The Land of Enchantment is aptly named – it’s a state filled with pastures, mountains, adobe homes, ranches, horses, canyons, volcanoes and deserts. The sights, sounds and smells here could fill a lifetime, and it’s a place which could perhaps stake a claim to being the most unusual and unique of all the US states. The people, the beauty and the cuisine all draw millions of visitors every year, and a packed program of festivals provides plenty to entertain.
The Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta is a heavenly haven for lovers of food and drink. For five days, 90 national wineries and 75 regional restaurants offer their very best wares to tempt and tantalise food fanatics. Guests are treated to many free samples of some fantastic produce, which is sure to fill even the keenest of bellies, while nightly events give attendees the chance to dine on many options in a variety of settings. The festival also offers demonstrations, discussions, seminars, question and answer sessions and more. Taos Winter Wine Festival is another boozy extravaganza, and also offers drinks aplenty for wine aficionados.
The Gathering of Nations is the largest pow-wow in the whole of the US, with a host of Native American attendees and entertainment. Over 500 traditional tribes participate, and there are a huge number of raucous and exciting performances, with dancing, singing and drumming, while the Miss Indian World pageant also occurs here each year. Other attractions include a range of markets and stalls, with offerings of Native American arts, crafts, costumes and other trinkets and treasures. It’s a great place to learn about traditional Native American culture, and provides an excellent family opportunity for entertainment, engagement and education. The annual Santa Fe Indian Market is another great way to see and learn all about the traditional arts and customs of the Native American people.
Las Cruces Cowboy Days also provides a traditional slice of life, and delivers the best in rooting-tooting cowboy-themed entertainment, with two days of rodeo, re-enactments and riding. If you’ve ever fancied living the life of John Wayne, complete with a wide-brimmed hat and spurs on your shoes, this might give you a taste of what you’ve been missing!
Other events and festivals celebrate the heritage, history, food, music and film of the area, and there’s plenty on offer for everyone. Get yourself along to New Mexico and join in!