A good resource for events is www.newmexico.org/calendar. Here are some of my favorites.

January

New Year's Day. Transfer of canes to new officials and various dances at most pueblos. Turtle Dance at Taos Pueblo (no photography allowed). Call tel. 575/758-1028 or go to www.taospueblo.com for more information. January 1.

Winter Wine Festival. A variety of wine offerings and food tastings prepared by local chefs take place in the Taos Ski Valley. Call tel. 575/776-2291 for details or go to www.skitaos.org. Mid-January.

February

Candelaria Day Celebration, Picuris Pueblo. Traditional dances. Call tel. 505/587-2519 or go to www.picurispueblo.net for more information. February 2.

Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon. Hundreds of athletes come from all over the West to bicycle, run, cross-country ski, and snowshoe up and down this mountain. For information, call tel. 800/748-2142. Mid-February.

Just Desserts Eat and Ski. Cross-country skiers ski from point to point on the Enchanted Forest course near Red River, tasting decadent desserts supplied by area restaurants. Call tel. 505/754-2374 or go to www.enchantedforestxc.com. Late February.

March

National Fiery Foods/Barbecue Show. Here's your chance to taste the hottest of the hot and plenty of milder flavors, too. Some 10,000 general public attendees show up to taste sauces, salsas, candies, and more, and to see cooking demonstrations at the Sandia Resort and Convention Center. For information, call tel. 505/873-8680 or go to www.fiery-foods.com. Early March.

Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival. A juried show featuring 200 artists and craftspeople from around the country takes place at the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque. Call tel. 505/292-7457 for more information, or visit www.riograndefestivals.com. Second week of March.

Chimayo Pilgrimage. On Good Friday, thousands of pilgrims trek on foot to the Santuario de Chimayo, a small church north of Santa Fe that's believed to aid in miracles. For information, call tel. 505/351-4889.

April

Easter Weekend Celebration. Celebrations include Masses, parades, corn dances, and other dances, such as the bow and arrow dance at Nambe. Call tel. 505/843-7270 for information.

American Indian Week, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque. A celebration of Native American traditions and culture. For dates and information, call tel. 505/843-7270 or go to www.indianpueblo.org.

Gathering of Nations Powwow, University Arena, Albuquerque. Dance competitions, arts-and-crafts exhibitions, and Miss Indian World contest. Call tel. 505/836-2810 or visit www.gatheringofnations.com. Late April.

May

Taste of Santa Fe. Sample Santa Fe's best chefs' recipes, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts at Santa Fe's La Fonda Hotel. For information, call tel. 505/982-6366, ext. 112. Held in May or June.

Taos Spring Arts Festival. Contemporary visual, performing, and literary arts are highlighted during 2 weeks of gallery openings, studio tours, performances by visiting theatrical and dance troupes, live musical events, traditional ethnic entertainment, literary readings, and more.

Events are held at venues throughout Taos and Taos County. For dates and ticket info contact the Taos County Chamber of Commerce, 108 F. Kit Carson Rd., Taos, NM 87571 (tel. 800/732-TAOS [8267] or 575/751-8800; www.taoschamber.com). All month.

June

San Antonio Feast Day. Corn dances at many of the pueblos. For information, call tel. 505/843-7270. June 13.

Rodeo de Santa Fe. This 4-day event features a Western parade, a rodeo dance, and five rodeo performances. It attracts hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls from all over the Southwest who compete for sizable purses in such events as Brahma bull and bronco riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, trick riding, and clown and animal acts.

The rodeo grounds are at 3237 Rodeo Rd., off Cerrillos Road, 5 1/2 miles south of the plaza. Performances are in the evening Wednesday to Saturday; and on Saturday afternoon. For tickets and information, call tel. 505/471-4300 or visit www.rodeodesantafe.org. It takes place sometime around the third weekend in June.

Rodeo de Taos, County Fairgrounds, Taos. A fun event featuring local and regional participants. For information, call tel. 575/758-5700 or, in mid- to late June call tel. 575/758-3974. Third or fourth weekend in June.

Taos Solar Music Festival, Kit Carson Municipal Park, Taos. Sit out on the grass, under the sun, and listen to major players at this event celebrating the summer solstice. A tribute to solar energy, the event has a stage powered by a solar generator and educational displays within a "Solar Village." For information, call tel. 575/758-9191 or www.solarmusicfest.com. Late June.

New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair. A tradition for 43 years, this juried show offers work from more than 200 New Mexico artisans, accompanied by nonstop entertainment for the whole family. This can be a good place to find Hispanic arts and crafts.

The fair is held at the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque. Admission cost varies. For information, call tel. 505/884-9043 or check online at www.nmartsandcraftsfair.org. Last full weekend in June.

July

Fourth of July celebrations (including fireworks displays) are held all over New Mexico. Call the chambers of commerce in specific towns and cities for information.

