Taos Aglow 2024-25: Northern New Mexico Holiday Traditions
AMINA’S CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE
AMMANN GALLERY
BEAD CREATIONS
BENT STREET GRILLE
CAFÉ SAGRADO – ESPRESSO BAR
Ammann Gallery
CLARKE & CO. – MENSWEAR
Bead Creations
Bent
Cici’s Bean -
COMMON THREAD TEXTILES
COYOTE MOON
LAS COMADRES GALLERY
LITTLE PLACE BOUTIQUE
Common Thread Textiles
MODA – FOR WOMEN
Coyote Moon Gallery
MONET’S KITCHEN
MOONCAT FIBER
OP.CIT BOOKSHOP
SECONDS ECO STORE
Monet’s Kitchen
STEPPIN’ OUT – SHOES & FASHIONS
Mooncat Fiber - yarn
STITCH IN TIME
La Tierra Mineral Gallery
Las Comadres Gallery
op.cit Bookshop
Seconds Eco Store
Steppin’ Out Shoes & Fashions
Be an angel for CAV
BY MELISSA OFFENHARTZ
HE BEST PART ABOUT HANDING OUT PRESENTS
to children is seeing the looks on their faces. The CAV Angel Tree, a 28-year tradition at Community Against Violence, is a way for people in our community to make a child’s Christmas a little brighter, Santa or no Santa.
This project was started to ensure children and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence would have access to holiday celebrations and joy. Every holiday season since 1997, the Angel Tree has helped fulfill the holiday wishes and needed items of children in CAV’s shelter or services. The wishes are a way the community can partner with CAV to provide gifts to children. Over 500 children received gifts in 2023, and that number keeps growing. Local businesses and community members are invited to come by CAV and select angel wishes, which began Nov. 4.
Select a child or children of any age and purchase
what they need or want. Most needed gifts for teens are gift cards to buy what they want or need. Gifts can be wrapped or not and must be delivered back to CAV by Friday, Dec. 13.
The gifts are given at a special celebration for the children just before the holidays.
Bonfires on Bent Street, one of Taos’ most beloved holiday traditions, returns to the historic heart of the community Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4–7 p.m.
As the sun begins to set, Bent Street will close to traffic, festive lights will turn on, farolitos will alight and bonfires will cast their golden glow over the smiling faces of the crowds gathering in the John Dunn Shops courtyards. It is a perfect time to mingle with family and friends, do some holiday shopping and enjoy the decades-long tradition.
“Since prehistoric times, the winter solstice has been a time of feasting with neighbors and friends and remembering that within any darkness, there is always light,” said Polly Raye, who previously owned the John Dunn Shops and began this holiday celebration in 1988. “I wanted to make the celebration a gift for the community, with love disguised as food.”
Those early gatherings attracted several hundred visitors, she estimated, but today, Bonfires has grown to see crowds numbering in the thousands over the course of the day and with its legacy growing ever stronger. Expect caroling from the Taos Community Chorus and Billy Archuleta, dancers and impromptu performances as the evening progresses and holiday spirit builds o a crescendo. Shopkeepers will have extended hours, and many will be offering sweet treats, warming beverages, and special sales and events.
ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT THE NEW YEAR HAS IN STORE FOR YOU?
Stop by Jordan Hoggard’s table for a complimentary “Tarot for Well-Being” reading, where he will share insights with tarot from the Land of Mystereum deck.
Then head over to Bent Street Grille where, “We will have bonfires in our patio area for roasting marshmallows, and we’ll be serving hot chocolate,” Linda Gutekunst shared, also noting adult beverages will be available for purchase.
Taos Cookery’s Cobey Senescu
said they will be welcoming visitors with homemade cookies, hot apple cider, and espresso drinks with latte art by Janet Shipley. Inside you’ll find sales, giveaways and a lot of fun, Cobey promises.
Down the road, Jenny Chapleau of B.E.E.Spoke boutique and art
cafe told the Taos News they will feature live music, chai tea and a 30 percent off sale, while their neighbor Chocolate + Cashmere will offer chocolate tastings and special treats, Anja of C + C explained.
Boxie Tees will feature a Self-
ies with Santa photo booth, along with two raffles — one naughty and one nice — and a free gift with purchase for anyone sporting an ugly Christmas sweater. Browse the shop’s offerings as you enjoy warm cider and cookies, then head over to Moth Leather & Cloth, where Prairie Rose noted they are celebrating their first anniversary with champagne, hors d’oeuvres and special anniversary pricing.
The spirit of Bonfire of Bent’s community-nurturing origins will be on display at Britt Brown’s flower shop and sculpture gallery, Ultraviolet. Hosted by Joan Eichelberger and friends, the florist will sell hot cider in handmade ceramic mugs for $10, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Taos’ NEST shelter, and will also offer wine, nibbles and a sale on artwork.
This is only a snapshot of the conviviality in store for you; there is so much more to experience as you spend the Bonfires on Bent evening exploring the historic area, finding the perfect holiday gifts and connecting with friends new and old. Raye also reminds us of what defines Taos as a community.
“Because the Bent Street and John Dunn Shops are all locally owned, the merchants continue to offer this celebration as a way to thank everyone for their year round friendship and support,” she observed. “It is Taos at its best.”
Festival of Trees
Rotary fundraiser gives back to Taos community
BY ANGELA LEGH
he Festival of Trees in Taos has been a cherished holiday tradition for decades, marking the start of the festive season with a blend ommunity spirit, artistry and charity. Each year, this beloved event brings people together to celebrate, while giving back to local causes and spreading holiday cheer throughout Northern New Mexico. What began as a modest gathering has since evolved o an expansive, family-centered celebration, capturing the heart
The roots of the Taos Festival of Trees trace back to
community leaders and local organizations who envisioned a festive event that could unite people while supporting local charities. Early festivals focused on beautifully decorated trees local artists, businesses and community members would design and donate. These trees were then auctioned off, with proceeds going to local nonprofits. The event was an upscale signature holiday occasion, offering a chance for attendees to admire the creative, festive trees while knowing their contributions would directly benefit their community.
In its early years, the festival was largely a visual experience, where decorated trees, wreaths and other holiday creations took center stage, transforming the event space into a winter wonderland. Local artisans brought their creative flair to each tree, making every year unique and magical. The festival quickly became a mainstay of the holiday season in
Taos, welcoming families and visitors who wanted to experience the holiday spirit while giving back.
Over the years, as the Taos community grew and family dynamics evolved, the festival began to shift its focus, embracing a more inclusive approach to create a fun, magical experience for all ages. What once focused on decor alone expanded to include activities and attractions aimed at engaging children, parents and grandparents alike, turning the festival into a multigenerational experience.
Join us for this year’s Festival of Trees on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m.! After enjoying the magic of the Bonfires on Bent Street, wander over to Bataan Hall on Civic Center Drive, step inside and let the warmth of the season surround you. Cozy up, savor the stunning holiday decor, and find unique gifts to make this season unforgettable!
FESTIVAL OF TREES
Presented by Taos Milagro Rotary Saturday, Dec. 14, 4–8 p.m.
UNM-Taos Bataan Hall
120 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos
For more information, visit taosmilagrorotary.com.
Peace Chanukah Spreading good will across all faiths
BY BETTE MYERSON
oin us for the 23rd Annual Interfaith eace Chanukah, a beautiful ceremony with prayers of peace, songs, candle lighting and voices from many different religious faiths, Sunday, Dec. 29 at St. James Episcopal Church in Taos.
As of press time, confirmed speakers include Mother Mandy Taylor-Montoya, the new rector of St. James Church; Rev. Diana Davies, the new minister of the Unitarian Congregation of Taos; moderator Rabbi Judith Halevy from the Taos Jew-
ish Center; Colleen Shaughnessy, Buddhist; and Religious Science Reverends Clark and Tanya Sumner. We will also have representatives of Roman Catholic, Muslim, Hindu and Taos Pueblo faiths and other groups.
