The Santa Fe Opera performance of Madame Butterfly last night was outstanding. Before the opera, there is opportunity to take a few photos of the atmosphere. This outdoor opera house is incredible and the views are stunning.

Very much looking forward to this evening’s performance of Rodelinda!

Today is the Spanish Market in the downtown Plaza district. Everything in Santa Fe is tradition, culture, and history all blended together. This is the 100th year of the Santa Fe Spanish Market. It is a display and show of the culture of the Spanish in New Mexico through art mostly revolving around religion. The many artists and their crafts are varied from wooden sculpture, to artwork, to pottery, to weaving, to beading and more. These photos should give you a ‘flavor’ of this very special event in Santa Fe. Amazing and worth shopping/browsing the many booths.

In addition there is live music all day and on Sunday a procession after Mass at St. Francis Cathedral where the Archbishop will bless the artists work. We might attempt to fit this in our schedule tomorrow. The music and dancers are excellent entertainment so much so….. standing room only!

In addition to the Spanish Market, there is a Contemporary Hispanic Market. The booths line both sides of Lincoln Ave from the Plaza to the Court House. Different artistry and equally interesting as the artists in the Spanish Market. There was one piece I was tempted to buy. Then, I found out the artist will be at St. Armands Circle on January 31, 2027…..I’ll be stopping by his booth there! Again, here is a sampling of the amazing talent.

I found the artwork below for Ann. She loves the New Mexico landscape but detests chilis 🌶️. LOL

Next is a quick run to the local grocery store for some snacks to get us through today and tomorrow when we are traveling. While there, I saw a sign that they were roasting Hatch Chiles outside. I love Hatch Chilis and its always fun to see the way they roast these delicious chilis.

Not bringing any home this time, next year!

Back to the hotel and next a visit to the New Mexico History Museum on the Plaza.

There is so much history to cover about this area called New Mexico starting in the 1500’s to the current era. A few tidbits in these photos.

Through a side door in the museum you have access to The Palace. The history of the building and the renovations provides an excellent overview. Then there are a few exhibits within The Palace rooms.

Love this statue being preserved at the museum after the crazy time when statues were being torn down.

Exhausting ourselves with all the New Mexico beauty at the markets and the New Mexico history in the museum, we walk back to the hotel for a rest before dinner at Luminaire and the Opera tonight. Another wonderful day in Santa Fe!