News Release

Rejuvenate the Spirit of the Holidays: Celebrate in Santa Fe County

For Immediate Release
Date: 9/24/2002
Contact: Jonathan S. Guerín
Rick Johnson Public Relations
(505) 988-1402

SANTA FE COUNTY, N.M. - Now more than ever, travelers are escaping
the hustle and bustle of their busy everyday lives. This year,
travelers in search of the perfect, relaxing holiday vacation
will discover it in Santa Fe County, New Mexico.

Santa Fe County offers travelers an opportunity to rejuvenate
the mind, body and spirit while experiencing the unique traditions
and fascinating culture of the holidays in New Mexico. From
skiing the slopes of the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains
and then enjoying a soak or a massage in a world class spa,
visitors find that Santa Fe County is a gift that keeps on giving.
Admire works of some of the world's most recognized artists,
celebrate the centuries old traditions of the holidays in New
Mexico. Santa Fe County offers visitors the gift of rest, relaxation
and the rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit.

SANTA FE COUNTY HOLIDAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

November 21 - Santa Fe Ski Area Opens

Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, Ski Santa Fe is fun
for the whole family with - runs offering various levels of
difficulty including 20% beginner, 40% intermediate and 40%
expert.



December 4-8 - Santa Fe Film Festival

International cinema is the focus at the Santa Fe Film Festival.
Film fans will have the opportunity to attend premiers and tributes
of many award contending films and screen legends.

December 7-8 - Winter Spanish Market

Showcasing artwork in the Spanish Colonial tradition by artisans
from throughout New Mexico and southern Colorado, visitors to
the Winter Spanish Market will find an array of unique holiday
gifts including a special booth of work by children.

CHRISTMAS IN SANTA FE COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 12 - Buffalo Dance at Pojoaque and Tesuque Pueblos

The buffalo, a symbol of abundance, is a traditional celebration
of thanksgiving. The hunter takes on the spirit of the buffalo
he has hunted during the year, thanks the spirit of the animal
and he asks for good luck for next year's hunt.

December 13-15 - Christmas at the Palace of the Governors
- This annual community celebration brings the museum to life
with music, dance, puppet shows, a visit from Santa and more.
Hot cider and biscochitos (New Mexico's traditional anise sugar
cookies) are a treat for lucky visitors. The Palace of the Governors
is the nation's oldest public building.

December 15 - Las Posadas on The Plaza - This traditional
New Mexican folk drama is the story of Joseph and Mary and their
search for shelter. A troupe of actors performs this ancient
play in original archaic Spanish beneath the stars, or amid
falling snowflakes. Participants are encouraged to wear warm
clothing as New Mexico's winter nights can be very cold. Spectators
are asked to bring a candle or a flashlight.

December 24 - Farolito Walk - Christmas Eve in Santa
Fe County twinkles with the light of thousands of tiny candles.
The ancient neighborhoods are decorated with farolitos, little
paper bags weighted with sand and lit with a candle. Farolitos
light the way through the Santa Fe Plaza, Cross of the Martyrs
and Canyon Road. Shops and galleries keep regular business hours
until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve for those last minute shoppers.

Just beyond Santa Fe's city limits lies an undiscovered world
filled with Native American pueblos, Spanish villages, breath-taking
mountains and dramatic mesas. It's a world where traditions
live on, where artistic expression is a way of life and where
beauty unfolds at each and every turn. It's Santa Fe County
and it's waiting for you. For more information visit call 1-800-548-8272.