by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Oct 7, 2020 | Annual New Mexico Events, art travel, New Mexican Culture, What To Do in Santa Fe
The spirt of Georgia O’Keeffe in Galisteo, New Mexico
One of the great joys of the autumn season in Northern New Mexico is the annual round of village studio tours.
Artists open their homes and studios to wandering aficionados of the arts in many of the picturesque small towns around Santa Fe over the weekend, beginning in late summer, with the first hint of fall in the high country, and ending in mid-November, when winter is starting to show on the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Over the years these events have become remarkably well organized, with flyers and websites, welcoming stations with friendly folks passing out maps (surrounded by the inevitable bake sale), large and colorful signs guiding you along the obscure calles, and groups selling traditional meals and snacks somewhere in a village gathering spot.
The village of Galisteo hosts one of my favorite tours. This old town, about half an hour’s drive southeast of Santa Fe, always picks a mid-October weekend to host, basking in autumn light and the golden glow of the cottonwoods along Galisteo Creek.
Crossing little Galisteo Creek on the village bridge
As always, the local Catholic Church is a good place to stop and plot your afternoon.
The church in Galisteo
The gnarled old roots of old New Mexico poke up from the earth here, as they do in every village:
A crumbling adobe, returning to the land
If you really want to see how an artist works, and find out what inspires him or her, a visit to the studio will go far to satisfy your curiosity.
Catherine Ferguson’s sign hanging outside her house and studio
A yard full of art
Everyone seems to be happy to talk to you, and to show you the tools of their trade. You’ll probably be offered a snack from the kitchen and the privilege of wandering around the house and yard – and if you see a work you can’t live without, you’ll very likely be able to purchase it on the spot.
Well over half the fun of making a studio tour is peeking into people’s normally private homes and gardens, seeing how they arrange their creative lives, and enjoying the rich intermingling of art, landscape, and livelihood that might well cause a twinge of envy as well as admiration.
An illuminated wall
A questionable invitation
Behind adobe walls. Paintings were hung all along this box of light.
So if you’re planning a visit out our way next year around this time – and what could be more delightful than the Southern Rockies in September and October? – take a moment to look into the local studio tours and make some time for a day trip. I think you’ll discover then, for yourself, why the arts and New Mexico are so firmly joined.
Looking toward Galisteo from the house of the chocolate artist
The spirt of Georgia O’Keeffe in Galisteo, New Mexico
One of the great joys of the autumn season in Northern New Mexico is the annual round of village studio tours. Artists open their homes and studios to wandering aficionados of the arts in many of the picturesque small towns around Santa Fe over the weekend, beginning in late summer, with the first hint of fall in the high country, and ending in mid-November, when winter is starting to show on the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Over the years these events have become remarkably well organized, with flyers and websites, welcoming stations with friendly folks passing out maps (surrounded by the inevitable bake sale), large and colorful signs guiding you along the obscure calles, and groups selling traditional meals and snacks somewhere in a village gathering spot.
The village of Galisteo hosts one of my favorite tours. This old town, about half an hour’s drive southeast of Santa Fe, always picks a mid-October weekend to host, basking in autumn light and the golden glow of the cottonwoods along Galisteo Creek.
Crossing little Galisteo Creek on the village bridge
As always, the local Catholic Church is a good place to stop and plot your afternoon.
The church in Galisteo
The gnarled old roots of old New Mexico poke up from the earth here, as they do in every village:
A crumbling adobe, returning to the land
If you really want to see how an artist works, and find out what inspires him or her, a visit to the studio will go far to satisfy your curiosity.
Catherine Ferguson’s sign hanging outside her house and studio
Everyone seems to be happy to talk to you, and to show you the tools of their trade. You’ll probably be offered a snack from the kitchen and the privilege of wandering around the house and yard – and if you see a work you can’t live without, you’ll very likely be able to purchase it on the spot.
A yard full of art
Well over half the fun of making a studio tour is peeking into people’s normally private homes and gardens, seeing how they arrange their creative lives, and enjoying the rich intermingling of art, landscape, and livelihood that might well cause a twinge of envy as well as admiration.
An illuminated wall
Behind adobe walls. Paintings were hung all along this box of light.
A questionable invitation
So if you’re planning a visit out our way next year around this time – and what could be more delightful than the Southern Rockies in September and October? – take a moment to look into the local studio tours and make some time for a day trip. I think you’ll discover then, for yourself, why the arts and New Mexico are so firmly joined.
