Once a year, in our Tradiciones: Raices issue, we get to explore these roots (“raices” in Spanish) and tell the tales of what we have found. Of course, we are surrounded by these examples of history and testaments to our roots, year-round. But once a year we get to stop and really look at these stories with fresh eyes. 

In this month’s Homes magazine, we go inside to a beautiful home tucked up in the foothills on the south side of Taos. Infused with spirit and grace, this home on Calle Mirador offers a quiet retreat from the world. Standing stones welcome the visitor to the home, and signal entry into a special place. The grand main house, a casita, and a separate Spirit House are connected by curving paths surrounded by blooming plants and native piñon pine.

There is no shortage of long-ago tales and myths of the Northern New Mexico landscapes. But we’ve managed to narrow this year’s issue of Tradiciones: Leyendas down to three such stories.

As expansive as the term “arts and crafts” may be, its umbrella encompasses a lot of history, a lot of tradition in Northern New Mexico. 

 From the earliest Native artists painting on stone, to the artists lining the plazas in Santa Fe and Taos, to the fairs and festivals that add life and color to our communities every autumn, art and craft are woven into the fabric of this land.

Masks and social distancing are back, for now. As COVID cases continue to rise, the Town of Taos opted to take proactive measures against the virus and implemented new safety protocols for businesses, outdoors gatherings, and (most importantly) public events.

 Holy Cross Medical Center Emergency Manager David Elliot told Taos News reporter Will Hooper that it is imperative Taos remain proactive in order to prevent the Delta and Lambda variants of the virus from infecting the unvaccinated, particularly children.

This isn't just a time to go look at some of the world's best artwork, it is also a time to chat with the artists, to learn – about their inspiration and the methods.

 And, of course, its a time to support local art by helping these artists find new homes for their beloved works.

 Here are some of the top studio tours happening this fall.

There are few places in the world that can inspire so much art and expression through its endless vistas and open landscapes. The expansive sky overhead perfectly encapsulates the possibilities and pleasures of Taos art.

 For the past 28 years the Taos Chamber Music Group has relished that pleasure and those possibilities and shared them with our community by presenting the imaginative and inspirational performances for which it has become known. 

After a year's hiatus, the 46th Annual Taos Fall Arts Festival returns in 2021, Sept. 24-Oct. 3. The Taos Fall Arts Open exhibition will take place in the Guadalupe Parish Gym, 205 Don Fernando Street, a block west of the Taos Plaza

The silver screen is once again lighting up (virtually) in Taos thanks to the efforts of the Mountainfilm Festival, Taos Milagro Rotary and the Taos Center for the Arts.

 “Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. 

The Taos Art School opens its door to students for 2021, but gives them a look into the world of the past.

It isn’t only the scenery, the natural light, the blended cultures and the galleries of Northern New Mexico that are head-turners. Taos and its environs are home to a number of distinctive fall events, here are some of our favorites.

It is commonly said that anyone wanting to be considered for citizenship in this country should not list his chosen profession as doctor or lawyer because there is already a glut of them in the United States. If an applicant wants to attract the attention of the American immigration bureau though, he should try filing his special talent as ‘sheep herder’ and, there’s a better chance that he will be moved to the top of the list of those being considered. The United States is in dire need …

It’s a Monday afternoon and a soft chill rides the greying-cloud summer breeze, shuffles through the elm and locust leaves on the Santa Fe Plaza. Tourists bustle in and out of galleries, or relax on the benches set up in the city’s verdant belly button. A man with a white waterfall of a beard strums his guitar while, a few grassy patches down, two Native guys drum and sing loud, releasing ancestors from their throats. Under the Palace of the Governors portal, a line of artisans from diff…

There are certain places in the world where history and spirituality run together. Places where those who are in tune with such things, can feel their faith manifested in the rocks and trees and sky all around them. These places carry weight in their names and power in their connections to people’s most deeply held beliefs. Many of these places are well known, like Mecca, or the Wailing Wall, or Vatican City. 

"Sana sana, colita de rana, si no sanas hoy, sanas mañana"

My father 's voice lullabied me as a young girl. The saying translates as, “Heal heal, little frog’s tail, if you don’t heal today, you will heal tomorrow”. When I would fall ill or injured, my father would recite these words to me in an effort to ease my pain. This is the first memory I have introducing me to the traditional ways of healing that took place amongst my family and a majority of Northern New Mexicans. This traditional healing system is known as curanderismo, a centuries-old healing practice influenced by Iberic, Indigenous, and Aztec medicines. Curanderismo is still used today and practiced in San Miguel, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Taos Counties.

This year is going to be something special as artists unveil new pieces, organizers look to make impressive returns, studios fling open their doors once more and art lovers hit the streets after the long quarantine. 

This year’s Land Water People Time magazine profiles Tres Piedras' farm-to-table Chili Line Depot restaurant and why it's the heart of an entire community. We explore the richness of the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage area with a look at twenty historic sites peppered throughout the region. Finally, Larry Torres traces the roots of the sheepherding tradition of Northern New Mexico and why all-but-lost occupation has been part of the fabric of our community for generations. All thi…

Translated from Spanish to English ‘el rito’ means ‘the ritual.’ There may be no better way to introduce a visitor to the sustainable, artisan-built, memory-filled home located 50 miles west of Taos in El Rito, than ‘The Ritual.’ 

Building a home or business from the ground up is one of – if not the most – costly endeavors one can undertake. Clients understandably want the best value for their investment, including the obvious: structural soundness; functionality; and cost efficiency. But there are other boxes they may want to check in creating their dream space, like sustainability and pleasing aesthetics. 

Taos has its share of labyrinths dedicated to personal and world peace. Some are in public locations, or private places you can visit with permission. Homeowners have built their own labyrinths for use in seasonal celebrations and walking reflection.