March is a very exciting month in Taos. While we have many great Taos Events going on to celebrate spring break, it’s also the month where many of the ski activities begin to finish up for the spring, with both Angel Fire and Red River closing at the end of the month. Lucky for Taos visitors, we have plenty of events that go on year round, even if they don’t include skiing.
March 1st – 4th – The 5th Annual Taos Shortz Film Fest (TSFF) is coming to Taos in March, bringing with it more than 70 short films from around the world, as well as free panel discussions on film, networking parties as well as a gala awards ceremony. This year, the TSFF is applying for accreditation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences which means that anyone who submits a film to the TSFF will have the potential to be nominated for an Oscar.
March 2nd – 5th – This event will also be held in March and will run concurrently to the TSFF. Each year over 40,000 people from over 100 cities compete to see who can make the best short film in 48 hours. The winners from each city then come to Taos to compete in the 48 Hour Project International Filmapalooza with the winning film announced on March 3rd.
March 10th – The Black Diamond Telemark Festival will be held in the middle of March at Spipapu Ski Area, and is sure to be a fun Taos event for all! With free telemark clinics, personal instruction, races, as well as demos, and games.
March 10th – 25th – Celebrate spring break Taos-style, on the slopes rather than the beach! At Red River Ski Area in March they’re hosting Beach Weeks a fun Taos event, where skiers can be found on the slopes wearing everything from tank tops to hula skirts.
March 14th – As part of their Beach Weeks, Red River Ski Area has their annual Spring Break Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, at 8pm, complete with live music, amazing fireworks and great company.
As always, the El Pueblo Lodge, our local Taos Hotel, is located nearby most of the Taos events that take place, and we often have great specials that change monthly. If you’re thinking of coming to Taos to celebrate spring break or take part in the film festivals, why not try booking a stay at El Pueblo Lodge, we still have March availability!
The 5th Annual Taos Shortz Film Fest (TSFF) is coming to Taos in March, bringing with it more than 70 short films from around the world, as well as free panel discussions on film, networking parties and a variety of film experts. The TSFF will be running at the same time as the 48 Hour Film Project International Filmapalooza, with over 100 films from international filmmakers.
The Taos Shortz Film Fest has been called the, “Sundance of short films,” and is quickly becoming a not-to-miss event for filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. This year, the TSFF is applying for accreditation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences which means that anyone who submits a film to the TSFF will have the potential to be nominated for an Oscar, the highest honour a film or filmmaker can receive.
Schedule for the Taos Shortz Film Festival – Don’t Miss this Taos Event!
Thursday, March 1st – The TSFF will be playing films by student and local filmmakers, with the intention of, “bringing New Mexico-inspired films to life,” for the community. The 11 local films will be presented at the Taos Center for the Arts and screenings will cost $5.00 each.
Friday, March 2nd – Short films from more than 20 countries will be shown today with at the Taos Center for the Arts.
Saturday, March 3rd – Free panel discussions will be held at the center and participants will be able to questions filmmakers about current events and issues surrounding film. The film professionals at the panels include: Bryan Konefsky, Peter Kershaw, Matthew Page, and Dustin Grella.
Sunday, March 4th – In addition to more free panels, this is the final day of the film fest and will include the award distributions at the gala awards ceremony and screening.
Tickets for the Taos Shortz Film Festival – Get Your Tickets Now for this Taos Event
Tickets for TSFF are $80.00 for a, “Taos Humm Pass,” which includes access to all of the Taos Shortz Film Fest programs and parties, with drink specials and discounts. You can also purchase individual program tickets for $10.00 each or tickets to the award ceremony gala for $15.00 each.
The 48 Hour Film Project – More Great Taos Events
This event will also be held in March and will run concurrently to the TSFF from March 2nd – 5th. Each year over 40,000 people from over 100 cities compete to see who can make the best short film in 48 hours. The winners from each city then come to Taos to compete in the 48 Hour Project International Filmapalooza with the winning film announced on March 3rd.
Looking for somewhere to stay in Taos during these Taos Events?