Looking toward Galisteo from the house of the chocolate artist
by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Jun 24, 2020 | Annual Events of Santa Fe, Annual New Mexico Events, New Mexican Culture, NM History, Santa Fe, Santa fe Plaza, summer in santa fe
Joe’s Blog: A Santa Fe 4th of July
*Unfortunately due to ongoing concerns over COVID 19 Santa Fe has cancelled all 4th of July Festivities*
Many flags have flown over Santa Fe from long before the first celebration of the 4th of July. New Mexico would not become any legal part of the United States until 1848 following the Mexican-American War. So the first 4th of July celebration was most likely observed when New Mexico entered the Union as a Territory (no elected representation in Washington), which she remained until gaining Statehood in 1912. Prior to this, there was a rich tradition of religious and civic festivals such as the Santa Fe Fiesta and the various Catholic saint days that made up an important part of colonial life.
In the United States, the original 13 colonies created most of the national celebrations, while religious observances handled the others. While the Congress passed a Resolution of Independence from England on July 2, 1776, it was not until 2 days later that the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence – on July 4th. In the following year in Rhode Island, the 4th was saluted with the firing of 13 guns representing the 13 original colonies.
This most certainly was the beginning of a tradition of firework displays in all communities and backyards throughout the nation.
But remember, while the firing of the 13 cannons mark this day, any conscientious citizen owes it to himself and nation to contemplate the meaning of this day of independence and what it represents. We embraced the spirit of the Enlightenment and freed ourselves from the chains of monarchy and foreign rule, embarking upon the most unique voyage of religious, political and civic freedoms the world has seen.
by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Jun 26, 2018 | Annual New Mexico Events, dance in santa fe, Hispanic Culture of New Mexico, What To Do in Santa Fe
Here in the Southwest region of the United States, we are blessed with a favorable climate, with generous sunshine and a rich cultural tradition of food, music, and dance. Flamenco is an especially vibrant form of dance – originally a product of the Andaluz region of Spain and popular here in Santa Fe. Flamenco has been in existence since the 16th century, but remains fresh and contemporary. This expressive art form involves guitars, percussion, and wildly colorful costumes. The dancing and music are vibrant, and emotionally stirring, and draw their influences from multinational roots: Arabs, Roma, Jews, and Moors.
While it’s easy to be swept up in the pageantry and color of the music and the athleticism of the dancing, flamenco also includes a rich storytelling element. The singing is as powerful as the instrument accompaniment – while also bringing a wistful element.
Santa Fe boasts multiple options for first-quality flamenco performances. Two renowned flamenco companies perform during the summer in Santa Fe.
Juan Siddi Flamenco Company performs at the Maria Benitez Cabaret Theater at The Lodge in Santa Fe with special guests Nevarez and Jose Encinias www.arteflamencosociety.org.
Performance dates are Wednesdays – Sundays; July 13 – August 26, 2018
Another fantastic summer of flamenco performances at the Benitez Cabaret is set to begin in July as we welcome the inaugural season of EmiArteFlamenco in special collaboration with the National Institute of Flamenco!
This thrilling and passionate season features La Emi with special guests Nevarez y Jose Encinias, acclaimed guitarist Chuscales, and singers Jose Fernandez and Vicente Griego.
Tickets cost $20-$50 and can be purchased now through The Lensic Box Office at TicketsSantaFe.org or 505.988.1234. Group discounts (5 tickets or more) are available. Tickets will also be available at the door after 6:30 p.m.; doors open at 7:15 p.m. with shows starting at 8 p.m.
A second option is the Antonio Granjero and Entre Flamenco Company, https://www.entreflamenco.com. Individual ticket prices for each company are modestly priced, and range from $25 to $55. Ole!
