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. TAOS FOLK When: November 18 – December 24, 2023 / 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! Twirl Aglow Party When: Friday November 24th, 2023 / 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMWhere: Twirl Twirl Play and Discovery Space hosts their FREE annual Twirl Aglow Party. The courtyard at Twirl will be filled with sparkling lights and twinkling surprises. Share your wishes with Santa, enjoy warm drinks and sweet treats, seasonal activities, and face painting by our talented elves. Experience the magic of The Holidays with Twirl and the Taos Community! twirltaos.org Sagebrush 2nd Annual Winter Jamboree Arts & Craft Fair When: Friday, November 24th – 10am-6:30pmSaturday, November 25th – 9am-6:30pmSunday, November 26th – 10am-4:30pm Where: Sagebrush Inn & Suites Chamisa Ballroom 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! Click here for updates. Festival of Trees When: Friday, December 8th from 4pm to 9pmWhere: 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. Lighting of Ledoux When: December 1, 2023 / 5:00 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. 26th Annual Holiday Community Day at Millicent Rogers Museum When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 11am-3pmWhere: Millicent Rogers MuseumMore info: millicentrogers.org Arts and Crafts, Community Performances, Multicultural Holiday Activities Fiesta Court Visit, Santa Visit. All Activities Free to the Public. 37th Annual Yuletide Tree Lighting When: December 2, 2023 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PMWhere: Taos PlazaThe 2023 Taos Holiday Season officially kicks off with the annual lighting of the Town Christmas tree. Taos Chamber Music Group Concerts When: December 8th, 9th & 10th, 2023Where: Arthur Bell Auditorium at the Harwood Museum of Art Holiday concerts performances by the Taos Chamber Music Group. taoschambermusicgroup.org Bonfires on Bent Street When: Saturday, December 9, 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. Juniper Berry – A Holiday Market Featuring Women Artists and Makers When:Friday, December 15th, 2023 from 4pm to 8pmSaturday December 16th, 2023 from 12pm to 4pmWhere: Revolt Gallery222 Paseo Del Pueblo NorteTaos, NM 87571This holiday season shop local at Juniper Berry – a pop up holiday market at the Revolt compound!Find a gift for everyone on your list from the 15+ women makers and artists from the Taos Area. Enjoy a complimentary festive hot drink while you shop and make sure to bring some cash to tip our local acoustic musicians that will be playing, too! Shop in the gallery and music spaces and grab some food from the Godega by Church next door. The Stakeout Holiday Maker’s Mart When:Saturday, December 16th, 2023 from 10am to 2pmSunday December 17th, 2023 from 10am to 5pmWhere: The Stakeout101 Stakeout DrRanchos de Taos, NMThe Stakeout hosts its Holiday Makers Mart on December 16th and 17th presented by Siouxzen Kang, featuring an eclectic range of local artisans to suit all of your holiday gift-giving needs! After Saturday’s market, stick around for The Stakeout’s new Saturday evening dinner service starting at 5pm that evening (reservations and walk-ins welcome). On Sunday, The Stakeout will offer brunch service from 10am-3pm during the market. For more information visit www.stakeouttaos.com/calendar or contact [email protected] Las Posadas A celebration of religious observance beginning December 15. 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) Learn more: Las Posadas Procession of the Virgin Mary When: December 24, 2023 / 5:00 PMWhere: Taos Pueblo 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.For details visit taospueblo.com Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance When: December 25, 2023Where: Taos Pueblo 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. taospueblo.com Torchlight Parades & Fireworks When: November and DecemberWhere: Red River Ski Area 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. redriverskiarea.com/events/ New Year’s Eve at Taos SKi Valley When: December 31, 2023Where: Taos Ski ValleyLearn more: https://taosskivalley.com/event/new-years-eve-festivities/ Ring in the 2024 New Year in with Taos Ski Valley’s torchlight parade, firework display, prime rib buffet, and 3rd Annual Snow Ball. Watch as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark with flares as their only means of light. Following the torchlight and a fireworks display by Gemini Fireworks.
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
Share50th Taos 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 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 The Taos Pow Wow has been cancelled for 2023 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
ShareMichael Hearne’s Big Barn DanceHome Annual Events Page 2 Celebrating 21 amazing years of music at Kit Carson Park, in the heart of Taos, New Mexico. Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance Music Festival boasts a lineup of the best artists in Americana, Folk, Bluegrass, Singer-Songwriter and everything in between. Known for it’s intimate concert hall setting, as well as two dance floors, the Barn Dance is a beloved tradition that music lovers and two-steppers alike look forward to year after year. The Big Barn Dance stage has hosted both legendary songwriters and young up-and-comers. A listening room experience in a festival setting, this event has an atmosphere unlike any other. With a large tent and two covered dance floors, the festival is a phenomenal experience whether you’re enjoying the beautiful mountain sunshine or a refreshing New Mexico rain. Enjoy the seated listening room setting throughout the weekend. Then on Saturday evening, the chairs are cleared and the tent becomes the finest dance hall in New Mexico. With restaurants, lodging, shops and local art galleries just a short walk away from the festival grounds, attendees not only get to experience incredible music but explore the vibrant culture unique to Taos.