Culture

As the oldest capital city in the United States, Santa Fe is endlessly studied as an exemplar of Southwestern culture. Through centuries of trade and governance, it has evolved from a history of influential Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures to a city with multicultural influences.

Over the last century, Santa Fe has attracted some of the world’s finest artists, writers, photographers, and

filmmakers. Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams, Fritz Scholder, Cormac McCarthy, the Coen Brothers, and George R.R. Martin are among the countless creatives who have found inspiration in the Land of Enchantment. Intuitively they must know that freedom of creative expression is considered a right here; it is encouraged in every way possible. Pueblo Feast Days, Santa Fe Fiestas, and other traditions have roots older than the United States, but newer traditions, such as the annual Burning of Zozobra—Old Man Gloom—and the Christmas Eve Canyon Road Farolito Walk have become equally representative of and important to Santa Fe. Within miles of The City Different are eight Native American Pueblos, each with its own tribal council and customs, and yet all in the region share opinions, and appreciation of the same captivating mountain vistas and sunsets. And all have their own form of reverence for the land. And this land, with its diverse terrain and arid climate has, in part, bred and popularized Santa Fe’s vibrant outdoor culture. The award-winning clean air and 320+ days of sunshine annually add to solidifying The City Different as a gem for nature lovers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and health devotees. As a visitor, you’ll sense all of these aspects—as you sightsee, visit museums, shop, hike, and dine. Sometimes the diversity of Santa Fe’s culture will feel overt—all in one day, you might watch a Flamenco show, witness a performance at the world-acclaimed Santa Fe Opera, and experience a traditional Native American Pueblo dance. And sometimes the effect will be more subtle, in the way you are casually and warmly greeted by an open-air artist on the street. But it’s all part of the same thing—the culture of Santa Fe.

HOW WE BEHAVE BECAUSE WE LIVE HERE

(a lighthearted look)

Your favorite hike is along the Santa Fe Margarita Trail.

"Burn Him!" is an appropriate chant. Join us for the Burning of Zozobra, September 2! You believe in ristras over wreaths.

You have a handy list of the top five places to go for the best chile.

You have been known to ski and play golf in a single day.

You revel in Opera even if Opera feels like an acquired taste.

You reserve a budget—however modest—for the summer markets: International Folk Art, Indian, and Spanish.

You answer the question “Green or Red?” with “Christmas.”

You regard an inch of rain as “an absolute downpour!"

As the oldest capital city in the United States, Santa Fe is endlessly studied as an exemplar of Southwestern culture. Through centuries of trade and governance, it has evolved from a history of influential Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures to a city with multicultural influences.