25 Jul Taking On the Santa Fe Folk Art Festival

My expectations were set high. I remember every thing my professors said Santa Fe told would be: beautiful, incredible, breathtaking. After calling this place home for over a month I know what they said is true. This city breaths inspiration and international cultural, no matter where you’re from. This may sound cliche, like something you’ve heard before. But, maybe if you were allotted the opportunity to attend an immense cultural gathering like the International Folk Art Festival you’d be convinced this is simply my ode to Santa Fe. Every year, Santa Fe welcomes a plethora of international sellers and performers to Museum Hill for the International Folk Art Festival. Ironically, this event is located next door to my office. Throughout the summer, countless people I’ve met told me this is an event I do not want to miss. After doing my research, I can understand why: the event hosts 750 artists from 88 countries. Not to mention, the additional abundance of tourists who come to SF for such an event. Before attending the festival, I happened to meet a woman who attended the event. When I asked her what brought her to Santa Fe, she pointed to a mesh black shoulder bag wrapped around her arm saying, “I came to Santa Fe for the festival,” she said. “I’m here to connect with other vendors who sell fabrics to help me make my bags.” Her story made me realize that this event was not only for personal pleasure and entertainment, it was also for international business ventures. To think, one could simply pay a $15 event admission for a lifetime of opportunity. Needless to say, I was anxious to see the festival had in store. I decided to go on Sunday with Lena, my fellow LHIP and NM intern. From the moment we set foot on the festival grounds,  the vibrance of  feathery, Mexican roses and patterned lanterns surrounded us. We heard rumba music ringing from the center stage. We met sellers from around the world, starting with Nicaragua and ending with Iran. One of my favorite moments included meeting a European vendor who sells handmade scarves made by impoverished women. I don’t think I’ll ever forget her sincerity. My favorite moment was meeting the Cuban vendors. Before visiting the Cuban booth, I remember hearing the indisputable clang of a clave. Upon entering the booth, I decided to ask could I play the vendors clave. They agreed, and after a few practice rounds I finally got the rhythm and sound right! Because I’m a salsa tropical fan that was a very special moment.

(Above) Roses brought by Mexican Vendors.

(Below) Vendors from Asia and Cuba