Depending on what part of New Mexico you are from or who you ask, there is a difference between two lights used as holiday decoration. Luminaria's are put together with brown lunch-size paper bags, a candle and sand to anchor the bag. Farolito (pronounced: fod-o-leeto), means little lantern. Anything "ito" or "ita" means little, as in fajita- small belt, versus faja (pronunced- faha)- regular-size belt. Whether you refer to the luminous objects used to light the path as Farolito's or Luminaria's, it is a deeply rooted tradition and part of the New Mexico Christmas experience. Christmas in New Mexico would not be complete without seeing the soft lights line sidewalks, driveways, gates, walls and malls, rooftops and porches, private homes and many business' all across the state.
Another New Mexican Christmas custom is centuries-old and involves the reenactment of Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem. It is a humble homage involving parish churches and parishioners. It may start in the neighborhood church with the Mary and Joseph group singing and another choir of voices responding. The faithful gather with a certain simplicity during the heartfelt pilgrimage, bundled-up and ready to stroll from house to house looking for hope and a peaceful place of comfort and joy.
Food served in the traditional Hispanic home around Christmas includes Pasole, a warm bowl of thick, soupy hominy made with or without meat, optional red chile, maybe a bit of chopped onion, a squeeze of lemon, a little oregano and crackers or a flour tortilla. Other favorites include Tamales, wrapped in a corn husk, these candy-bar size delicacies are made of masa, a savory dense dough that encases shredded pork with chicken or steamed vegetables and red or green chile, Chile Rellenos, a crusty peeled and cooked green chile stuffed with cheese or a lightly encrusted green chile/meat-ball, Empanada's, a turn-over type pastry filled with dried fruit or minced meat and Biscochito's, the state cookie, which is light and crispy, sometimes made with a bit of anise in the mix and a dash of cinnamon on top.
The spirit of Christmas in New Mexico is special, it is revered and reflects generations of history. The smell of pine wood or piñon burn in a fire place, the scent is familiar and as comforting as the glow and warmth emitted from the luminaria's or fajolito's.
The spirit of Christmas in New Mexico is special, it is revered and reflects generations of history. The smell of pine wood or piñon burn in a fire place, the scent is familiar and as comforting as the glow and warmth emitted from the luminaria's or fajolito's.
