Light among ruins. Courtesy/Jemez Historic SiteJEMEZ News:
JEMEZ SPRINGS — The historic ruins of the Jemez Historic Site in Jemez Springs, New Mexico will be lit by more than 1,400 farolitos during the unforgettable, “NM True Light Among the Ruins” event from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.
Complimentary horse and wagons will bring visitors to and from Jemez Springs’ Plaza to the Jemez Historic Site throughout the evening for both an immersive cultural and holiday experience.
Tickets will be issued to visitors to get on the wagons at three locations – Jemez Historic Site, Los Ojos Restaurant Saloon and at the NM True Warm Up Tent at the Village Plaza. Each ticket stub will allow visitors a chance to win two nights at Laughing Lizard Hotel in Jemez Springs along with two hour-long soaks at Jemez Hot Springs (formerly Giggling Springs), a massage for two at Cañon del Rio Retreat and Spa and dinner at Los Ojos Restaurant and Saloon.
“The NM True Light Among the Ruins event is a spectacular holiday tradition bringing the cultural traditions of Jemez Pueblo and beauty of the Village together for a beautiful holiday event that grows bigger each year,” Village of Jemez Springs Mayor Bob Wilson said.
The Jemez Historic Site (Jemez Monument) opens at 8:30 a.m., where self guided tours are available of the 500 year old village and 16th century San José de los Jemez church. Farolitos – paper bags filled with sand and lit by candles – will line the 1,400 foot interpretive trail and church at the Monument. There is no fee to enter the Monument during that day; however, donations are encouraged.
Likewise, the Village Plaza’s gazebo in Jemez Springs will be aglow with 200 NM True Farolitos. Visitors can write the name of a loved one on the limited number of NM True Farolitos for $3. Half of all proceeds from the purchase of the farolitos will directly benefit Jemez Helping Hands – a local 501(c)3 non profit providing food, clothes and utility assistance to residents in the Jemez Valley.
Traditional Native American dances will be performed at the Monument along with traditional flute music, and complimentary hot chocolate, cider and biscochitos will be available at both the Monument and the Village Plaza. Green Chile stew and other New Mexico soul-food favorites will be available for purchase at the NM True Warm Up Tent.
The Public Academy for Performing Arts’ choir and orchestra will each perform holiday music inside the Fitzgerald Center – directly across at 3 p.m at no charge to the public.
Santa Claus will be on hand to hear wish lists at the Plaza gazebo beginning at 4 p.m. Indoor vendors will sell handmade arts and crafts beginning at 3 p.m. in the Village Conference room.
The official lighting of the Christmas tree will begin at 6 p.m. in the Village Plaza, followed by the sounds of carolers who will serenade visitors throughout the night.
The Jemez Springs Public Library, at the Plaza, will sell signed books and other materials written by the late author Tony Hillerman at the event. More information on the book sale is available by contacting the library at 575.829.9155.
Some galleries, businesses and lodging facilities in the village will stay open later and offer open houses on Dec. 10.
For more information about the Monument, contact Marlon Magdalena at 575.829.3530 or marlon@magdalena@state.nm.us. For information about Jemez Springs visit jemezsprings.org or call 575.829.3540.
Jemez Historic Site farolitos. Photo by Theodore Greer Photography
Light among ruins. Courtesy/Jemez Historic Site