Canyon Road: A Very Special Gathering Place
Canyon Road is a half-mile street in Santa Fe with over a hundred galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. It is also a gathering place, not just for tourists but also for locals. Tucked behind shops, there are still many residences along this world-famous road as well. Today there are many regular events along Canyon Road, some dating back to the 1800’s.
CHRISTMAS EVE –A HISTORIC & MAGICAL EVENT
One of Santa Fe’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, lights up the hearts and souls of thousands who stroll the area on Christmas Eve. Known for world-class galleries, Canyon Road transforms into a work of art itself during this annual celebration unique to Santa with candles, lights, and bonfires. Thousands of farolitos cast a glow on the courtyards and adobe walls of the century-old buildings lining the road. What is a farolito and how does this all work?
Farolito ("little lantern”) is a brown paper bag filled with a little sand in the bottom and a small candle inside. Canyon Road, Acequia Madre and the neighboring streets line farolitos along the walls and drives of their homes. Bonfires made of piñon logs are built for you to warm up by. The streets are closed by dusk and walkers fill the streets. Seasoned locals and groups of friends bring sheet music, singing holiday carols as they enjoy the lights and the magic of the season. Many homes invite friends, serving green chili stew, biscochitos, cider, and perhaps a little tequila to warm the bones. Many businesses remain open for last-minute shoppers and offer a place to warm up. Be sure to dress warmly and bring the whole family to this festive holiday event. What it’s really about is community. Strangers come together to sing familiar holiday songs, friends run into one another, and the holiday is filled with the true meaning of the season.
There is something purely Santa Fe that is welcoming about candles and the glow of small fires against the stars. Many towns throughout the US have neighborhoods that are known for their display of lights, but our festival is especially magical. Canyon Road is not the only place to see farolitos on Christmas Eve. Acequia Madre, a residential street along Canyon, is quieter, more local, yet still festive. If you want to explore further out, Picuris Pueblo has a torchlight procession and traditional dances on Christmas Eve. Acoma Pueblo lines the road into the Pueblo with over two thousand farolitos annually. Every December, plazas, churches, homes, and businesses across Santa Fe and New Mexico are aglow. When did this celebration begin?
The first written evidence was a quote in The Weekly New Mexican, January 2, 1864; “As the natural darkness of night sets in, the whole city and suburbs around light up with a blaze of light.” It is unknown if the fires symbolically offered light to the Holy Family on their journey, or if they were to light the way for settlers and soldiers finding their way into town. Either way, these small stacks of piñon bark and dry wood were made, and the fires lit along roadways were really the start of this holiday tradition. Though famous in Santa Fe, with thousands of visitors, farolitos are now practically synonymous with a New Mexican Christmas and are seen all over the Southwest. Neighborhoods coordinate to light their farolitos together and warm the community with their light. A new electric and plastic version is called an “Electrolito,” making it easier to share in the tradition.
CANYON ROAD BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER ALL YEAR ROUND
Throughout the year, Canyon Road Art Stroll on Friday evenings from 5 pm to 7 pm is a great way to unwind at the end the week. Various galleries and boutiques from Paseo de Peralta to Camino del Monte Sol host special exhibits, often with the artists present and refreshments served. Check the Paseo Tiempo for specifics. Take a stroll any time of the year! Visit a few galleries, shop, dine at a world-class restaurant or just relax with a glass of wine. As one of the largest art centers in the world, it’s everything from Modern to Western, sculptures and whimsy. Check out the website if you want to plan your day at www.visitcanyonroad.com
Coming next will be the Spring Art Festival, the Edible Art Tour, and the Paint & Sculpt Out. I’ve not been to all the events, and I’ve lived here for 35 years! There’s always something new. The most common compliment my clients say about Santa Fe is how friendly it is to live here. Canyon Road is just one example. Santa Fe is not just a town; it really is a community that is sincerely welcoming. There are many community events throughout the year. It starts in the spring with the Walk on Good Friday to Chimayo, Music on the Plaza in the Summer, Dia de los Muertos celebration in the fall, and now the Canyon Road Walk on Christmas Eve.
I look forward to seeing you on Canyon Road this Christmas Eve, if not sooner! Enjoy the season.
