Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe (Spanish, "Holy Faith") (full form: La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asís, English: Royal City of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi) is the capital of New Mexico, a state of the United States of America. It has a population of around 62,203 (2000). It is the county seat of Santa Fe County.

Related Topics:
Spanish - English - St. Francis of Assisi - New Mexico - State - United States of America - 2000 - County seat - Santa Fe County

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The elevation of Santa Fe is 2,132 metres (6,996 feet) above sea level, compared with 1655.4 m (5,430 ft) for Denver, Colorado and around 5,352 ft for Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Related Topics:
Sea level - Denver, Colorado - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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The city administration consciously attempts to preserve and display a regional architectural style. By a law passed in 1958, new and rebuilt buildings, especially those in designated historic districts, must exhibit a Spanish Territorial or Pueblo style of architecture, with flat roofs and other features suggestive of the area's traditional adobe construction. Many contemporary houses in the city are built from lumber, concrete blocks, and other materials but with stucco surfaces (fondly known by the locals as "fakeadobe", pronounced as one word) reflecting the historic style.

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In addition to serving as the state capital, the city depends economically on art, tourism, construction, and real estate development. Set at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the city's intellectual climate and cultural attractions have drawn an influx of new residents with an above average income and educational level. Restaurants, boutiques, and galleries line the streets of the city center and Canyon Road. In many demographic trends, Santa Fe exhibits several differences from other areas of New Mexico.

Related Topics:
Sangre de Cristo Mountains - Galleries

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The growth boom flagged temporarily in the mid-1990s when Debbie Jaramillo, who opposed the focus on tourism, was elected mayor. Although she was voted out after serving one term, the city continues to face the challenges of continuing drought conditions and a widening divide between locals and recent arrivals. Still, art and tourism remain Santa Fe's biggest industries.

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Some visitors find Santa Fe particularly attractive around the second week of September when the aspens in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains turn yellow and the skies are clear and blue. This is also the time of the annual Fiesta to celebrate the "reconquering" of New Mexico by Don Diego DeVargas, a highlight is when Santa Feans burn Zozobra, a fifty-foot puppet also called "Old Man Gloom."

Related Topics:
Aspen - Zozobra

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