Cultural Crossroads
| Explore New Mexico and you'll feel like you've journeyed into another country without actually leaving the United States. Within the Land of Enchantment, three cultures - Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo - interweave to form a colorful tapestry bound by a long, rich heritage. The result today after centuries of co-existence is a warm and friendly multicultural community that celebrates diverse traditions with style. | ||||
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| So much in New Mexico is unique to the high-desert landscape. Adobe historic buildings, with their earthen tones, bright turquoise gates, and decorative strands of red chiles, stand proudly against a deep blue sky. As the mighty Rio Grande flows down the middle of the state, it carves a fertile valley into the desert where fields of green chiles grow in abundance. Tall, ancient cottonwoods, their bright leaves shimmering in the sun, line river and creek banks, creating a sanctuary of cool shade for joggers and cyclists. Across the vast northern deserts, piñon pines dot the land. Large pecan orchards grow in the south. Vintners lovingly tend to their grape vines in New Mexico's own wine country, spread across the state. The cuisine here, like the land, is colorful and tantalizing. Blue corn tortillas, green chile enchiladas, Indian fry bread, roasted tomatillo salsa, and piñon nut muffins are just some of the regional culinary delights that make good use of the high-desert bounty. Food and fun always go together, and you'll find both at cultural festivals including the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow and the Santa Fe Annual Spanish Market. New Mexico's biggest celebration, the annual International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, launches hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons into the bright-blue October sky. | ||||
| If you long to ski, hike, or camp up in the mountains, you don't need to go far. New Mexico's beautiful mountain ranges, including the Manzanos, the Sacramentos, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, provide the perfect alpine setting for these activities. Wherever you go in the Land of Enchantment, the sights, sounds, and flavors will not only awaken your senses, they will stir your soul. |