The event is free and open to all. We ask that you bring nonperishable foodstuffs to be given to our hungry neighbors. If you have a menorah or candle, please bring it.
For those unable to come in person, the event will be live-streamed.
Chanukah commemorates a miracle Jews believe occurred in the Holy Temple: Upon their return to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after defeating Hellenist Syrians — who made it illegal for Jews to worship — the Jews found only enough oil to light the temple’s menorah for one day, yet the menorah stayed aflame for eight days and nights, giving them enough
time to find more oil to keep the fire lit. Taos’ special celebration of Chanukah was born from the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks. The first Peace Chanukah, held on the East Coast in 2001, brought people from all religions together to celebrate peace and the lights of the season in wake of the attacks. A Taos Jewish community member brought the idea back to Taos and the event has continued in Taos every year since.
Sunday, Dec. 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m. St. James Episcopal Church, 208 Camino de Santiago, Taos. For more information, contact Bette Myerson at bette@taosnet.com or 575-779-1709.
PEACE CHANUKAH
“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” - Wassily Kandinsky
See our Paintings at Wilder Nightingale Fine Arts (Taos), Legacy (Santa Fe) and Manitou Galleries (Santa Fe)
Coming This Holiday Season: The MorningStar Family Series Continues:
“Luna, The Mare with the Sky Blue Eyes, A True Story”
Second printing. Author: Dora Dillistone, Illustrations: Jonathan Warm -Day Coming
The story of a strange little mare who finds her true home and family at the MorningStar Stables in Taos, New Mexico
“The Perfectly Beautiful Day”
Author: Dora Dillistone and Illustrations: Dora Dillistone
The MorningStar Stables in Taos, NM provides a place of sanctuary and welcome. It is an humble place but its family of animals and humans is truly extraordinary. Each challenging day brings us an opportunity to make someone’s life better so they will have a “Perfectly Beautiful Day”.
Available at: Op Cit Books, Millicent Rogers Museum, Santos y Mas (Arroyo Seco) and Amazon Books online.
Dancing Aurora Borealis Over the Mountains o/c 15x30
BY ELLEN MILLER-GOINS
The Longest Night A memorial service
young businessman helps a girl on the street — someone who is normally “invisible” — and soon he himself becomes invisible. Neil Gaiman’s “Neverwhere” (both the
television show and the book) is a no-too-subtle commentary on the plight of people who have nowhere to call home. It’s even more tragic when one of these “invisible” denizens on our community die alone with no one to commemorate their lives or their deaths.
This is the impetus behind the Homeless Persons Memorial Day, which takes place each year on the longest night of the year. The Enchanted Circle Interfaith Gathering is again honoring those who have died this past year Saturday, Dec. 21, 5 p.m. at Taos Plaza, followed by a potluck at First Pres-
byterian Church (215 Paseo del Norte, right next to Kit Carson Park).
Pastor Virginia “Ginna” Bairby said Taos’ event was started in 2018 because of efforts by “folks working in the homelessness services … the men’s shelter at DreamTree and HEART [of Taos]. It’s a nationwide movement.”
Bairby added the event typically features “memorial services for those who are homeless, who have died, often from homelessness and the complications to go with that. I’d say it’s somewhat like a memorial service and also like a vigil. It’s,
very intentionally not one specific faith, but there’s usually song, prayer … There’s always candles, and the wind always blows them out. We always light them again. Folks from the homeless community speak to the memory of someone that they’ve lost.”
Catherine Hummel, executive director at the DreamTree Project, said, “It’s crucial to take time to remember those we have lost as a result of their experience of being unhoused. This vigil brings us together in recognition of the dignity and humanity all of us share.”
Bairby added the Longest Night is “focused on, on the homeless community, but we’ve all lost people in the last year, and if someone wants to lift those people up, say their names, they’re welcome to.”
PHOTOS BY NATHAN BURTON/TAOS NEWS
Colorfully
We've got everything you need for the holidays at Cid’s — fresh ingredients, festive treats. Swing by The Cellar next door for fine wines, craft beers, and spirits that will make your celebrations shine.
623 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE
TAOS SKI VALLEY DOWNTOWN TAOS
The Longest Night
Faith leaders working together
According to Bairby, the interfaith group includes “leadership from most of the mainline Protestants … several folks from the Catholic community, some folks from the Jewish community, from the [Hindu] ashram, a couple Buddhist representatives, the Unitarian-Universalist community … We recently have had someone join us from the Muslim community, which has been a real gift. … John Bishop Miller from the Mormon community has joined us. It’s just whoever’s willing to come and collaborate. … We try to meet once a month.”
The group collaborates on any number of community issues and needs but, Bairby said, “We almost always get an update on homelessness.”
DreamTree and others who provide services for unhoused folks also frequently attend Enchanted Circle Interfaith Gathering meetings.
“The staff from those organizations have been at the table from the beginning,” Bairby said. “I think that’s maybe why homelessness has always been such a core piece of what we do together as an interfaith community.”
Unhoused people often endure life-threatening conditions during colder months when temperatures can drop below freezing, increasing the risk of illness, exposure and death. The DreamTree Project’s NEST (Navigating Emergency Support Together) shelter is open for overnight winter crisis shelter at 601 Lovato Place being Super Save in Taos. Services are offered for women, men and genderexpansive adults ages 18 and older. Youth ages 12–17 are also housed at DreamTree’s Emergency Youth Shelter behind Albertson’s at 128 La Posta Road.
Home for the holidays
N OTHI NG BEATS HOME-COOKED SEASONAL TREATS!
COMPILED BY ELLEN MILLER-GOINS
When talking about helping the late Fayne Lutz compile recipes for her latest cookbook “The Traditional Taos Table,” M. Elwell Romancito said, “As I went through all the recipe clippings Fayne had saved over the decades, I explained to my daughter this was how someone collected recipes before the internet. Her comment was, ‘How could you find anything?’”
It’s true: Many people find recipes by browsing the internet — and that’s a shame. Those of us who learned to bake and cook by browsing cookbooks and clipping recipes by pros like Fayne Lutz know few things can match the pleasure of finding a new favorite paired with a mouth-watering photo — and learning from its writer.
Below are some Fayne Lutz holiday favorites from “The Traditional Taos Table”; a recipe Martha Frank, a former Red River resident during wintertime, clipped (and New Mexicanized) from another newspaper; and a recipe taken from a cookbook the Red River Women’s Club compiled in the ’70s. Enjoy!
THE LATE, GREAT FAYNE LUTZ
Fayne Lutz taught more than a few how to make authentic Northern New Mexican cuisine in her “Fayne on Food” column for the Taos News. In 2017, M. Elwell Romancito published the cookbook “The Traditional Taos Table,” which is also available for free at taostable. com. Be sure to check out her empanadas recipes!
INGREDIENTS
PRUNE PIE
Wild plums grow all around the Taos Valley and if you are lucky enough to try a pie baked with the wild plums that grow here, you’ll have tasted something very special indeed.
It takes a lot of wild plums to make one pie, so often the cook will opt for the pitted prunes that come in a package, but if the cook is traditional, they’ll add a little of their traditional wild plums to the
cook pot and it somehow imparts that specialness to the whole pie. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling and to the top of the pie if you really want to be traditional. When pies are being prepared for feast days and a lot of guests are anticipated, double the recipe and roll out your pie crust onto a shallow cooking sheet and cut the finished pies into little squares. This recipe is for a modest table of about 6–8 servings. Makes one 9-inch pie.
• 1 unbaked 9-inch double piecrust (sure, you can buy frozen or pre-made but don’t you want this pie to be special and delicious?)
