Let it glow: Bedecked in farolitos, Jemez Historic Site to host Lights of Gíusewa

Located within the Jemez Mountains, the Jemez Historic Site features memories of days long gone while celebrating old and new traditions from all cultures across New Mexico and this year, the site will feature the Lights of Gíusewa — a winter experience dedicated to farolitos and the holidays.

On Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, the ruins of the Gíusewa Pueblo and San José de los Jémez Mission will be illuminated by hundreds of farolitos as they line the ruins of the historic sites.

Let it glow: Bedecked in farolitos, Jemez Historic Site to host Lights of Gíusewa

“The farolitos are not just on the trails, but all over the archeological ruins of the site,” said Matt Barbour, deputy director of New Mexico Historic Sites. “That includes the village Pueblo of Gíusewa and the mission of San José. It’s really a spectacle to behold.”

For over 20 years, the community has gathered to celebrate the historic site, bringing in over 4,000 people during the Lights of Gíusewa. The tradition originally began as a way to celebrate the holidays, but quickly garnered more attention from the community as the event grew in popularity.

“Folks used to come up to cut their Christmas trees and stuff like that,” Barbour said. “It started with 100 or a few 100 people visiting the site and nowadays, we can expect each night to bring in over 1,000 people to the site to visit.”

Now, the Jemez Historic Site has timed admission to allow guests to still have an intimate experience and atmosphere while enjoying the farolitos.

During the farolitos tour, visitors to the historic site can celebrate Native American tradition while observing Jemez tribal members performing traditional dances in the courtyard area of the site.

This year, in support of the event, Jemez Pueblo will be featuring the arts and crafts fair inside its building near the site. Over 40 vendors will be selling items like clothes, jewelry and accessories, and the majority of vendors will be Native American. Throughout the event, traditional Native American music will play, adding to the sense of celebrating historical traditions.

“They’ll be selling a variety of arts and crafts, some of which will be seasonal like Christmas ornaments,” Barbour said. “Some are more traditional like pottery items. Most of the artists are tribal members, but we do extend the invite to all of our Native American communities throughout the state.”

Vendors will offer a mix of holiday-themed treats and drinks like hot chocolate and coffee. Local restaurants within the Jemez area will also offer special deals on dine in options to give guests the opportunity to try local food.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to get out there and see a little bit of rural New Mexico and just enjoy the holidays,” Barbour said. “I guarantee it will be the most impressive farolito display you’re ever going to see in New Mexico.”