After the show, the Inn on the Alameda provides the ideal atmosphere for winding down and relaxing with a light meal or after dinner drink. The Agogo Lounge serves from 5-9:30 pm daily. Our Southwest-appointed rooms reflect the rich culture of the region, while providing upscale amenities and a private balcony or patio for each room or suite. Located just two blocks from the Santa Fe plaza, the Inn on the Alameda is steps away from the best that Santa Fe offers.
by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Nov 28, 2017 | Annual Events of Santa Fe, Annual New Mexico Events, NM History, sanat fe getaway, Santa Fe, santa fe travel, santa fe vacation, What To Do in Santa Fe, winter in santa fe
The holiday season here in Santa Fe is one of our favorite times of the year. Lights, music, and a host of annual activities make this a magical place to visit during the Christmas season. But if we could choose just one night to be here in Santa Fe, it would be Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve, Canyon Road (home to many of the city’s art galleries) is closed to traffic, and the city gathers there to celebrate. The street is alight with thousands of fairy lights, and luminarias (also known as farolitos) which are sand filled paper bags with candles in them that line the sidewalks and the tops of buildings and walls. Historically, this tradition started as small bonfires that were made with crisscrossed piñon branches built in squares about three-feet high and are said to light the way for the Christ child. These beautifully, lit walkways have been a part of Santa Fe tradition since the 19th century.
Starting at dusk, people wander up and down Canyon road, enjoying the sights, and warming themselves up by visiting the many galleries and shops that stay open to offer hot chocolate and cookies. There are even wandering groups of carolers, helping spread the holiday cheer. It’s a time for everyone in Santa Fe to come out and celebrate together.
After visiting Canyon Road, many people head over to midnight mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis de Assisi. The doors usually open at 10:30pm, with Lessons and Carols starting at 11pm. By the time the mass starts at midnight, there is not an empty seat. It’s a wonderful blending of Catholic & Santa Fe traditions and not to be missed. If you’re looking for an earlier mass, San Miguel Mission – the oldest church in the United States – offers mass at 7 pm.
Christmas in Santa Fe offers so many different ways to celebrate the holidays. Our location means that you are walking distance to all the holiday festivities, from luminarias and concerts, to midnight mass. Check our availability so you can be close to all the wonderful holiday festivities!
by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Nov 18, 2014 | Annual Events of Santa Fe, Annual New Mexico Events, education, New Mexico Restaurants, Restaurants, Santa Fe, santa fe dining, santa fe food, Santa Fe Restaurants, santa fe travel
Jean Leon Gerome Ferris
Thanksgiving is a day usually filled with remembrances of smells of turkey and pumpkin pie, uncles and aunts, cousins, football and fall weather. But a review of the underlying history of Thanksgiving reveals a story that is far from the Norman Rockwell image of Dad carving a turkey at the dining room table in some imaginary New England home.
The real Thanksgiving celebration most likely only occurred once…and lasted three days. Neither turkey, nor potatoes, nor pumpkin pie were on the menu, but waterfowl and venison were – oh, and unsweetened cranberries (as no sugar was yet available in New England). This Thanksgiving was a very appropriate one. The first English pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621 with hardly any survival skills suited to their new land. Most died during that first winter from starvation and exposure to the elements. 1622 proved no different; in fact, it wasn’t until 1623 that the harvests became more reliable and bountiful. If it were not for a sole Patuxet Native named Squanto, colonization would likely have been set back by decades.
To paint a more balanced picture than Norman Rockwell’s, it is rarely mentioned that in 1614, English explorers initially returned to England in ships loaded with as many as 500 Patuxet Indian slaves bound for market. This was the hapless tribe that happened to be at ground zero of these European explorers’ arrival. Later, when New England’s first settlers arrived, only one Patuxet remained alive, English-speaking Squanto, who had survived slavery in England and returned later to New England thanks to the graces of a befriended Englishman. During the first two horrible years of near starvation, the Pilgrims were taught by Squanto and the neighboring Wampanoaga people how to grow corn and to survive in this new land. Squanto also negotiated a peace treaty for the Pilgrims with the nearby and very large Wampanoaga tribe. At the end of the hardships of the first year, there indeed was a 3-day Thanksgiving feast honoring Squanto and their new neighbors, the Wampanoagas, but in reality the harvest was meager and there was little to eat that winter following this thanksgiving.
Despite the continual hardship, the word spread throughout England of this newly found “paradise” in America, so countless new settlers arrived. And as always in such situations, when a more technologically superior people enter a less advanced peoples’ land, tensions increased between races until a state of war for survival arose. And such was the case with the New England Natives and the waves of land and freedom hungry colonists. Unfortunately, soon both governors and clergy began calling for days of thanksgiving following successful victories against the natives.