El Pueblo Lodge is a Taos hotel, conveniently situated by many of Tao’s best tourist attractions and events. If you’re coming to town for the TSFF, the 48 Hour Film Project International Filmapalooza or just visiting Taos to ski, why not book a stay at our unique Taos hotel.
Are you looking for a ski adventure this winter? Well February is a great time to visit our Taos Hotel, and we have many great Taos events going on to prove it! From a world-renowned Zoo in town to some family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations, Taos is definitely the place to be this February.
Taos Events
February 11th – 12th – The Famous Shovel Races are one of the most popular Taos events that take place every winter at Angel Fire Resort. Back for the 3rd year, the races a family-friendly and are guaranteed to provide fun and laughs for participants and spectators. There are both cash prizes (and bragging rights) for the winners. Don’t worry if you’re new to the sport, there’s a practice on Saturday the 11th and racing on the 12th so you have plenty of time to perfect your skills! The event is open to everyone and registration takes place on the 11th at the resort.
February 16th – 21st – Have you always wanted to go to Mardi Gras but have just never managed to get there? Well we have the perfect solution: come celebrate Mardi Gras with us in Red River! This Taos event is extremely popular and has everything you need to celebrate Mardi Gras with a Taos-twist! Daily parades (complete with floats), costumes, beads, Creole music, and delicious Cajun cooking are just some of the highlights of this Taos event. With all of that in store how could you not visit us this February?
February 19th – Feburary Fun Fest is Sipapu Ski Area’s most popular annual event and has been running for over 50 years. A family favourite, this President’s day tradition, includes a giant snow castle, a costume contest, a parade and much more. Make sure you bring the whole family by to enjoy some fabulous winter fun!
If any of these events appeal to you (and really, how could they not?) we’re happy to inform you that we still have Taos accommodations available for your stay in February. Contact our Taos Hotel staff today to book your stay and hear about many more great Taos events we have going on in the upcoming weeks!
There are lots of great tourist attractions in Taos, but one of the most popular tourist sites in Taos, New Mexico is certainly Taos Pueblo. As the, “only living American Indian Community in the United States that is designated as both a National Historic Landmark and a World Heritage Site,” Taos Pueblo has a lot of history and culture to offer visitors to Taos. Located just 10 minutes from our El Pueblo Lodge hotel, Taos Pueblo is top tourist hot-spot for most of our visitors.
The History of Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is often considered to be the best-preserved Indian Pueblo in the United States and it comes with a rich cultural history for tourists who choose to visit. It is the longest continually habited community since it’s been occupied for over 1,000 years. Archaeologists believe that the main part of the present Taos Pueblo (the four-story adobe structures visible to the public) was built between 1000 and 1450 AD. Today approximately 150 Northern-Tiwa speaking Taos Indians live within the Pueblo year-round. There are also more modern homes outside the old walls but still on Pueblo land. The Taos Indians are now mostly catholic but they continue to practice their traditional religious rites on the Pueblo.
Visiting Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is open to visitors Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. There are guided tours which begin daily at 9:00 am but they aren’t necessary to view the Pueblo. Admission fee to Taos Pueblo costs $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per student (with valid school ID) and is free for children 10 and under. If you get a group of 6 or more adults, the admission fee is reduced to $8.00 per person. There is also a fee if you’d like to bring a camera into the Pueblo. That fee is $6.00 per camera, cell phone or video camera.
Taos Pueblo Art
Many of the residents of Taos Pueblo produce beautiful hand-crafted local art. The skills for creating many of these wares have been passed down through generations and are known only to the artists living in the Pueblo. From sculptures and paintings to handmade buckskin moccasins and jewellery, we highly recommend stopping by the many curio shops to be found in the Pueblo (and bringing some extra money for souvenirs!)
Our Taos Hotel is located very near to Taos Pueblo, making our lodge a perfect spot to stay when visiting the Pueblo and other popular tourist attractions in Taos. If you’re interested in learning about our Taos accommodations, why not contact our Taos hotel staff to learn about our latest rates and specials.
Image by Snap Man on Flickr.
