We made the twists and turns to Jemez Springs as the day's light faded to dusk.  Light Among the Ruins is a free event with free parking in the small mountain town. If you manage to make it to the event early, you may find the reward of a ride to the ruins by way of horses and wagons and a warm cup of cocoa.  More likely, due to it's increase in popularity, you will be lucky to find a parking place and need to walk a half mile to a mile to the site.  Once there, the luminarias (farolitos to some) bathe the ruins and paths in a soft candlelight glow.  The stars enhance the beauty and awe of the event, and look somewhat like the heavens have lit luminarias to light your way, as well. Native drums and dancers perform near bon fires in front of the ruins. An incredible experience, with or without the hot chocolate.  A few tips if ever you should go:

     1.  Make a day out of it. Get there early, enjoy a dip in the hot springs and relax, knowing you have snagged an early parking place.

     2.  If you can't arrive early, get there late.  The event is typically from 5-9.  Many people have already left by 7p.m., freeing up parking places close to the event.  The whole town is quiet and virtually abandoned by 7:30 p.m., leaving you in the peace of the luminarias and ruins. 

     3.  Take a dslr camera and know how to take a longer exposure. The beauty of the luminarias and stars will never be captured with a flash camera or iPhone.

     4.  Only use your flashlight when walking to the site.  Once there, if you turn off your flashlight, your eyes will adjust. Let the luminarias light your way.  The flashlights detract from the beauty of the golden glow for everyone around you including those trying to take pictures. 

     5.  It's in the mountains, it's December and the sun has gone down.  Dress in warm layers. 

Feliz Navidad,

Elena