In 1789, President George Washington called for “ a day of Thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favours of God Almighty”. In 1863, during the Civil War, to foster a sense of national unity, Abraham Lincoln set the date as the last Thursday in November. FDR in 1939 set the date as the 4th Thursday of November to add additional economic energy prior to Xmas, and hence the term Black Friday was probably coined, commemorating the day when retailers went from being in the red to being in the black. Our consumer driven culture solidified over the 20th century the iconic foods, settings, and modern traditions of our national holiday.
Now with the history under our soon-to-be straining belts, how better to celebrate Thanksgiving than coming to the land of the ancient Pueblos who had already been in existence for hundreds of years prior to the English explorers’ arrival on this continent?
The Inn on the Alameda’s restaurant, the Agoyo Lounge, traditionally prepares a “reservations-recommended” Thanksgiving dinner for guests and locals alike. We cook up a unique and special menu, which you can view on our website. Please join us around the fires to enjoy a day of thanksgiving for living in one of the greatest countries in the world and certainly enjoying it in one of the greatest and most unique cities in the world.
by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Sep 30, 2014 | Albuquerque, Annual Albuquerque Events, Annual New Mexico Events, New Mexican Culture, NM History
One of New Mexico’s signature sights is hundreds of hot air balloons “flying” over Albuquerque – their many shapes, patterns and colors contrasting against the vast blue canvas of the sky and the rich earthen colors of the ground below. New Mexico is home to the largest balloon festival in the world: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Fiesta is an occasion to welcome hundreds of balloonists from all over the world, providing an opportunity for both visitors and locals alike to experience the surreal beauty of the balloons in the New Mexico sky.
http://www.balloonfiesta.com
If it were not for the pioneering spirit of Albuquerque balloon legends Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson and Larry Newman, it is doubtful that the Balloon Fiesta would have become such an internationally recognized and celebrated event. These men were the first to cross the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in hot air balloons – the famous Double Eagle II and V in 1978 and 1981.
Dating from the promotional efforts of ballooning pioneers like Sid Cutter in the 1970s, the Fiesta soon became a pivotal location for the burgeoning modern balloonist culture. Traditions such as the lighted Dawn Patrol (glowing balloons going up while still dark to scout the wind conditions for the other fliers), the mass ascension and the flight of playfully shaped balloons became an integral part of the culture.
There is so much to do, but be sure to see the Mass Ascension, usually scheduled for 7 a.m. when the winds are calm. Once the lead balloon with an American flag launches, balloon traffic referees in zebra striped shirts coordinate the launching of the hundreds of colorful balloons, creating one of the world’s most amazing aviation events. Another astonishing event is the Balloon Glow, when at night all the balloonists fire their burners simultaneously, creating a spectacular explosion (well, hopefully not) of shapes and hue. Following the Balloon Glow, a massive fireworks display continues the excitement and entertainment.
http://www.balloonfiesta.com
The entertainment and excitement of the Fiesta are also caused by the balloonist competition – an important part of the Fiesta culture. The earliest iterations featured “Coyote and Roadrunner” chases where a balloon decked out with an image of the familiar character attempted to evade balloons painted as its antagonist. This has become a far more regulated set of events and aerial competitions and races can make for exciting viewing.
One of the reasons for the Fiesta’s success comes from the meteorological phenomenon known as the “Albuquerque Box,” a set of wind patterns that occur when the weather is “just right.”
“Albuquerque’s location is crucial to even the possibility of the Box forming. The city sits in the Rio Grande Valley between the Sandia Mountains and the West Mesa. The Albuquerque Box is ‘essentially a valley wind pattern that develops under certain stable conditions.’ Temperature, wind and moisture all factor into creating this unique weather situation. Temperature is important because cooler air is more dense than warm air and the air that is more dense sinks below the less dense air…When the Albuquerque Box is working, tourists can then stay in one spot and watch the balloon launch, drift away, then drift back and land all from the same location.” -Allison Smith from Meteorologist’s Jeff Haby’s website.
http://www.balloonfiesta.com
The Inn on the Alameda offers an excellent experience for guests interested in the Balloon Fiesta. Feel free to call on our knowledgeable staff to help ensure first-rate viewing and even the possibility of ascending to truly experience the Fiesta like no other. No one should miss the sight of the balloons, which is one of the unique New Mexico elements that truly make this the Land of Enchantment. And be sure to stop at the Agoyo Lounge for a drink and dinner and a special toast to one of the world’s most spectacular events.