• 1 12-oz package pitted prunes, simmered on the stove with one cup of water for a little while
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup of the reserved liquid from cooking the prunes
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• Dash of salt
Place the cooked prunes in the bottom crust. Combine egg, juice and salt and pour over the prunes. Top with the second crust. Brush the top of the crust with milk and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon for a crisp crust. Traditional families have their own special designs that are woven or cut into the pie crust to add beauty to the finished pie.
Bake at 425 degrees for 40 minutes.
Prune pie
BISCOCHITOS
You can argue lard will never touch your lips but if you’ve ever eaten traditional biscochitos, you’ve already eaten lard so you might as well get over it because the rendered pork fat gives the cookies their distinctive flavor
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups solid shortening, or lard if you want to be traditional
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp anise seeds, mashed to release flavor
• 6 cups flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup brandy or apple juice
• 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar for topping (mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon per cup of granulated sugar)
Cream together the shortening and the eggs. Mash the anise seeds with the back of a spoon to lightly crush. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir together the flour and the shortening mixtures.
This can be very tedious so be sure to work in all the flour mix. Roll out on a lightly floured board and cut into fancy shapes. Diamond shape is traditional, but so is using cookie cutters with rounded, fluted edges. Sprinkle each cookie with cinnamon sugar. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until golden (about 12 minutes). These can be made ahead of time and frozen. Makes 5–6 dozen. continued Biscochitos
Home for the holidays RECIPES
SEPHARDIC LATKES
For decades, Harry and Martha Frank invited friends to their annual Hanukah commemoration before lighting the last candle on their menorah. Then everyone would feast on a variety of holiday treats that included Martha’s green chile latkes.
adapted from one found in the Detroit Free Press. “I recognized the first time I used it in Red River that it obviously needed green chile.”
INGREDIENTS
• 3 medium potatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped fine
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 6 oz (3/8 C) liquid egg substitute
• 1 1/2 tsp finely minced fresh garlic
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Up to 1 Tbsp green chile powder or 4 Tbsp chopped green chiles (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
tender and set aside.
olive oil until soft and glazed, stirring constantly (about 5 minutes). Add spinach to thaw.
Notes from Martha: “Two ounces of liquid egg substitute is equal to one large egg. I use the substitute because it’s pasteurized and consistent. (Vegans need to substitute whatever they use instead of eggs.) Using mashed cooked potatoes instead of grated raw ones (as are used in most Ashkenazi latkes) makes life sooo much easier. When celebrating the last night of Hanukah with friends, I make three batches of the recipe, instead of tripling the ingredients in one big batch. That way, if people get tired of eating them, the extras can be used later. Also, my mixer is incapable of the mixing task when you throw nine medium cooked potatoes in it at once.”
PIÑON NUT COOKIES
Martha prepared these for special events like the farolito and moonlight tours at Enchanted Forest. A chemist by trade, she prefers bak-
• 1 Tbsp powdered green chile (or
• 2 eggs or 4 oz (1/4 cup) egg
• 18 oz (3 cup) chocolate chips
Mash the potatoes and combine in the mashing bowl with the onions and spinach, egg substitute, garlic, turmeric and cumin. If the mixture seems dry, add more egg substitute.
Heat several tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet and add batter to make 3-inch pancakes (about 1/3 cup of batter each). Fry until browned on each side. Either keep cooked latkes in a warm oven until all are finished or serve them to hungry watchers as they come out of the skillet. Garnish with fresh tomato wedges and serve with sour cream (of course) and salsa (optional). Makes 14–16 pancakes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Combine flour, salt, baking soda and powdered green
Cream together butter sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs (or egg substitute) and vanilla, then stir in the flour mixture.
Latkes
Chocolate chip piñon nut cookies
ALYCE LINDBERG DENSOW’S SWEDISH MULLED WINE
The late Alyce Lindberg Densow lived in Red River over 40 years. The Densow family ran the Red River Inn and Gift Shop. They also built a theater and produced summer melodramas that were written and performed by the Densows and other town thespians. She was proud of her Swedish lineage, noting, “I’m Red River’s professional Swede!” This recipe is taken from “Red River’s Cookin’,” a 1970s compilation by the Red River Women’s Club.
JUL GLÖGG (CHRISTMAS WINE)
Glögg is guaranteed to warm the spirit at Christmas. When Swedes gather at this festive time, they raise their glasses of steaming glögg in a “Skål” salute.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 bottle Swedish aquavit
• 1 bottle Burgundy
• 3/4 cup seedless dark raisins
• 1/2 cup sugar1 Tbsp cardamon seeds
• 1/2 tsp whole cloves
• 3 1/2-inch pieces cinnamon sticks
• 1 small piece lemon peel
Into a large saucepan pour half the aquavit and all the Burgundy. Add raisins and sugar. Tie spices in a cheesecloth and drop into liquid. Cover pan. Bring slowly to boiling point, then simmer 30 minutes. Add remainder of aquavit. Remove from heat and put a lighted match to glögg in pan. Using long-handled ladle, pour hot glögg into punch glasses or mugs, Serve with raisins and almonds in each glass.
Glögg can be prepared days in advance and stored in glass jars. Heat thoroughly when ready to serve but do not boil. If serving immediately after making, pour into chafing dish to keep hot, then turn off lights and ignite.
Mulled wine
Enchanted Circle resorts celebrate the season with a bang
BY CINDY BROWN
N Ski AglowAreas
ORTHERN NEW MEXICAN SKI AREAS
put on a spectacular show for the holiday season. Each ski area has its own unique approach to creating an enchanted holiday and lighting up the dark. Towering Christmas trees, ribbons of color created by torches weaving down the slopes and the burst of fireworks overhead make for a sparkling and memorable way to celebrate the season.
TAOS SKI VALLEY will host a holiday market and tree lighting on December 7. On New Year’s Eve there will be a fireworks display followed by a Snow Ball at the Martini Tree Bar. SKITAOS.COM
ANGEL FIRE RESORT offers hot chocolate, s’mores and night skiing on holidays and at special times all season. On Christmas Eve, there will be a torchlight parade and fireworks display. Santa and Mrs. Claus will cruise the slopes with a red bag full of treats on Christmas Day. The New Year’s Eve celebration will feature a torchlight parade and fireworks show followed by a New Year’s Eve Party at the Village Haus Restaurant & Bar. ANGELFIRERESORT.COM
SIPAPU SKI AND SUMMER RESORT lights a towering three-story Christmas tree and will hold caroling around the tree. Santa Claus will be on the slopes the week leading up to Christmas and will visit on Christmas Eve when posole and cookies will be served. John Paul Bradley, mountain manager at Sipapu, said celebrating the holidays at Sipapu is a family tradition with some families visiting for many generations.
SIPAPU.SKI
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Ski Areas Aglow
RED RIVER SKI AND SUMMER AREA will light up the night with a torchlight parade and fireworks on Christmas Eve. Then, on Christmas Day, look for Santa on the slopes handing out candy canes. The celebration continues on New Year’s Eve with another colorful torchlight parade and glittering fireworks display
REDRIVERSKIAREA.COM
ENCHANTED FOREST CROSS COUNTRY SKI
AREA just outside Red River hosts a Christmas night ski and snowshoe through the woods. Little lights known as farolitos illuminate the way along a short loop for a selfguided nighttime tour — an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the season in a quiet and contemplative way while gliding or snowshoeing through the trees. Enjoy free drinks, posole, green child stew, fudge, cookies, and other goodies in the warming hut.
ENCHANTEDFORESTXC.COM CONTINUED FROM 22
MUSEUM'S...
Holiday Fiesta MILLICENT ROGERS
A time-honored Taos holiday tradition
BY KAREN CHERTOK, EDUCATION DIRECTOR, MILLICENT ROGERS MUSEUM
IN THE SPIRIT OF GENERATIONS
of Taos museum-goers, on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m.–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 during our 27th Holiday Fiesta Community Day.
