South Central New Mexico News & Events
Happy Indigenous People’s Day! ✨Today is Indigenous People’s Day! This holiday recognizes and honors Indigenous communities throughout what is now the United States. Indigenous people have been living in the Americas since time immemorial and continue to be an integral part of this nation’s diverse cultural tapestry. This day is an opportunity to learn more about the history of Indigenous people and to celebrate their resiliency in the face of 500 years of colonization. What do you know about local Indigenous history?
Indigenous people including Mescalero Apache Tribe, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Piro-Manso-Tiwa Tribe of the Pueblo of San Juan de Guadalupe, Comanche Indian Tribe, Hopi Tribe of Arizona, Fort Sill Apache Tribe, Isleta Pueblo, Tortugas Pueblo, Navajo Nation, Tesuque Pueblo, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, and others continue to maintain strong cultural and ancestral ties to the lands of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.
The Monument is home to many archaeological sites that provide physical evidence of the land’s history and the history of its Indigenous people. These sites are precious, irreplaceable places that allow us to learn from and connect to the past. From the prehistoric rock shelter of La Cueva to the many rock art sites that dot the land, all are examples of important cultural resources that speak to the deep history and connection Indigenous peoples have with this landscape.
Today, many people tend to view archaeological sites as static places that have been neglected or deserted for generations. Yet, many Indigenous communities continue to visit these archaeological sites where they pay homage to both the sacredness of these sites and to their ancestors. When visiting archaeological sites, please visit with respect for those who came before by treading softly and leaving the site as you found it. #IndigenousPeoplesDay
Credit: Sierra de las Uvas lit by a quarter moon, Wayne Suggs
Check out the Trinity Site Open House this Saturday, October 2nd! ✨
The Trinity Site is the location of the world's first atomic bomb test in 1945. Open houses are scheduled for the first Saturdays in April and October.
Click here for more information: home.army.mil/wsmr/index.php/contact/public-affairs-office/trinity-site-open-houseAre you planning to come out to the Trinity Site Open House? If you want us to check out your photos use the hashtag #trinitysite here on Facebook or Instagram and feel free to tag us too.
We hope to see you on Saturday!
The Experience Mesilla Jazz & Blues Festival starts today! ✨Line UP alert! #livemusic #jazz #blues #musica #oldmesilla #experiencemesilla #allweekend
Get free admission to White Sands National Park tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 25th for National Public Lands Day! ✨Gain free admission to White Sands National Park tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 25th for National Public Lands Day! 🌵 You can visit any national park for free - the perfect opportunity to enjoy this warmer weather at White Sands before it starts to cool down!
Fall Park hours are from 7am - 8pm.
Photo: John Fowler via Flickr
#nationalpubliclandsday #visitlascruces #whitesandsnationalpark
Are you a BIRDER? There are 282 species of birds at Elephant Butte Lake State Park! ✨Did you know? There are 282 species of birds at Elephant Butte Lake State park. Talk about a great place to be for birding!
#VisitElephantButte #NewMexicoTRUE
Photo: New Mexico True
To celebrate #NationalPublicLandsDay, September 25th is Fee Free Day! ✨
Aguirre Spring Recreation Area, Dripping Springs Natural Area, and Three Rivers Petroglyph Site will waive all entrance fees.
The Great New Mexico Chile Taste-Off is this Saturday, September 18th, in Socorro, New Mexico! ✨