Opening its doors to the public in November 2005 as the sixth addition to NM State Monuments, El Camino Real International Heritage
Center commemorates the oldest commuted trail in the United States. This trail, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, is one of
the most important legacies of the Spanish settlers who arrived in New Mexico in 1598. This Royal Road to the Interior Land
extended 1,500 miles between Mexico City and San Juan de los Caballeros, in the Española Valley north of Santa Fe. El Camino
Real became a vital trade route linking Spain, Mexico, New Mexico and later the United States. As Interstate 25, the North-South
trade route continues to foster the exchange of people, culture, ideas and products in the 21st Century.
The Center offers fascinating,
informative state-of-the-art exhibits while taking a virtual tour along the trail from Zacatecas, Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Enjoy outdoor gardens, walking trails, self-guided audio tour, and gift shop.
EL CAMINO REAL INTERNATIONAL HERITAGE CENTER IS A NM
STATE MONUMENT UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS.
El Camino Real International Heritage Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
17 October 2008
Media Contact:
Claudia Gallardo
575-854-3600
WHAT: Día de Muertos at El Camino Real International Heritage Center
El Camino
Real International Heritage Center will have its 3rd Annual Día de Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 1, 11 am – 3 pm. On-going
activities during the day will include sugar skull decorating and viewing of a traditional ofrenda, altar installation.
The event will
feature a special storytelling presentation by Dr. Nasario Garcia courtesy of the New Mexico Humanities Council at 2 pm. Commanding
curiosity and fascination, the tales told by Garcia were once the keystone of family entertainment in Hispanic villages of northern
New Mexico and include stories of buried treasures, the devil, the evil eye, the bogeyman, and natural phenomena. Everyone, from the
very young to mature adults, likes to be spooked. A native of the Rio Puerco Valley and author of several books on New Mexico oral
history and culture, Garcia earned his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.
Also featured during the celebration is a CD exhibition
showcasing 50 images of roadside “descansos” and cemetery sites in New Mexico’s Rio Abajo area by Charlie Sanchez, Jr. The exhibition
will be on display until December 31st.
Educational programs and activities are made possible by El Camino Real IHC Foundation and
Museums of New Mexico Foundation.
El Camino Real International Heritage Center is a New Mexico State Monument operated by the
Department of Cultural Affairs.
WHEN: Saturday, November 1, 2008, 11 AM - 3 PM
WHERE: El Camino Real International
Heritage Center, 300 East County Road 1598,
San Antonio, NM 87832. Located on I-25 between Socorro and T or C, Exit 115.
COST: Event free with paid Monument
admission. Free admission for ages 16 & under.
Free admission for MNM and ECRIHC Foundation members. Single
adult visit, $5.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Claudia Gallardo, 575-854-3600, or visit www.elcaminoreal.org
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