A wonderful mix of Anglo, Hispanic, native American and other cultural traditions, Christmas holidays in the Southwest can be very different from the rest of the world.
Soft warm light is cast from little brown bags with sand and candles are lit and line sidewalks, walls, and building tops, called Luminarias (Loo-MIN-ah-ree-ahs) or Farolitos (fah-RO-lee-tos) depending on the part of New Mexico you are in.Chili peppers are one of the things that the state is most famous for. "Red or Green" is the state question, referring to weather you want red or green chili on your meal (not to be confused with Texas chili or any other). Even McDonald's offer green chili on their sandwiches. If you want both, you just ask for "Christmas".
(Image courtesty of Heather Buna, CapriShine.com)
And while the chili is certain tasty on your food, it goes far beyond the dinner table. Used to make decorations such as Ristras (dried red chilies strung on long pieces of twine or in a wreath to hang outside the home) hung on Christmas trees and more.
Bizchochitos (Bees-ko-chee-toes)the delightful cookies which I covered in October here, are traditional both as something to make for your own home and to give away a seasonal gifts. Amazing with Tea or Coffee, I can't say enough how wonderful these are.
Tamales are simply amazing. Wrapped in a cornmeal breading (Masa) and filled with meat and spices, the wrapped and steamed in a corn husk before steaming. Fragrant and full of flavor, these are traditional to eat on Christmas and/or New Year day.
Las Posadas is a traditional Spanish outdoor play, a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a room on Christmas Eve. It is a process that leads door to door, that any and all are invited to participate in. Las Posadas represents the troubles that Joseph and Mary faced in Bethlehem while trying to find a room. The procession is made of groups of adults and children who go door to door singing and requesting lodging (posada). Each door they go to represents an inn, and the owner represents the innkeeper who then refuses the request.(As in the story of Joesph and Mary.) Eventually the procession ends at a preordained place, where the owner recognizes Joesph and Mary and Allows them to come in.
Posole is a stew made withcorn (hominy), pork and spices, and sometimes potatoes which is sevred steaming hot year around, but particularly on Christmas Eve and New Years Day. For some it is the good luck equivalent of eating Cabbage, Black- eyed peas or rice on New years day.
All this and more. Native American dances, celebrations all over the state, good food, great decor, and all wrapped up in the tradition of joy. :) If I missed any, email me and let me know!
