New Mexico promotes its culture as “adventure that feeds the soul,” a statement reflected in the state’s year-round calendar of festivals and fairs. From the traditional to the eccentric, here are some annual events ideal for coordinating with group visits.
Since 1712, “Viva La Fiesta!” has been the rallying call for Fiesta de Santa Fe, the annual autumnal procession through the streets of Old Santa Fe that kicks off with the ceremonial burning of the giant Zozobra (“Old Man Gloom”) effigy.
Along with its globally preeminent Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October, Albuquerque’s festival lineup includes the ¡Globalquerque! World Music festival. Staged at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the event celebrates its 10th anniversary this September.
Other happenings include the New Mexico Jazz Workshop’s Summer Concert Series at the Albuquerque Museum, and in late August, the four-day Albuquerque Latin Dance Festival.
Signature Santa Fe showcases include this month’s Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, the world’s leading folk art gathering, attracting some 20,000 visitors to panoramic Museum Hill. Other July fixtures are ART Santa Fe, in its 15th edition this year, and the Traditional Spanish Market heritage festival, turning 64 this month. This September, the always popular Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Annual festivals in Taos include Taos Winter Wine Festival in late January; the centuries-old Fiestas de Taos in July; and the SOMOS Storytelling Festival in October.
Country legends Kenny Rogers and the Charlie Daniels Band are among the stars that have helped make April’s three-day Las Cruces Country Music Festival in downtown Las Cruces one of the state’s biggest happenings.