The holiday fiesta has always included elements of music, cultural holiday arts and community members sharing joyful traditions. The free, popular event is dedicated to family enjoyment and, along with our community, has adapted to changes over the years. Even during the pandemic, Millicent Rogers Museum volunteers handed out holiday art project kits in a drive-through version of this event.
Holiday Fiesta is a gathering place where folks meet and visit, reminiscing while at the same time creating new memories. Many students (and adults!) over the last few years have shared fond memories of coming to the museum to make holi-
day art projects. For 2024, we have added a food component: There will be free cocoa and cookies on the portal, along with latte artist Janet Boccelli selling her festive frothings and a Taos Pueblo baked goods vendor.
Also new this year, Santa Fe musician Westin Lee McDowell will offer up holiday tunes from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Westin, whose mother was a Spanish dancer and father a musician and poet, is eager to bring his song to Taos this season.
Adding to the mix of ornaments, games and arts mentioned above, the museum welcomes papel picado artist Tlacaelel Trujillo y Fuentes, who is planning a festive art activity for kids.
December 14 & 15, 2024
Winter Weekend
All activities are free and drop in unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, December 14
9:00 - 10:00 am: Free yoga for overnight guests.
1:00 - 3:00 pm: Make your own holiday ornaments out of copper.
1:00 - 2:30 pm: Tamale demonstration.
2:30 - 4:00 pm: Cookie decorating.
3:00 - 5:00 pm: Make your own watercolor holiday cards.
5:30 - 6:30 pm: Dinner for overnight guests only.
6:15 -7:15 pm: Live music and hot drinks (cocktails and mocktails).
7:30 pm: Star Tour with Ghost Ranch astronomers.
1:00 - 5:00 pm: Holiday youth activities like face painting, making felted holiday ornaments.
Sunday, December 15
8:00 - 9:00 am: Free yoga for overnight guests.
10:00 am - Noon: Make your own holiday ornaments out of copper.
10:00 am - Noon: Make your own watercolor holiday cards.
Paid Activities:
All-Day Massage and Sound Immersion at 5 pm on December 14
Sound Immersion at 9 am on December 15
Use the QR code to sign up!
10:00 am - Noon: Holiday youth activities like face painting and making stone carved holiday ornaments.
MILLICENT ROGERS MUSEUM'S
Holiday Fiesta
As the children paint, glue, smile and laugh, they may or may not notice the art on the museum’s walls, and that’s okay. The Holiday Fiesta is not just about the art; it’s about home and community. We want our families to feel at home here. MRM is a museum that validates and celebrates the importance of local cultural stories. The powerful voice of a second grader once told me, “It’s just like at home!” when they rounded the corner into the retablo gallery.
We are grateful to our community sponsors, Taos Ski Valley Foundation, Albertsons and Taos Community Foundation, for their support. A special thank you to Tlacaelel Trujillo Fuentes for giving his time. But most of all, we thank the Taos community for embracing the Millicent Rogers Museum as your own and making the Holiday Fiesta a true celebration of our shared traditions.
Located at 1504 Millicent Rogers Road in Taos, New Mexico, the Millicent Rogers Museum, a 501(c) (3), partners with communities of the Southwest to share their stories, arts and cultures. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m., seven days a week. From November through March, the museum is closed on Wednesdays. General admission is $20, with $15 admission daily for veterans, students and seniors (65+) and free daily admission for children under 6, museum members and tribal members.
Taos County residents receive free entry to the museum every Sunday.
1 From one family to another, make giving a holiday tradition. Your loved one will receive a thank-you when you donate in their name. Or a donation can be made in someone’s memory.
2 Shop at CAV’s Thrift Store at 1509 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos. Visit TaosCAV.org for store hours.
3 Remember, and spread the word: Whoever you are, CAV is here for you.
Taos holiday shopping
Taos makers and vendors provide local and visiting shoppers with endless creative and uncommon options for their holiday gifting. With such a vast selection of expertly curated shops, The Taos News created a local guide with just a sampling of some of the best spots for gifts under $30; think stocking stuffers, white elephant gifts, Hanukkah gifts, or something for the host or hostess. Whether you are on a bud-
LOCAL FINDS UNDER $30
FOR THE YOUNG & YOUNG AT HEART
Unicorn School Supply & Stationery, in business for 40 years, is a great stop for your younger friends and family members. You’ll find an assortment of arts and crafts and writing supplies including puzzles, craft kits, journals, craft projects, and paint by numbers. Standout items included beautiful stained glass coloring books for $1.99 and origami kits under $10, bringing paper to life at a bargain. Holiday and non-holiday cards from local artist Jonathan Warm Day Coming and photographer Mona Makela will send your loved ones a piece of Taos.
UNICORN SCHOOL SUPPLY & STATIONERY
Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 311 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos 575-758-4106
unicornschoolsupplies.com
shopping guide
BY STEPHANIE GATES
WOMEN-OWNED COFFEE & GIFTS
Café Sagrado is not just a hot beverage and pastry stop along your John Dunn shopping spree. Owner Cristina Portillo Garcia curates gifts and trinkets from small makers, in particular women of color. She only selects items that she would be willing to spend money on for her own gifting. Café Sagrado sells crystal sun catchers running from $20–28, temporary tattoos in a variety of designs for $6.50, and pencils you can plant. Locally made candles and scented sprays are available for $20. In the spotlight was a line of fabric items made from recycled saris; colorful headbands, cosmetic bags, plant holders, dish cloths and even Christmas stockings.
CAFÉ SAGRADO
Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
John Dunn Shops 124 Bent St., Taos, 575-613-6713 cafesagradotaos.com
OP. CIT. BOOKS
Sunday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
John Dunn Shops 124 Bent St., Taos 575-751-1999
for the latest bestseller or a rare and collectible edition. Take a peek upstairs for a section dedicated to artist’s books and other media. After you find your next read, stock up on stocking stuffers includ ing matchbooks, CD’s, ornaments and calendars all under $20. Be sure to pick up the 8th edition of the “Liberation of Taos Trucks” calendar, featuring airborne trucks flying over familiar scenes; one month even captures a rare sighting of a pickup being towed by reindeer over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
FOR THE TREE
While they specialize in handmade jewelry and art, Taos Blue has been a well-known destination for Christmas cards and dazzling ornaments for 35 years. For $16–28, the artisanal felt or copper animal-shaped ornaments will stand out on your tree, sparkling with a gold or silver sheen
CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
Taos holiday shopping guide
FOR THEIR NEXT ADVENTURE
Mudd N Flood is where you’ll find cozy cold weather and outdoorsy accessories. While you’ll likely be tempted to upgrade your wardrobe with a new winter jacket or pair of slippers, there’s plenty of items under our $30 limit. Mudd N Flood has mittens, headbands, beanies and Smartwool ski and hiking socks galore. You can find bandanas in New Mexican style and landscapes for $5, a lightweight waterproof wallet for $13, or a mini Nalgene water bottle for $12. Instead of carrying all of your gifts, at this point you might need to grab a pollinator or mushroom screenprinted tote designed by co-owner Elana Lombard’s daughter, Gwendolyn Pieper, for $27.
MUDD ‘N’ FLOOD MOUNTAIN SHOP
Open daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 103 Bent St, Taos 575-751-9100 muddnflood.com
CONTINUED FROM 31
FOR THE NATURAL HOME
Though Clean seems an unlikely spot for holiday shopping, why not get some shopping done while picking up your eco-friendly dry cleaning? Clean Taos is not just a family-owned laundry service; they sell a wide selection of natural cleaning and personal care items. For the environmentally conscious family, I recommend their chemical-free pet bed freshener for $13.50, along with some reusable and extra absorbent Swedish dishcloths. Their piglet and cow dryer balls are so cute they might also be your toddler’s new companion. Anyone would love their affordable luxuries like wax melts and candles, or for $16 you can gift their felted soap, which is a naturally scented soap wrapped in colorful wool that will lather up easily through the fibers.
