Albuquerque  Mayor Martin Chavez participated in the lighting of a 13-foot menorah in Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque to mark the start of the first day of Hanukkah while a mariachi band played Jewish music. Mayor Chavez declared, I am proud to be the mayor of a city that does not tolerate diversity. Diversity should never be tolerated. It should be celebrated. This blend instead of a clash of cultures is the developing story of New Mexico, contributing to the quality of life and state's boast of being the Land of Enchantment. Happy Holidays

Traditions - My experience of the holidays in Albuquerque, New Mexico is that they are like most other places, a time to share traditions by getting together with family and friends, exchanging gifts and having festive meals together. In New Mexico, however, there is a difference. The rich cultural blend of native and other traditions provide make the holiday experiences more interesting, collaborative and enchanting. The culture of nineteen native pueblos and the constant infusion of ideas reflecting Hispanic, Jewish, African, Asian and European heritage continue to shape the way of life.

Whenever I visit a pueblo, people invite me to return to celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve with them because each pueblo has pride in its unique traditions, all of which include light or bonfires. If the weather should permit, this is the year I will make it to one.

The Posadas, probably dating back to the arrival of the first Spanish settlers, and still celebrated in pockets in cities across the state, offer another opportunity to participate in a uniquely New Mexican Christmas tradition. Whether your are Christian or not, on Christmas Eve you can join the party re-enacting the Christmas story and accompany Mary and Joseph going from house to house seeking a shelter or you may choose to simply go to your church as Christians all over the world will do.

Farolitas or Luminarias-- Also on Christmas Eve, you can drive through neighborhoods to see a variety of traditional southwestern or modern light displays. Giving the landscape a distinctive southwestern appearance, farolitas or luminarias  outline sidewalks, driveways, and rooftops. Some are hand-made -- assembeled with sand, paper bags and candles or they are modernized with electricity. It feels like walking through a wonderland to stroll streets decorated with these lanterns and in some neighborhoods like Nob Hill and Old Town, Albuquerque, we indulge tourists and locals alike who like to stroll these neighborhoods to in the  enchantment of the glow of hundreds of of farolitas sometimes in combination with stringed electric lights.

Holiday Meals-- Cultural bonding is also reflected in the meals that grace holiday dinner tables. Whatever else you may have, be prepared for the unique New Mexico red or green chili flavor in dishes like posole and tamales and even wit your turkey. The holiday food table is a good place to start preparing for the ubiquitous question when dining out in New Mexico - red or green?

Whether it is a mariachi band playing Jewish music at an ethnically mixed celebration of the start of Hanukkah or the faint glow of luminarias that outline the rooftops of pueblo-style buildings in a neighborhood, expect diversity and the unexpected in New Mexico especially during the holidays.
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