March, 2014


31
Mar 14

New Mexico–Taos Indian Pueblo

Photograph of adobe buildings in the Taos Indian Pueblo, Taos, New Mexico The Taos Pueblo has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years, the oldest such community in the United States. The multi-storied adobe complex was built between 1000 and 1450 AD. The pueblo is a World Heritage Site.


24
Mar 14

New Mexico–El Santuario de Chimayo

Photograph of El Santuario de Chimayo, New MexicoEl Santuario is a Roman Catholic church in Chimayo, New Mexico. The shrine is famous as a pilgrimage site. It receives nearly 300,000 visitors a year. 30,000 people make pilgrimages during Holy Week. Some are fulfilling a vow or seeking a blessing or healing. Walking is the traditional form of pilgrimage; some walk from as far as Albuquerque, 90 miles.


16
Mar 14

New Mexico–Chile Ristra 2

Photograph of red chile ristras near Chimayo, New MexicoOnce chiles turn red on the plant they need to be dried to be eaten. The red chiles were traditionally laid out to sun dry, but contamination by birds and other pests led people to begin tying them together into strings and hanging them on a wall. The red ristras are an iconic sight in New Mexico and are said to be a symbol of “welcome.”

 


10
Mar 14

New Mexico–Chile Ristra

Photograph of red chile ristras near Chimayo, New MexicoNew Mexican cuisine is defined by chiles. Green chiles are picked unripe. Red chiles are the ripe form. They are usually dried and can be ground into powder or flakes. The red chiles are often arranged into string bound bundles, ristras, and are often seen hanging on porches, businesses and homes throughout New Mexico.

 


3
Mar 14

New Mexico–Puye Cliff Dwellings 3

Photograph of Puye Cliff Dwellings near EspaƱola, New MexicoThe indians lived by hunting game and cultivating crops. All water had to be carried up to the dwellings. Drought forced the villagers to leave the cliff dwellings in 1580 and settle in the Rio Grande valley. The inhabitants of the Santa Clara Pueblo are descendants of the Puye.