CLEAN TAOS
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
206 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571 575-425-4446 cleantaos.com
FOR THE VINTAGE SCAVENGERS
Reneux Consignment offers affordable treasures and trinkets for your home, likely upcycled or sold from a neighbor. Taos’ secondhand economy is rich with unique glassware, hand-thrown ceramic mugs, linens, silverwares, candlesticks, jewelry boxes, and crystals. A lucky shop per might find a set of sake cups for $2 each, or a set of vintage silver grapefruit spoons with a serrated edge for $2.50 each. Upstairs you can find all sorts of accessories under $20 including scarves, purses, mittens and pillows.
RENEUX CONSIGNMENT
Open daily from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 126A Camino de Santa Fe, Taos 575-758-4460
Find us on Facebook
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Orthopedic rehabilitation
• Post-cerebrovascular accident (Stroke)
• Respiratory / Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Neurological rehabilitation
• Amputation care
• Hip/Knee fractures and replacements
• General debility /Weakness
• Short and long term rehabilitation
• Our professional team includes Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants providing care 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 365 days per year
• Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses
• Infusion (IV) therapy including antibiotics
• Pain management
• Wound care
• Uncontrolled/Complicated Diabetes
• Post surgical complications
Taos holiday shopping guide
FOR THEIR SWEET TOOTH
Visit Chokola for single-origin chocolate bars, truffles and drinking chocolates. Made with just cacao and organic cane sugar, these limited, small-batch chocolates are perfect to have on hand for last-minute presents. Recipients can enjoy rich flavor as well as new cultural knowledge about the ancient traditions of cacao farmers.
FOR WEARABLE ART
Artemisia ArtWear is known for their handwoven and wearable art and clothing items. After 22 years they have relocated to Bent Street, where they still represent local fiber artists. Artemisia sells a variety of weaves including crocheted lariats, silk necklaces and eyeglass cases.
ARTEMISIA TAOS
Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
103 Bent St., Suite B, Taos 575-737-9800 artemisiataos.com
CONTINUED FROM 32
Las Pastores
‘Our
BY KATHY CÓRDOVA
gift to the community’ C
atch the final performance of Los Pastores, the holiday drama introduced to the New World in the late 16th century by Spanish missionaries, Saturday Dec. 21 at 6:45 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 205 Don Fernando St., Taos.
“Many people confuse Los Pastores with Las Posadas during the holiday season,” states Dr. Theresa “Tessa” Córdova, director of the 43rd annual play production of Los Pastores under the auspices of Sangre de Cristo Liturgies, founded in 1981 by the late Arsenio Córdova, Los Pastores’ longtime director.
Both cultural events represent the birth of the infant Jesus and vary in presentation. Las Posadas, celebrated for nine days, represents Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging prior to the birth of the Christ child. Los Pastores, a play originating during the Middle Ages, highlights the shepherds’ search for the newborn baby Jesus.
The cast of this year’s play includes three generations from Rio Arriba, Los Alamos and Taos counties, some of them repeat performers and others new in their roles. In some instances, family members comprise the cast. Many of the performers advance to a larger role during their participation — in some cases from the role of baby Jesus shortly after their own birth — to speaking parts.
Each year, rehearsals begin in October, but this year’s production received a different, positive twist: The John D. Robb Musical Trust provided an underwriting grant for a summer six week-long Los Pastores Teatro camp. Robb (1892–1989) was an attorney, composer, arts educator, folk
song collector, and preservationist. Among other efforts, his trust funds performances.
During the camp, participants learned the history of the production and studied the roles, script and actions. The camp enabled new cast members to learn from experienced performers. It also served as a catalyst to recruit additional performers.
“The cast uses the script recovered by Aurora Lucero White,” Córdova notes. The early 20th century folklorist, writer and suffragist collected cultural traditions, songs, and stories throughout Northern New Mexico. In this script, the humble pastores (shepherds) travel to catch a glimpse of the infant Jesus. Along the way, the travelers encounter difficult weather, temptations, and human strengths and weaknesses. As part of the plot, Hermitaño encounters the devil and the temptations the creature offers. The pastores constantly encourage the lazy shepherd Bartolo to continue with them on their search. The devil and angel fight the battle of good and evil.
PHOTOS BY JAELYN DEMARIA
Las Pastores
This, the most musical of the ancient morality plays, includes actors who represent shepherds, Mary, Joseph, Lucifer, and Archangel Michael. The play features traditional music and more contemporary compositions by the late Arsenio Córdova, and a song by the late Rev. George Salazar. At the end, the shepherds meet the Holy Family, and the program ends with a musical tribute to the baby Jesus.
Prior to the final Taos performance, the cast will perform in Santa Cruz Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. at Santa Cruz de la Cañada Church; and Albuquerque, Monday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m., at San Ignacio Church.
“We consider the performances as the cast’s gift to the communities in which we perform,” Córdova explains. The event remains free of charge to the public. She invites the public to the performances, encouraging, “I know some future cast members are out there. I issue an open invitation to those interested in participation for next year’s performances.”
Sangre de Cristo Liturgies is devoted to preserving the history, culture and traditions of Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado through music and theater. This production represents one segment of preserving drama for future generations by the annual sharing of Los Pastores.
NOURISHING THE COUNTY SINCE 1986 Taos Feeds Taos
BY ELLEN MILLER-GOINS
One person can have a spectacular idea, but very often it takes a village to bring that idea to fruition.
So it was with Taos Feeds Taos, which began in 1986 with the late Jim Ulmer. Eager to provide good food for the holidays to his Taos neighbors, Ulmer, with the help of Francis Córdova, Maj. Gen. Edward Baca and a cadre of volunteers, launched Taos Feeds Taos. The group put together and handed out 150 baskets that first year.
Francis and Ernestina Cordova have been active in the organization since its beginning. Ernestina Cordova, who met the Taos News recently along with fellow board member Judy Weinrobe, said the biggest change in recent years was the shift from handing out boxes of food to handing out vouchers. COVID spurred the initial change, but it’s one that has worked well because it offers freedom of choice.
“We’ll see young families come in and they’ll buy gallons of milk, they’ll buy baby food, they’ll buy things that children like,” Weinrobe said. “Then we’ll see the elderly come in. They’ll
buy Ensure, bananas, frozen meals. Super Save [Discount Foods] has worked very closely with us during this whole process, and they are truly super! We couldn’t ask for a better partner. I don’t think that there is anything that we have asked of [manager Jesus Martinez] that he has said no to or didn’t work with us to manage a solution.”
The Taos Feeds Taos nonprofit raises funds year round for this annual holiday grocery-shopping assistance. Mail monetary donations to Taos Feeds Taos, P.O. Box 234 Taos, NM 87571. Cash donations may also be dropped off at Centinel Bank.
We offer a curated selection of unique antiques, art, jewelry, African beads, books, records, collectibles, mineral specimens, handmade textiles, select pottery, all natural local soaps, salves, balms, herbal tinctures and teas, and essential oil based incense and perfumes.
216 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte #A, Taos (575) 737-6674
DEBRAH DUBAY
6 & 8 pm Christmas Night Wednesday, December 25
Slow down and take a magical winter journey through the snow and light of luminarias. Enjoy a simple self-guided ski or snowshoe loop often described as the most beautiful winter adventure in North America. There's plenty of light to navigate the trails and if it snows, it's like skiing in a dream. Book the event and reserve ski or snowshoe rentals in two separate blocks: 6 pm and 8 pm Join us for complimentary food and (non-alcoholic) drinks in the warming hut.
