating to, volunteering or supporting this great event, please contact Sara Basehart at [email protected]
ShareMusic From Angel FireHome Annual Events Page 2 Music from Angel Fire was founded in 1983 by a group of chamber music-loving friends and families in Angel Fire and Taos who were inspired to bring chamber music to the region on an annual basis. We look forward to bringing our usual world-class music and musicians to the wonderful audiences in magical Northern NM, with world-renowned artists performing an impressive array of works from great classical, romantic, baroque and contemporary masters. Performances will take place at various venues around Northern New Mexico.
ShareLas Fiestas de TaosHome Annual Events Page 2 ¡QUE VIVAN LAS FIESTAS! As they have for centuries, the people of Taos celebrate the Feast of St. Anne and St. James. The annual event, popularly referred to as “The Taos Fiestas,” allows the local population to put aside their labor for two days and bask in the leisure of the holy days. The annual Fiestas are so important to the people of Taos that they have four different names – Lasspanish-band Fiestas de Taos, Las Fiestas de don Fernando de Taos, Las Fiestas de Santiago y Santana and Las Fiestas de la Gente. What are Fiestas? They are a celebratory tradition passed from generation to generation, a way of preserving the rich tri‐cultural way of life that has developed in Taos over the last four centuries. This culture is unique to Taos, encompassing pueblo and plains Indians, Spanish explorers, conquistadores, French fur trappers and American mountain men. Today the Fiestas encompass a roster of activities. A Fiestas Queen is selected from among the local beauties, musical and dance performances are scheduled on the Plaza every hour. A commemorative Mass and procession from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church officially opens the event on Friday evening. Plenty of food, drink and curios are available at vendor booths ringing the Plaza’s streets. ¡QUE VIVAN LAS FIESTAS!
ShareTaos Pueblo Pow WowHome Annual Events Page 2 All are welcome to the Taos Pueblo Powwow at the powwow grounds located off of Hwy 64 and Ben Romero Rd. (Right turn after Over Sheepskin Co.) Members of Indian tribes throughout the country gather in Taos to compete in traditional dance competitions. Crafts booths and food vendors ring the pow wow circle during the three-day event. A pow wow is a gathering of Indian Nations in a common circle of friendship. Indian Country is made up of many tribal nations, bands, villages, and pueblos, each with their own traditional tribal beliefs and practices. A powwow is the common fiber which draws Indian people together. It is a time for sharing with old friends and making new friends; a time for singing and dancing. It is also a time for trading — trading craft goods and trading songs. Originally, Indian tribes held celebrations to commemorate successful hunts or harvests. Many tribes had ceremonial dances to prepare for war and to celebrate victories. The old tribal War Dance as it was known and is still called today, evolved over the last four or five decades into a contemporary social dance and the pow wow into a social gathering and celebration time. A pow wow usually begins with a Grand Entry of the dancers. All participants dance into the circle in their respective categories, led into the arena by a tribal elder or veteran carrying a staff of eagle feathers. The eagle feather staff is the universal symbol and “flag” of Indian people throughout North America. When all dancers are in the circle in their respective categories, a flag song or the national anthem of the Indian people is sung, followed by an invocation by a tribal elder. Then the dance begins with intertribal dancing. This is a time when all dancers, competing or not, can “strut their stuff” displaying their best dancing abilities. The dance competition for women and men is divided by age group and dance style. For men these include the traditional, fancy, grass, and most recently, chicken dances. For women the styles include traditional, fancy shawl, and jingle dress dances. The “traditional” dance style can sometimes be separated or combined into a Northern and Southern dance style. Age categories include: Golden, Adult, Teens, Juniors, and sometimes Tiny Tots. Excerpted from AROUND THE DRUM, by Richard Archuleta, Taos Pueblo