The Red Willow people of Taos Pueblo have called the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains home for more than 1,000 years.
It’s the oldest continually inhabited community in the U.S., a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.
Unchanged and unmatched in wonder and drama, Taos Pueblo holds the annual Procession of the Virgin Mary celebration on Christmas Eve. The scent of burning ocote wood fills the dark winter air as revelers welcome La Nocha Buena (The Good Night) and La Navidad (Christmas).
Once the riflemen signal the birth of Christ, a procession including drummers, dancers and singers returns a statue of Mary to the historic San Geronimo Chapel. And on Christmas day, visitors are invited to respectfully observe the day’s celebrations.
You’ll find colorful shops offering Native-made handcrafted works — from jewelry to pottery to paintings. All sales are tax-free. A guided tour of Taos Pueblo is highly recommended. Tours touch on the highlights of the culture, history and people of the region, and last 20-30 minutes.
The pueblo prohibits photographing tribal members without their permission. Any photographs taken must be for personal use only. Admission fees apply.
Taos Pueblo taospueblo.com 575-758-1028