KUAUA CHRISTMAS

Luminarias, a bonfire, Santa and carols were all part of the Christmas at Kuaua event at the Coronado State Monument near Bernalillo on Sunday. About 800 visitors came to enjoy the seasonal cheer, which included a Santa’s Workshop for children and an appearance by the North Pole celebrity himself, along with an elf and a couple of llamas posing as reindeer, said Coronado manager Scott Smith. The entertainment also featured traditional American Indian dances by Steve Toya and family dancers of Zia Pueblo.

The monument is off U.S. 550 on the west side of Bernalillo.

The area was settled in ancient times by the Tiwa Pueblo of Kuaua. Spanish explorer Francicso Vasquez de Coronado also camped near there in the 1540s.

About 1,000 luminarias used for the Christmas celebration are now available free at Coronado State Monument for anyone who wants to stop by and pick up some, Smith said.

ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS/JOURNAL Atlanta Taylor-Campagna, 10, lights luminarias around Coronado State Monument near Bernalillo before the start of the annual Christmas at Kuaua celebration.

A bonfire keeps visitors warm and luminarias line the trails around Coronado State Monument near Bernalillo during a Christmas celebration.