Thursday, March 26, 2009

New Mexico: Craft Fairs and Architecture

By Mercie Hallow

Fairs and Festivals are fun gatherings for the family to bond and enjoy with each others presence. It is an event for shopping and bargaining for intricate and unique finds and also a time for savoring mouth watering treats from food concessionaires. Fairs are places where creativity and craftsmanship of a seller is witnessed through her hand made goods and stuffs. Festivals are also venues to display great performances by the locals talented artists, to further enrich the experience.

In a very special way, a fair can also highlight a locations interesting architecture and its history. It could be done so by placing the fair in front or beside an interesting building or edifice that accents the event as a backdrop. The backdrop can then be seen by the people in a new and different light amidst all the colors and music and atmosphere that the fair possesses. It will make the whole experience of going to the fair both fun and nostalgic.

Take for example the case of New Mexico fairs and festivals. The art and architecture of New Mexico has an interesting history to tell. Some preserved buildings in New Mexico still possess the Spanish style that was rampant in the past. Buildings are usually made of clay or bricks and heavy masonry; roofs are made of clay tiles. Almost 40% of the states populations are of Hispanic origin which further stresses the dominance of Spanish style throughout the areas.

Architecture in New Mexico has an interesting history to tell. Do you know that ancient dwellers used to build their houses underground? They do so by digging about a foot to 6 feet deep from the earth and after placing the right amount of foundations to secure the space; they place a roof/entrance in line with the ground. They call this dwelling Anasazi . After a few years they started building dwellings made of clay and stones while keeping the Anasazis for its new function as a worship or entertaining chamber.

Do make sure to get a glimpse of fine New Mexico Architecture as a backdrop to its equally great and fun fairs.

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