Pancake Breakfast on the Plaza. Rub elbows with Santa Fe residents at this locals' event on the plaza. For information call tel. 505/982-2002. July 4th.

Taos Pueblo Powwow. Intertribal competition in traditional and contemporary dances. Call tel. 575/758-1028 for more information or visit www.taospueblopowwow.com. Second weekend in July.

Eight Northern Pueblos Artist and Craftsman Show. More than 600 Native American artists exhibit their work at the eight northern pueblos. Traditional dances and food booths; location varies. Call tel. 505/747-1593 for location and exact dates. Third weekend in July.

Fiestas de Santiago y Santa Ana. The celebration begins with a Friday-night Mass at one of the three Taos-area parishes, where the fiesta queen is crowned. During the weekend there are candlelight processions, special Masses, music, dancing, parades, crafts, and food booths.

Taos Plaza hosts many events and most are free. For information, contact the Taos Fiesta Council, P.O. Box 3300, Taos, NM 87571 (tel. 800/732-8267; www.fiestasdetaos.com). Third weekend in July.

Spanish Market. More than 300 Hispanic artists from New Mexico and southern Colorado exhibit and sell their work in this lively community event. Artists are featured in special demonstrations, while an entertaining mix of traditional Hispanic music, dance, foods, and pageantry creates the ambience of a village celebration. Artwork for sale includes santos (painted and carved saints), textiles, tinwork, furniture, straw appliqué, and metalwork.

The markets are found at Santa Fe Plaza in Santa Fe. For information, contact the Spanish Colonial Arts Society, P.O. Box 5378, Santa Fe, NM 87502 (tel. 505/982-2226; www.spanishmarket.org). Last full weekend in July.

August

San Lorenzo Feast Day, Picuris Pueblo. Traditional dances and foot races. Call tel. 575/587-2519 or visit www.santaana.org/calendar.htm for details. August 10.

Pueblo Independence Day, Jemez Pueblo. Participants from many of the Pueblos convene to celebrate the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Food, art booths, dances, and live music fill the sunny plaza. Call tel. 505/829-3530. Mid-August.

The Indian Market. This is the largest all-Native American market in the country. About 1,000 artisans display their baskets and blankets, jewelry, pottery, woodcarvings, rugs, sand paintings, and sculptures at rows of booths around Santa Fe Plaza, surrounding streets, and de Vargas Mall. Sales are brisk. Costumed tribal dancing and crafts demonstrations are scheduled in the afternoon.

The market is free, but hotels are booked months in advance. For information, contact the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, P.O. Box 969, Santa Fe, NM 87504-0969 (tel. 505/983-5220; www.swaia.org). Third weekend in August.

Music from Angel Fire. World-class musicians gather in Angel Fire to perform classical and chamber music. For information and schedules, call tel. 505/377-3233 or go to www.musicfromangelfire.org. Mid-August to the first week in September.

September

New Mexico Wine Festival. New Mexico wines are showcased at this annual event in Bernalillo, near Albuquerque, which features wine tastings, an art show, and live entertainment. For a schedule of events, call tel. 505/867-3311 or www.newmexicowinefestival.com. Labor Day weekend.

Las Fiestas de Santa Fe. An exuberant combination of spirit, history, and general merrymaking, Las Fiestas is the oldest community celebration in the United States. The first fiesta was celebrated in 1712, 20 years after the peaceful resettlement of New Mexico by Spanish conquistadors in 1692. La Conquistadora, a carved Madonna credited with the victory, is the focus of the celebration, which includes Masses, a parade for children and their pets, a historical/hysterical parade, mariachi concerts, dances, food, and arts, as well as local entertainment on the plaza. Zozobra, "Old Man Gloom," a 40-foot-tall effigy made of wood, canvas, and paper, is burned at dusk on Thursday to revitalize the community.

Zozobra kicks off Las Fiestas. For information, call tel. 505/988-7575. Weekend following Labor Day.

Enchanted Circle Century Bike Tour. About 500 cyclists turn out to ride 100 miles of scenic mountain roads, starting and ending in Red River. All levels of riders are welcome, though not everyone completes this test of endurance. Call tel. 505/754-2366 or go to www.enchantedforestxc.com. Weekend following Labor Day.

New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo. This is one of America's top state fairs; it features parimutuel horse racing, a nationally acclaimed rodeo, entertainment by top country artists, Native American and Spanish villages, the requisite midway, livestock shows, and arts and crafts.

The fair and rodeo, which last 17 days, are held at the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque. Advance tickets can be ordered by calling tel. 505/265-1791 or visiting www.exponm.com. Early September.

Taos Trade Fair, La Hacienda de los Martinez, Lower Ranchitos Road, Taos. This 2-day affair reenacts Spanish colonial life of the mid-1820s and features Hispanic and Native American music, weaving and crafts demonstrations, traditional foods, dancing, and visits by mountain men. Call tel. 575/758-0505. Last full weekend in September.

