Just what does “multicultural” mean in Santa Fe? Prior to the arrival of Spanish explorers in the early 1600s, the area was claimed by the Pueblo Peoples. Once a part of Mexico and the Confederacy, it was ceded by Mexico to the United States in 1846. When the Santa Fe Trail opened in 1821, it drew hundreds of hunters, trappers and adventurers “out West” to seek their fortunes, and many stayed on to homestead and add to the Santa Fe tapestry.
Then came the artists. Word of mouth quietly spread the treasure of magical beauty and history, prompting writers and artists to travel from the East Coast and form colonies and retreats in both Taos and Santa Fe.
In a 1920s issue of the Chicago-based Poetry magazine, editor Harriet Monroe declared: “Why go to Greece or China? This Southwest is, which is but one chapter of our rich tradition is our own authentic wonderland – a treasure trove of romance and myth – profoundly beautiful and significant, guarded by ancient races practicing their ancient rites, in a region of incredible color and startling natural grandeur.”
Today Santa Fe is known all over the world for its contemporary and cosmopolitan ambiance. Old World architecture and values blend with an attitude that embraces diversity and creativity to create a “City Different” where every day is a fresh experience, yet grounded in a sense of historic timelessness.
Santa Fe’s culture, art, and multicultural traditions are a continual draw for visitors and soon-to-be residents. It is home to America's third largest art market, the internationally acclaimed Santa Fe, NM Opera and many performing arts organizations, the renowned annual Indian Market and Spanish Market, fantastic restaurants with world-class chefs, hundreds of eclectic shops, and easy access to endless outdoor activities from hiking to skiing. Now the word is out to filmmakers, and a number of directors and photographers are finding the Santa Fe area a perfect setting for their productions.
With an average 283 sunny days per year, four distinct seasons and a year-round temperate climate, Santa Fe is a very environmentally enjoyable city.
“I’m in love with this landscape. The light in New Mexico is better than anywhere else. The earth here is full of ochres, and you get beautiful overcast days, bright blue light, incredible sunsets.” – Lawrence Kasdan, Director
| Camino | “Road” in Spanish. |
| Canale | A roof spout that carries water off of a flat pueblo roof. |
| Casa | “House” or “home” in Spanish. |
| Chamiso | An evergreen shrub in the rose family that turns a golden color in the fall. |
| Coping | Decorative detail on the top edge of a building and around doors and windows. |
| Corbel | Short sculpted beam lying on top of a post or a wall. |
| Coved Ceiling | A ceiling in which the part next to the wall is constructed in a cove. |
| Cuesta | A ridge with a gentle slope on one side and a cliff on the other. |
| Escarpment Ordinances | Laws in the Santa Fe area prohibiting building and excavation of mountainsides beyond a certain steepness. |
Faralito
| “Little lantern” in Spanish. Typically a paper bag with a sand ballast and candle lit for Christmas. |
| Fiesta | An elaborate party, often outdoors. |
| Flagstone | Flat sheets of stone mined locally, used for flooring in homes and patios. |
| Historic Style Ordinances | Regulations governing the architectural style of all buildings within the Historic District of Downtown Santa Fe. |
| Horno | Freestanding adobe bread oven found at most pueblos and Indian homes. |
| Juniper Tree | High desert evergreen that seldom grows more than 15 feet tall. |
| Kiva | Traditional round, flat-roofed religious chamber found in Indian pueblos. |
| Kiva fireplace | A small beehive shaped fireplace. |
| La Fonda | “The Hotel” in Spanish. |
| La Posada | “The Inn” in Spanish. |
| Latillas | Small branches used as ceiling planking, made of aspen, pine or cedar. |
| Lintel | Wooden beam bridging window or door openings. |
| Mesa | Flat top mountain called “a table” in Spanish. |
| Nicho | Small shelf carved into a wall. |
| Paraje | “Place” in Spanish. |
| Parapet | A low wall extending above the roof line in Pueblo style architecture. |
| Paseo | Passage or walkway or “to Promenade” in Spanish. |
| Pinon Tree | High-desert nut-bearing evergreen tree. |
Plaza
| Public square in the center of town. The site of traditional evening paseo or “promenade”. |
| Portal | Patio attached to a home, covered with a fixed roof supported by posts. |
| Puerta | “Door” in Spanish. |
| Ristra | A string of drying red chilies. |
| Saltillo Tile | Simple fired earthen tile made in Saltillo, Mexico. |
| Stucco | Final cement color coat plastered on the exterior of an adobe-style building. |
| Talavera Tile | Colorful hand-decorated Mexican tile used for countertops and trim. |
| Ventana | “Window” in Spanish. |
| Vigas | Round logs used as ceiling beams. |