3 miles east of Red River on NM 38 575-754-6112 efxc.com
Taos Feeds Taos
“Alot of individuals contribute,” Weinrobe said, “because this is a long-standing organization, and a lot of people know about it. We send out a letter to previous contributors every year, and most of those respond back with some sort of donation.”
All donations are used to buy $125 vouchers, plus a ham. Additional expenses, such as printing voucher certificates and postage, often come out of the pockets of board members, who are all volunteers.
This year, families can collect their free hams at Super Save on Dec. 19 and 20.
“After that, they can still come and redeem their voucher,” Weinrobe said. “They just don’t get the free ham.” Clients have until noon on Christmas Eve to redeem their grocery voucher. Residents all over Taos County can apply for a voucher, though Ernestina said, “Some people are so proud.” Weinrobe added, “One year, I had this woman … and she was very embarrassed.… I started taking her information. Her husband had died, and somehow Social Security got all messed up, and both his check and her check were stopped, and so it was really a short term issue, but she needed help right then. Things happen to people.”
To apply for a voucher this year, call 575-613-8435 for Taos; 575-770-1621 or 575224-9607 for Picuris/Peñasco; 575-770-9088 for Amalia/ Costilla; and 575-613-5490 or 575-779-6444 for Questa/ Cerro. Full instructions are online at taosfeedstaos.org.
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and
Lighting Ledoux Street
GLOWING FAROLITOS AND BONFIRES WELCOME THE SEASON
Everyone is invited to celebrate the holiday season in Taos with a winter walk down historic Ledoux Street Friday, Dec. 6 from 4–7 p.m. Each year, the museums, galleries and merchants along Ledoux welcome the community with the glow of farolitos, bonfires, hot drinks, sweet treats, and all forms of holiday cheer. The community gathers under starry skies or light flurries of snow with the fragrant smell of piñon smoke in the air, to celebrate one of the first events of the season. Favorite features of this magical holiday block party include marshmallows for roasting over bonfires, along with live music, elves, fairies with light-up wings, dancing, art making and exhibits.
“There will be activities, food
and drink up and down the street,” Gwendolyn Fernandez, Harwood Museum of Art curator of education and public programs, said. “The Fiesta Queen and her court will be here to help create fun holiday cheer along with carolers, a bagpiper and performances by Danza Azteca.”
Ledoux Street is lined with buildings from the 1700 and 1800s with thick adobe walls and unique colorful doorways. The street was named for Antoine Ledoux, a French trapper who settled in the area in 1844. The Harwood Museum of Art, founded in 1923, anchors the west end of the street and provides a setting for the community to gather and enjoy live performances.
BY CINDY BROWN
For more than 20 years, Ledoux businesses and the Harwood have hosted this holiday celebration. Other highlights this year include an illuminated dance performed by the MovementLab, and a holiday card and ornament making in the Harwood education studio, and storytime with the Taos Public Library.
Everyone is invited to see current exhibits at the Harwood for free, including “Nicholas Herrera: El Rito Santero” and “Luchita Hurtado: Earth and Sky Interjected.” An artist market will feature some
of the artists from the Harwood Museum store.
Nearby, OmniHum Gallery will serve biscochitos and have an art-making table for activities associated with their current show, “Visions Across Borders.”
At Salon Marjorie, watch for elves and biscochitos near the bonfire. There will be plenty of holiday cheer, a raffle and early holiday shopping.
Next door, Barro Vino will be serve a signature holiday drink, along with bison chili. There will be a bonfire on the patio
and hot cider. Inside, they will offer their full menu of food and wine as they celebrate their second anniversary.
Down the street at the historic E. L. Blumenschein Home and Museum, the courtyard will be filled with bonfires and will host a visit from Father Winter who comes bearing gifts and candy. Hot apple cider will be served and a portion of the Blumenschein home will be open with free admission. The site currently hosts the studio of Richard Alan Nichols, which will be open displaying the work of local artists and offering holiday cheer.
Mary Stratton’s gallery will display her abstract encaustic work with Southwest themes. The site was the home of Ernest L. Blumenschein, cofounder of the Taos Society of Artists, and today it is part of the Taos Historic Museums organization, which also includes La Hacienda de Los Martinez.
Across Ledoux at Inger Jirby Fine Art Gallery, there will be marshmallows for roasting over the bonfire, along with live music.
The Valley, a contemporary art gallery, will have two exhibits on view. In the main gallery there will be a group show titled “World Without End,” which features works by Aron John Dubois, Lowe Fehn, Estefania Puerta Grisales, Sarah M. Rodriguez and Noah Schneiderman. In the project space, there will be a solo presentation by Laura Benson titled “Where The Veil Thins.” The gallery will serve snacks and refreshments.
Buttercup Salon will host the second annual Clothes Have No Gender Fashion Show at 7 pm. There will be live music, treats and hot beverages.
At Stella’s, hot minestrone soup will be served in the courtyard and there may be other surprises as well.
Reneux Consignment Boutique, just across Camino de la Placita, will join the festivities with a bonfire, live music and drawings for $250 gift certificates to the boutique. Look for salted chocolate chip cookies by the Bread Club and fairies with light-up wings.
Lighting Ledoux
Friday, Dec. 6, 4–7 p.m.
Ledoux Street
Free and family friendly harwoodmuseum.org
PHOTOS BY LIAM DEBONIS/TAOS NEWS
Old-fashioned Christmas in Taos I
FOR TOM MCCARTHY’S FAMILY, THE HOLIDAY WAS ‘A MAGICAL TIME’
BY RICK ROMANCITO
n the 1940s and ’50s in Taos, everybody knew each other. Nobody felt a need to lock their doors. And, if you fell on hard times, you had relatives, friends and neighbors who likely would step in to help you out.
And when the Christmas holiday rolled around, it was a time to take stock of gifts — not only under the hand-cut piñon trees adorned with homemade decorations, but the glow of a life lived simply and generously.
In short, it was “a magical time to grow up in Taos,” said longtime local businessman Tom McCarthy. McCarthy, now in his late 80s, said when he was in his teens there were few Christmas style decorations around town. You
might see some colorful displays in the windows of merchants around Taos Plaza where his family ran a general store and lived in a house located in what is now The Gorge Bar and Brill. But, generally Taoseños might burn luminarias (small bonfire) or light farolitos (paper bags with sand and a candle) to warm the night and signify a local Christmas tradition.
“In some New Mexico communities, luminarias/bonfires are lighted the nine evenings before Christmas during the Christmas Novena,” according to Rob Martínez of The Santa Fe New Mexican. “Others light luminarias to illuminate the path for solemn Catholic processions. In mountain towns all over Northern New
Mexico, luminarias light the way to Midnight Mass.
“Symbolically, the luminarias lit the way for Los Reyes Magos, the three Kings searching for their new king,” Martínez said.
In some New Mexico communities, Martínez continues, “luminarias/bonfires are lighted the nine evenings before Christmas during the Christmas Novena. Others light luminarias to illuminate the path for solemn Catholic processions.”
McCarthy said he recalls getting bundled up and heading into the snowy night to attend a Midnight Mass at one of the Catholic churches in town. Sometimes they’d also attend the Christmas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo.
Old-fashioned Christmas in Taos
CONTINUED FROM 46
“All the
family would go to midnight mass —
the priests and the servers and family friends, we would all go to my mom’s house and have a ham and turkey dinner, and Eloy Liebert was the chef. I mean he was the one that cut the ham and the turkey … we’d have a nice party and then we’d open our presents after we ate.”
He said the next day they’d get up and go ice skating. His mom, Ann McCarthy, was once a star skater.
“We had four ponds [to go to]. We had the Pueblo Pond, we had the Randall Pond, we had the McCarthy Ranch Pond and one in Kit Carson Park.”
Once, he said while skating at the Taos Pueblo pond, he fell in all the way to his waist. “Well I fell in and so I had to walk home in the cold. My pants were frozen by the time I got home,” he said.