We get quite a few visitors to El Pueblo Lodge in December; many people love spending their holidays with us, choosing to ski Taos and take advantage of many of the great Christmas Events that hotels in Taos have to offer. Since Christmas is such a highlight of the season, many people forget that the New Year is just as exciting a time here and that there’s still plenty of Taos Events once the decorations have been taken down.
December 31st –The New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade in the Red River Ski Area isn’t quite in the New Year, but since it is the celebration of the New Year we thought it was alright to add it to the list. Beginning at 7pm and finishing with a beautiful round of fireworks, this is a yearly tradition for people who come to ski Taos and is not to be missed if you’re going to be in town over New Year’s Eve.
January 1st – The Annual Turtle Dance takes place at Taos Pueblo from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and is a great way to ring in the New Year. For brave visitors, the Annual Polar Bear Plunge is also on January 1st at Eagle Nest Lake.
January 1st – 5th – Are you a college student looking for a cheap ski vacation? From January 1st to 5th is “College Days” in the Red River Ski Area where skiers with a valid student ID can get a day lift-pass for $30 and ski and snowboard rentals for $15. There’s tons of live entertainment, games and contest as well!
January 14th- 15th – Looking to celebrate the winter months in Taos? Why not visit during the Winter Carnival that is sure to be fun for the whole family with: snowmobile races, scavenger hunts, snowman building, live music, fireworks and much more! The winter carnival takes place in Red River Ski Area and should be one the New Year’s best Taos Events.
January 25th – 28th – Everyone who loves wine and skiing (who doesn’t?) should definitely come to Taos during this weekend in January for the Winter Wine Festival throughout Taos and the Taos Ski Valley.
January 27th – 29th- This weekend is the 7th Annual “Big Ol’ Texas Weekend” at Angel Fire Resort. This is a fun event for visitors of hotels in Taos! Why not stop by and celebrate everything Texas? This Taos event is great for both locals and visitors who want to take part in some fun Texas-themed games and live music!
Now is a great time to book your stay to ski Taos in January and beat the crowds we get during December. Contact us for our latest rates and specials, and if you head to our Facebook page and like us, then mention it when you call, we’ll give you 10% off!
Are you planning a visit to El Pueblo Lodge this Holiday Season? Well we’re happy to let you all know that there are tons of great seasonal events taking place just minutes away from our Taos hotel. Every year, our city celebrates, “Yuletide in Taos,” our holiday season from Thanksgiving until the New Year filled with fun season events for the whole family. These events range from craft fairs and tree-lighting ceremonies to a ski valley brew festival and are guaranteed to keep everyone in your party happy, regardless of age.
Our favourite Christmas events in Taos this holiday season:
November 24th – Taos Ski Valley, Red River Ski Area and Sipapu Ski Area are open for the 2011- 2012 season! Enjoy skiing in some of the greatest conditions in the world, at our local ski areas near our Taos Hotel.
December 4th – Today is the first lighting of the Luminaria in Taos Plaza with carolling and tree lighting. Luminaria, are small paper lanterns, lit with candles and are a traditional holiday decoration in Taos. This event is within walking distance of our hotel is a great way to get the family out to celebrate the winter weather.
December 12th – Every year in early December, the Harwood Museum and many of the merchants on Ledoux Street (just a 15 minute walk from our hotel) celebrate the season with an evening of carolling, bonfires, and refreshments along the farolito-lined street called “Lighting Ledoux.” This street party is a must-see Christmas event in Taos and it’s one of our yuletide favourites!
December 19th – The 16th annual brewmaster’s festival located in Taos Ski Valley celebrates the popular libation by welcoming some of the most respected micro-brewers in the west. The event costs $25 which includes a souvenir sampling glass and food and is located at the base of chair one.
December 24th and 25th – On Christmas Eve there are celebrations at all the major tourist spots in Taos including Taos Pueblo, Taos Ski Valley, Red River Ski Area and Sipapu complete with lights, parades and holiday ceremonies. On Christmas day make sure you stop by the Matachines Dance at Taos Pueblo.
Taos is a great place to visit over the holiday, nearby all the attractions and seasonal events, the El Pueblo Lodge is the ideal place for your winter vacation!
