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Santa Fe EventsChristmas in Santa Fe - a
celebration of cultural traditions Santa Fe Xmas: Like so many things in Santa Fe, Christmas is celebrated just a little differently here. The combination of Western, Hispanic and Native American traditions blend into a holiday celebration not duplicated anywhere else Candles in Bags - Known locally as farolitos, these small bags filled with sand and lit from within by votive candles are Northern New Mexico's version of traditional Christmas decorations. They can be found all around the city outlining buildings and, in certain areas on Xmas eve, they are in trees, on walls, along sidewalks, etc. Luminarias are small bonfires said to have lit the way for the 3 Wise Men to Mary and the baby Jesus but are less common. These terms are interchangeable within our region. In Albuquerque the terms are reversed. On Xmas Eve the Santa Fe Plaza, heart and soul of the city, is decorated with 1,000 farolitos bringing a warm glow to the city center. Besides the visual spectacle, cider is served, carols are sung and groups take the walk to the nearby Cross of the Martyrs which is also outlined in farolitos. Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau, 800-777-2489. Food: Chile is king all year 'round in Santa Fe and Christmas time is no exception. The traditional Xmas Eve dinner is posolé - it's dried corn, like hominy, fixed in a thick soup or stew with chiles. Many of Santa Fe's 200 restaurants prepare special holiday menus of all kinds as well. Las Posadas - A local event held, this year, on December 15, 2002. This traditional Spanish outdoor play is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for a room on Christmas Eve. It begins at the Palace of the Governors, winds around the Plaza and is open to anyone wishing to join the procession. By the end of the walk dozens of people have joined the Mary and Joseph characters as they end at the place of Jesus' birth. The Palace of the Governors: 505-476-5100. Native American Dances - Many of the animal dances go on throughout the winter at Northern New Mexico's Indian Pueblos. The dates are usually the same from year to year regardless of the day of the week. Christmas is always a time of dancing however. For the Pueblos near Santa Fe: Jemez has Buffalo, Eagle or game animal dances on Christmas and the following days. Taos Pueblo alternates dances every other year between the Deer dance and the Matachina dance, this year it is the Matachina dance on both 12/24 and 25. A sundown torchlight procession of the Virgin Vespers is scheduled Christmas Eve this year for the Picuris, Nambe, Taos, Tesuque and San Juan Pueblos. Matachina and other various dances are scheduled for Xmas day at Picuris, San Juan, Tesuque, Santa Clara, Taos, San Juan and San Ildefonso Pueblos. On 12/26 there will be a Turtle Dance at San Juan. At Santa Clara and Picuris Pueblos there will be Holy Innocents and children's dances on 12/28. New Year's day is also a time of dancing and the Transfer of Canes ceremony celebrating the tribes' new leaders coming to power. Eight Northern Pueblos information, 505-852-4265. Winter Spanish Market - The annual winter market put on by the Spanish Colonial Arts Society. This group is dedicated to the preservation of traditional Spanish Colonial artwork such as tin work, straw appliqué and Santos painting and carving; art forms that really are not found anywhere else in the country in this quantity. Santos are either retablos, saints painted on wood typically, or bultos which are 3 dimensional carved figures of saints. Furniture and silver work are also found at the market. Held in early December and a Xmas season tradition here, it is a great place for getting gifts that truly reflect Santa Fe's roots. It is also the second largest show and sale of its kind behind only the summer Spanish Market held in Santa Fe. December 7-8, 2002, Sweeney Convention Center. Spanish Colonial Arts Society, 505-983-4038. Christmas at the Palace - A celebration of Hispanic, Anglo and Native American Xmas traditions with carols, story telling, Santa and his elves, music, Matachine dancers, cider and cookies. December 13-15, 2002 from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. Palace of the Governors, 505-476-5100. Gustave Baumann Marionette Show at the Place of the Governors: A family favorite, these colorful marionettes were created by one of New Mexico's most beloved artists. December 13-15, 200, 505-476-5001. Walatowa Winter Arts & Crafts Show: Traditional and contemporary Native American arts and craft sold by the artists and their families. A perfect place for finding special gifts and getting to know some of the area's Native American artists. December 7-8, 2002. Jemez Pueblo, 505-834-7235. Feast of Guadalupe: The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Americas. She first appeared to Juan Diego, a recently Sainted Mexican Indian, in 1531. This celebration features traditional dancing and feasts held in the homes of the Pueblo. Visitors can be invited to dine with tribal members but are encouraged not to linger to allow others a place at the table. Held at the Pojoaque Pueblo, December 12, 2002. Pojoaque Pueblo, 505-455-3549. Xmas Eve, Noche Buena, service; the midnight Mass of the Rooster, commemorating the folk story of the animals in the manger which were dismayed that no humans had come to see the Christ child so an old rooster flew to a high point and announced the coming of the Messiah. St. Francis Cathedral, 505-982-5619. Music - throughout December the following organizations will be performing: New Mexico Pro Coro, Musica da Camera, Sangre de Cristo Chorale, Santa Fe Concert Association, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Santa Fe Symphony, Santa Fe Women's Ensemble and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Listings can be found in the calendar at www.santafe.org . The general atmosphere in Santa Fe around Xmas is calm and relaxed compared to the popular summer season. The Sangre de Cristo mountains, which the city sits at the base of, are typically covered in snow as are the Jemez mountains across the Rio Grande Valley to the West. Many of the buildings around the Plaza, downtown and throughout the city are outlined with farolitos. Being the shopping hot spot Santa Fe is, the downtown stores are busy with Xmas shoppers - both locals and visitors. Many of the restaurants will have holiday specials and hotels stage Christmas events featuring music, storytelling, craft demonstrations, etc. all reflecting the diverse cultures of the region. Temperatures in December are normally in the low 40's during the day and low 20's at night. However, the sun still shines 300 days a year which means it is comfortable outside and golfers can even get in a round at the city's very fine course; the Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe. The Santa Fe ski area - known as Ski Santa Fe - typically has all 43 of its runs open by Christmas. It is located 16 miles from the Plaza - it's 3,000 feet higher - and normally gets 225 inches of snow a year. Most of the big snow storms stay in the mountains although the city typically gets a couple of major storms and numerous flurries every season. Generally, because Santa Fe is a pretty small place, there is a festive atmosphere around town that is easy to pick up on. For room reservations and rates check with Santa Fe All Santa Fe Reservations, 877-737-7366. The Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau can supply tourist information and a free Santa Fe Visitors Guide -505-955-6200. For online information, the city's web site is http://www.santafe.org. Santa Fe Film Festival: December 4-8: The Third Annual Santa Fe Film Festival will feature 75 programs of world cinema, Hollywood premiers, independent features, documentaries, animation and short subjects. Plus parties, film panels and much more. Venues will include the Lensic Performing Arts Center in downtown Santa Fe plus the Plan B theater and The Screen at the College of Santa Fe. Last year's number of festival attendants, 12,000, is expected to grow to 15,00 this year. Three film industry veterans will be honored this year from the world of directors, actors and cinematographers. Ticket prices are $8 for individual tickets, a 10 ticket pass for $65 or a VIP all access pass to everything for $400 including the awards banquet. Contact information: 505-988-5225, info@santafefilmfestival.com , http://www.santafefilmfestival.com . Edited by Dave Shultz |
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