Taos Feature

Several yearly festivals celebrate the Native American and Hispanic roots of Taos. During the last weekend in September, La Hacienda de los Martínez hosts the Old Taos Trade Fair, a reenactment of autumn gatherings of the 1820s, when Plains Indians and trappers came to Taos to trade with the Spanish and the Pueblo Indians. The two-day event includes demonstrations of blacksmithing, weaving, and other crafts, a chile cook-off, native foods, music, and dancing.

The Wool Festival (www.taoswoolfestival.org), held in early October in Kit Carson Park, commemorates the long tradition of wool growing and weaving begun in the 16th century, when Spanish settlers brought the tough little Churro sheep to northern New Mexico. Every aspect of the craft "from sheep to shawl" is demonstrated, including shearing, spinning, and weaving. Handmade woolen items are for sale, and you can taste favorite lamb dishes.

During the second weekend of July, the Taos Pueblo Powwow (www.taospueblopowwow.com) attracts Native Americans from many Indian nations. Visitors are welcome to watch the traditional drumming and dancing, shop at the arts-and-crafts market, and partake of fry bread, mutton, green-chile sauce, and other local delicacies.