Despite those little mishaps, McCarthy said he looked forward to the fun he had.
“Yeah, in fact, those were great days. We always look forward to Christmas because my folks
always made it special. That was something that we look forward to.”
In those days there always seemed to be so much snow, and so the kinds of bright decorations we might be familiar with today were few and far between. “I’m not real familiar too much about how much decorating the town did,” McCarthy said. “I think the store was decorated in the windows. And I don’t even remember the town putting up a Christmas tree or anything in the park at that time. It was mostly the merchants, you know, and their stores
that did the decorating.”
As for Christmas trees, he said “we didn’t have plastic trees in those days. Everybody would cut their own a tree. Those were the decorations … My grandfather, Carlos Benavides, used to carve ornaments out of wood. He was a woodworker and we have a bunch of his ornaments that we put on the tree every year that he would carve. It was always a big thing, decorating the trees.”
The years following the Great Depression and World War II were hard on small towns like Taos. The McCarthys were fortunate enough to establish several businesses in town that helped them and fellow Taoseños through these times.
“We had a grocery store,” he said. “In those days there was no money from tourism. Everybody kind of helped each other during those days because there wasn’t
much around.”
He said customers would buy on credit, and then after they sold their sheep in the fall, “then they would come in and pay off their bill,” he said. “They’ve been charging all year and they wouldn’t even borrow money. But, they borrowed the sheep too, right? Well, the sheep were on contract.” As McCarthy grew up, he met and eventually married his school sweetheart, Barbara. She passed in 2016. He also became a wellknown Taos Tigers boys basketball coach and would end up owning several successful businesses in town, including Casa Benavides Bed and Breakfast on Kit Carson Road and the Taos Plaza Cafe (now reopened by his daughter Ruthann as the Legacy Cafe in the same location on McCarthy Plaza off Taos Plaza).
COURTESY PHOTO
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Las Posadas
Deeply rooted in Northern New Mexico S
BY ELLEN MILLER-GOINS
everal times a year, our community comes alive with cultural traditions that go back many centuries. During the Christmas holiday, Taos’ tri-cultural heritage is on full display. Santa makes many appearances, Christmas trees abound alongside farolitos, and Taos Puebloans celebrate both the Procession of the Virgin Mary Christmas Eve and either the Deer or Matachines Dance Christmas Day. Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) offers the medieval Los Pastores play Saturday, Dec. 21, and for nine days, parishioners at San Francisco de Asís Church in Rancho de Taos re-enact Las Posadas.
their
through
According to Guadalupe Tafoya, church archivist, Las Posadas represents Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.
“We start Las Posadas with the mass at 5:30 in the evening of the 16th, which is the beginning of the novena [nine days],” Tafoya says. “And right after mass, out in the courtyard, we all have bonfires, and usually the first day it’s one bonfire. The second dates, two bonfires, the third, three bonfires. Since COVID, we have stopped at three bonfires.”
Every day of Las Posadas includes a procession led by Mary and Joseph that winds its way through the Ranchos de Taos plaza. These individuals, known as “peregrinos,” seek shelter at various designated spots, known as posadas.
“The inn keeper refuses them shelter,” Tafoya says. “Usually the homeowner will say, ‘No! You can’t come in!’ and they’ll slam the door. Then the people
de
go away, still singing, still in procession.”
After three tries, Tafoya said, “Finally, everybody’s invited to come in.”
Their priest offers a blessing and everyone feasts on traditional dishes like empanaditas, posole, tamales, green chile stew and bischchitos.
“Right after the meal, people go home, and it’s repeated for the nine days. On the 24th, mayordomos will come in the morning and decorate the church. We will make the farolitos, the paper bags with the candles, and we’ll spread them around the walls of the church. Then we get ready for the [Christmas Eve] mass at 5:30. Then on Christmas Day, the 25th we usually have two masses [in the morning]”
on the third night of the nine-day ’novena’, which ends Christmas Eve. December 2, 1991. COURTESY PHOTO For this year’s Las Posadas times, call San Francisco de Asís Church at 575-758-2754 or email sanfranciscoranchos@gmail.com.
PHOTO: Parishoners from San Francisco de Asis make
way
Ranchos
Taos
EVENTS Calendar
OS FEEDS TAOS
APPLY NOW
SUPER SAVE, 519 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS
Holiday grocery-shopping help: $125 vouchers, plus a ham. To apply, call 575-613-8435 for Taos; 575-770-1621 or 575-224-9607 for Picuris/ Peñasco; 575-770-9088 for Amalia/Costilla; and 575-613-5490 or 575-779-6444 for Questa/Cerro. Instructions: taosfeedstaos.org.
ANGEL GIVING TREE
NOV 4–DEC 13
CAV THRIFT STORE, 1509 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS
Come by the Community Against Violence (CAV) Thrift Store to pick an angel with wishes from local children. Gifts must be delivered back to CAV by Friday, Dec. 13. 575-758-8082
TAOS FOLK
NOV 18–DEC 24 • 11 AM–5PM
STABLES ART GALLERY, 133 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE
Taos Folk’s winter 2024 holiday pop-up store with a wide variety of affordable one-of-a-kind handmade arts, crafts and gifts including fantastic jewelry, winter wear, home decor, fragrant candles and lotions, and exquisite pottery, plus books by Taos authors and so much more. taosfolkart.com
LIGHTING OF LEDOUX
DEC 6, 4–7PM
LEDOUX ST., TAOS
Watch historic Ledoux Street glow with the light of farolitos, bonfires, hot drinks, sweet treats and all forms of holiday cheer. Favorite features of this magical holiday block party include marshmallows for roasting over bonfires, along with live music, elves, fairies with light-up wings, dancing, art making and exhibits. harwoodmuseum.org 575-758-9826
YULETIDE TREE LIGHTING
DEC 6, 6 PM
TAOS PLAZA
The 2024 Taos holiday season officially kicks off with the annual lighting of the holiday tree. 575-737-6302
FAROLITO LIGHTING
DEC 6–25
TAOS PLAZA
Farolitos are scheduled to be lit at the Historic Taos Plaza for 20 evenings during the holiday season starting Friday, Dec. 6. Thanks to all the businesses, organizations and families participating, Taos County is able to give its community and visitors a season filled with lights of love and holiday cheer. 575-737-6302
TAOS SUNDOWN: BIPOC MAKER’S MARKET
DEC 7 & 8, 6–9 PM
REVOLT GALLERY
This seasonal market hosts 20-plus BIPOC- (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) identifying vendors and offers locals an opportunity to shop with underrepresented merchants. There will be live music, free workshops and free elixirs. The Bodega by CHURCH will be giving away free holiday meals on Dec. 7 and 8 from 6-9 p.m.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFT FAIR
DEC 7–8, 10 AM–4PM
TALPA COMMUNITY CENTER, 4 ARCHULETA RD, RANCHOS DE TAOS
Over 20 local artists and crafters offering unique gift items for everyone on your list. Santa will be on site with goody bags for the first 50 kids Saturday at 1 p.m. The center will be serving a free lunch of green chile stew or posole with red chile. Free coffee will be available. Sodas or water can be purchased for $1. Proceeds to benefit the center. 575-751-1014
HOLIDAY OPEN BARNS
DEC 7, 14 & 21, 11 AM–2PM
EQUINE SPIRIT SANCTUARY, 13 LOS CABALLOS ROAD, RANCHOS DE TAOS
For this free event, everyone is invited to come out to enjoy the festively decorated barn and meet horses, miniature horses, ponies, and donkeys and Tony, the llama with holiday refreshments, pony/horse rides for the kids and a grooming and a petting corral with the miniature donkeys. equinespiritsanctuary.org | 575-758-1212
EVENTS Calendar
HOLIDAY FIESTA
DEC 7, 11 AM–3 PM
MILLICENT ROGERS MUSEUM, 1504 MILLICENT ROGERS ROAD, EL PRADO
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 during our 27th Holiday Fiesta Community Day. millicentrogers.org
HOLIDAY SEASON FESTIVAL
DEC 13
HARWOOD MUSEUM OF ART, 238 LEDOUX ST., TAOS
Taos Chamber Music Group: Gleb Ivanov’s solo piano recital “From Bach to Liszt to Schubert.” taoschambermusicgroup.org/concert-calendar
HOLIDAY SEASON FESTIVAL
DEC 14–15
HARWOOD MUSEUM OF ART, 238 LEDOUX ST., TAOS
Taos Chamber Music Group presents mindful meditations with friends and compositions by Antonín Dvořák, Felix Mendelssohn and Jules Massenet. taoschambermusicgroup.org/concert-calendar
BONFIRES ON BENT STREET
DEC 14
BENT ST., TAOS
The John Dunn Shops and Bent Street merchants offer holiday cheer, with bonfires and farolitos lighting the way for carolers and shoppers to enjoy hot beverages, entertainment and festivities. Shops will be decked out with holiday décor and visitors can expect a magical evening. johndunnshops.com
FESTIVAL OF TREES
DEC 14, 4–8 PM
UNM–TAOS BATAAN HALL, 120 CIVIC PLAZA DRIVE, TAOS
After enjoying the magic of Bonfires on Bent Street, wander over to Bataan Hall for the annual Festival of Trees presented by Taos Milagro Rotary Club. Enjoy beautifully decorated trees, photos with Santa, local entertainment, and a raffle for gift baskets!
