Mixed Media “Spirits of New Mexico’s Past” at Rancho de las Golondrinas
That unique fall smell of dying leaves crunching underfoot mixing with juniper and piñon chimney smoke can evoke a kind of shivery nostalgia — even as it portends winter’s first snows. It is a time for bundling up against the night air and holding a cup of hot cider while listening to ghost stories. It is time, in short, for Halloween.
“Spirits of New Mexico’s Past,” on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the living history museum El Rancho de las Golondrinas (334 Los Pinos Road), is a family-friendly event featuring tales of — and visits from — local ghosts. Golondrinas, set on 200 acres of farming valley south of Santa Fe, comprises a collection of original 18th-century colonial buildings, and the museum is dedicated to preserving the culture and history of 18th- and 19th-century New Mexico. The Halloween event is a much-anticipated annual seasonal capstone.
Doors open at 5 p.m. Many spooky stories and historical vignettes are presented from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by performances by Lightning Boy Foundation Hoop Dancers and EntreFlamenco Santa Fe Youth Dancers. La Llorona, a woman who weeps as she looks for her lost children by the river, makes an appearance to tell her story before a final bit of entertainment from the Red Turtle Dance Group.
Ongoing activities for kids include face painting and making tin medallions. A traditional curandera, Veronica Ramos, will talk about the local Hispanic tradition of healing magic. There is the obligatory hot cider as well as fresh horno-baked snacks before the evening ends at 9 p.m. Admission to “Spirits of New Mexico’s Past” is $8 for adults, $6 for teens and seniors, and free for children twelve and under. For more information, go to golondrinas.org or call 505-471-2261.