Traditions - The Christmas holidays in Albuquerque, New Mexico are, like most other places, a time to share traditions by getting together with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and having festive meals together. In New Mexico, however a rich cultural blend of native and imported traditions add enchantment that makes a difference. The traditions of 19 native pueblos combined with enriching ideas from a constant trickle of people relocating from across the nation and the world have create varied and interesting blend of holiday traditions in the state.
The experiences start in the pueblos. Whenever I visit a pueblo, residents invite me to return to celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve with them because each pueblo has pride in its unique traditions, all of which include light or bonfires. If the weather should permit, this is the year I will make it to one.
The Posadas, probably dating back to the arrival of the first Spanish settlers, and still celebrated in pockets of the community across the state, Las Posadas offer another opportunity to participate in an uniquely New Mexican Christmas tradition. Whether your are Christian or not, on Christmas Eve you can join the party re-enacting the Christmas story and accompany Mary and Joseph going from house to house seeking a shelter or you may choose to simply go to your church as Christians all over the world will do.
Also on Christmas Eve, you can drive through New Mexico city neighborhoods to see the display of lights. Many displays, lending the landscape a distinctive southwestern appearance, are the farolitas or luminarias that outline sidewalks, driveways, and rooftops. Many are still hand-made, assembled with sand, paper bags and candles. others are modernised electrical. Nob Hill and Old Town, Albuqueruque neighborhoods close streets to traffic to allow people to stroll and enjoy the enchantment of the glow.
Dining Out - On Christmas Day, the pleasures of a rich cultural heritage continue in the interesting blends of flavors of traditional and other foods that grace the holiday dinner table. Whatever else you may have, be prepared for the unique New Mexico red or green chile flavor in dishes like posole and tamale. If you are a newcomer to New Mexico, the Christmas table is a good place to start preparing for the question you will be asked everywhere when dining out in New Mexico - red or green?
Happy Holidays from the Land of Enchantment!
(This post is a rewrite of a previous post)
Eloise Gift
Gift Realty NM