San Geronimo Vespers Sundown Dance and Trade Fair, Taos Pueblo. This event features a Mass and procession; traditional corn, buffalo, and Comanche dances; an arts-and-crafts fair; foot races; and pole climbs by clowns. Call tel. 575/758-0505 for details or go to www.taospueblo.com. Last weekend in September.

Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta. This lively celebration boasts 5 days of wine and food events, including seminars, guest chef demonstrations and luncheons, tours, a grand tasting and reserve tasting, an auction, and a golf tournament. It takes place at many venues in downtown Santa Fe with the big event on the last Saturday. Tickets go on sale in early July and sell out quickly. For information, call tel. 505/438-8060 or visit www.santafewineandchile.org. Last Wednesday through Sunday in September.

Taos Fall Arts Festival. Highlights include arts-and-crafts exhibitions and competitions, studio tours, gallery openings, lectures, concerts, dances, and stage plays. Simultaneous events include the Old Taos Trade Fair, the Wool Festival, and San Geronimo Day at Taos Pueblo.

The festival is held throughout Taos and Taos County. Events, schedules, and tickets (where required) can be obtained from the Taos County Chamber of Commerce, 108 F. Kit Carson Rd., Taos, NM 87571 (tel. 800/732-8267 or 575/751-8800; www.taoschamber.com). Mid-September (or the third weekend) to the first week in October.

October

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The world's largest balloon rally, this 9-day festival brings together more than 750 colorful balloons and includes races and contests. There are mass ascensions at sunrise, "balloon glows" in the evening, and balloon rides for those desiring a little lift. Various special events are staged all week.

Balloons lift off at Balloon Fiesta Park (at I-25 and Alameda NE) on Albuquerque's northern city limits. For information, call tel. 800/733-9918 or visit www.balloonfiesta.com. Second week in October.

Taos Mountain Balloon Rally. The Albuquerque fiesta's "little brother" offers mass dawn ascensions, tethered balloon rides for the public, and a Saturday parade of balloon baskets (in pickup trucks) from Kit Carson Park around the plaza. Call tel. 800/732-8267 for more information. Last weekend of October.

November

Weems Artfest. Approximately 260 artisans, who work in a variety of media, come from throughout the world to attend this 3-day fair, held at the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque. It's one of the top 100 arts-and-crafts fairs in the country. For details, call tel. 505/293-6133 or go to www.weemsgallery.com. Early November.

Festival of the Cranes. People come from all over the world to attend this bird-watching event just an hour and a half south of Albuquerque at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, near Socorro. Call tel. 505/835-1828 or go to www.friendsofthebosque.org. Weekend before Thanksgiving.

Yuletide in Taos. This holiday event emphasizes northern New Mexican traditions, cultures, and arts, with carols, festive classical music, Hispanic and Native American songs and dances, historic walking tours, art exhibitions, dance performances, candlelight dinners, and more.

Events are staged by the Taos County Chamber of Commerce, 108 F. Kit Carson Rd., Taos, NM 87571 (tel. 800/732-8267; www.taoschamber.com). From Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.

December

Santa Fe Film Festival, at venues throughout the City Different, presents engaging world cinema, including local New Mexican films and international films in a variety of genres. Post-screening parties often feature film stars. Call tel. 505/988-7414 or go to www.santafefilmfestival.com. Early December.

Winter Spanish Market, Santa Fe Convention Center, Santa Fe. Approximately 150 artists show their wares at this little sister to July's major event. Read about the Spanish Market under "July" for more information. Call tel. 505/982-2226. First full weekend in December.

Christmas in Madrid Open House. Even if you never get out of your car, it's worth going to see the spectacular lights display in this village between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on the Turquoise Trail. You'll also find entertainment, refreshments in shops, and Santa Claus. For additional information, call tel. 505/471-1054. First two weekends in December.

Canyon Road Farolito Walk, Santa Fe. Locals and visitors bundle up and stroll Canyon Road, where streets and rooftops are lined with farolitos (candle lamps). Musicians play and carolers sing around luminarias (little fires). Though it's not responsible for the event, the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau (tel. 505/955-6200) can help direct you there; or ask your hotel concierge. Christmas Eve at dusk.

Dance of the Matachines and Other Dances. Many pueblos celebrate the Christmas holiday with dances. The Dance of the Matachines takes place at Picuris and San Juan pueblos on Christmas Day. Contact tel. 505/587-2519 for dance schedules for these and other pueblos. Christmas Eve through Christmas Day.

Torchlight Procession, Taos Ski Valley. Bold skiers carve down a steep run named Snakedance in the dark while carrying golden fire. For information call tel. 800/992-7669 or 575/776-2291, or visit www.skitaos.org. December 31.

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.