CALLING ALL SNOWFLAKES BONFIRE & CELEBRATION
DEC 14, 4–7 PM
FRONTIER PARK, 3367 MOUNTAIN VIEW BLVD, ANGEL FIRE
Let’s bring on the snow! Welcome winter, celebrate the start of the ski season, and send our wishes to the snow gods for a powder-filled season ahead. Traditional Pueblo Dancers kick off the celebration, then everyone gathers by the bonfire for hot cocoa, s’mores, and cider.
LAS POSADAS
DEC 16–24
SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS CHURCH, RANCHOS DE TAOS
One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Northern New Mexico is Las Posadas, a traditional play enacted nine 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. To find out the Las Posadas locations for each night contact San Francisco de Asis Church in Ranchos de Taos: 575-758-2754 or sanfranciscoranchos@gmail.com
THE LONGEST NIGHT
SATURDAY, DEC 21, 5 PM
TAOS PLAZA
Memorial commemoration for unhoused people who have died presented by the Enchanted Circle Interfaith Gathering. The memorial is followed by a potluck at First Presbyterian Church (215 Paseo del Norte, right next to Kit Carson Park).
10% of the advertiser’s investment will go to their non-profit of choice. Join us in thanking these advertisers and non-profits for their enduring community spirit.
5 Star Burgers
Stray Hearts Taos Animal Shelter
Andean Software Golden Willow Retreat
Artemisia Community Against Violence
Aurora Folk Art Community Against Violence
Bent Street Grille DreamTree Project
Boxie Tees
Community Against Violence
Bryans Gallery Stray Hearts
Chevron Environmental Management Company Questa Economic Development Fund
Cids Food Market Community Against Violence
Community Against Violence Community Against Violence
Debrah Dubay Designs Taos Land Trust
Dillistone, Inc Taos Youth Heartline
Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area Red River Education Foundation
Ghost Ranch Ghost Ranch
John Dunn House Shops Taos County Crime Stoppers
Lake Objects True Kids 1
Lions Club of Taos Lions Club of Taos
Media Matched St. Vincent Hospital Foundation
Millicent Rogers Museum Ensueños y Los Angelitos Development Center
Mooncat Fiber Equine Spirit Sanctuary
Moxie Fair Trade & Handmade DreamTree Project
Mudd n Flood River & Birds
Nusenda Credit Union Community Against Violence
PJ Garoutte Community Against Violence
Questa Lumber & Hardware Questa Economic Development Fund
Red Willow Hospice Taos Pueblo Foundation
Reneux Consignment
Taos Education and Career Center, UNM
Senator Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales Talpa Community Center
Suite 53 LLC
Stray Hearts Taos Animal Shelter
Taos Blue Taos Feral Feline Friends
Taos County Chamber of Commerce
Taos County Chamber of Commerce
Taos Crating Co. Community Against Violence
Taos Elders and Neighbors Together Taos Community Foundation
Taos Folk DreamTree Project
Taos Healthcare Taos Feeds Taos
Taos Milagro Rotary Taos Milagro Rotary
Taos Mountain Casino Taos High School Athletics
The Ranch at Taos Taos Feral Felines
Unicorn School Supply & Stationary Community Against Violence
Wilder Nightingale Fine Art
Navigating Emergency Support Together (NEST)
EVENTS Calendar
LOS PASTORES
DEC 21, 6:45PM
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 205 DON FERNANDO ST, TAOS
Los Pastores, the centuries-old holiday drama introduced to the New World in the late 16th century by Spanish missionaries, highlights the shepherds’ search for the newborn baby Jesus.
CHRISTMAS IN THE MOUNTAINs
DEC 21–22, 10AM–5 PM
RED RIVER CONFERENCE CENTER, 101 W RIVER ST, RED RIVER
The Christmas market at the Red River Conference Center featuring a delightful array of vendors offering handmade goods perfect for Christmas presents and stocking stuffers; plus a lights parade on Red River’s Main Street Saturday at 6 p.m.
575-754-1708
PROCESSION OF THE VIRGIN MARY
DEC 24
TAOS PUEBLO
Just after mass at dusk on Christmas Eve, riflemen signal the birth of Christ then part the crowd for the procession featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary, hoisted high upon a dais, from the chapel into Taos Pueblo Plaza and accompanied by Pueblo drummers, dancers and singers singing in English and Tiwa. taospueblo.com
CHRISTMAS EVE TORCHLIGHT PARADES AND FIREWORKS
DEC 24
Angel Fire, Sipapu and Red River ski resorts’ skiers carry lights down the slopes for a magical winter celebration. Watch the procession, replete with fireworks, and enjoy hot beverages with friends and family. For more information, visit any of the ski resorts’ websites.
DEER OR MATACHINES DANCE
DEC. 25
TAOS PUEBLO
Christmas Day brings either the Deer Dance or Matachina Dance. Deer dance starts at about 1 p.m. and lasts all afternoon. Matachina dance starts at about 11 a.m. and lasts all day. taospueblo.com
CHRISTMAS NIGHT LUMINARIA TOUR
DEC 25, 6–10 PM
ENCHANTED FOREST CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA, RED RIVER
Luminarias (or farolitos) are placed along a short loop for a self-guided nighttime ski or snowshoe tour. There’s plenty of light to see the trails and if it begins to snow, the effect is just incredible. It truly is like skiing in a dream.
enchantedforestxc.com
PEACE CHANUKAH
DEC 29, 5:30 PM
ST JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 208 CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, TAOS
Interfaith Peace Chanukah, a beautiful ceremony with prayers of peace, songs, candle lighting and voices from many different religious faiths. Bette Myerson, bette@taosnet.com or 575-779-1709
NEW YEAR’S EVE TORCHLIGHT PARADES AND FIREWORKS
DEC 31
Angel Fire, Sipapu and Red River ski resorts put on a torchlight parade with fireworks, Taos Ski Valley offers a fireworks show followed by a party. For more information, visit any of the ski resorts’ websites.
TURTLE DANCE
JAN 1
TAOS PUEBLO
No visitors before 9 a.m. Dances may last all day dependent on weather. No cellphones and/or recording devices allowed. Thank you for respecting our home.
