12 Strange Habits Every New Mexican Will Defend To The Death
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Juliet White
Author
When people travel to the Land of Enchantment, there are a few behaviors that might strike them as unique, or at least different from what they’re used to at home. New Mexicans are all individuals but a fair number of us share these 12 habits. Strange? Not to us and, if you spend enough time here, you’ll find yourself doing these things too.
Native American languages and Spanish influenced the English here. Even if we aren’t bilingual, we’re used to words like "arroyo" and it makes no difference to us if our street address includes the word "road" or "camino." This isn’t strange but it does sometimes confuse visitors.
…Or no? Tagging "or no" onto the end of sentences is one of the linguistic quirks you encounter here.
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And we’re not just referring to official-looking stands (although definitely hit the fry bread stand off Highway 4). We'll buy food from a cooler stored in someone’s trunk. Keep your health codes. We know that home-cooked food is always the best. Even if it’s cooked in a stranger's home and then conveyed to the side of the nearest highway in their car.
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Other people would understand this decision if Allsup’s were more widespread. A full tank with a side of chimichangas? Shot gun!
We’re total chile snobs and always reserve freezer real estate for authentic New Mexican chile.
As chile spreads in popularity throughout the country, people in other states are becoming accustomed to finding it in savory dishes and even in chocolate. But in apple pie, lemonade or on ice cream sundaes? Only in New Mexico.
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Do you really want to argue with a New Mexican on this subject?
Most of us don’t have easy access to a traditional bread oven, but we know that whatever food emerges from one is bound to be tasty.
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Many of our structures are 400 years old and still standing. Plus, they’re charming, eco-friendly, and keep the temperature even. What more could you want?
This is less exciting than it sounds. Temperatures vary widely throughout the course of the day – especially in places at higher elevations – so we end up shucking layers come lunchtime.
Admit it. You have state flag envy. The Zia Sun Symbol not only looks appealing, its beauty also comes from what it represents: the cardinal directions, the four parts of the day, the four seasons of life, and also of the year. That’s why we decorate everything from beer bottle caps to our bodies with this symbol.
We live in the fifth largest state and 35 other states have bigger populations. You don’t have to be a math whiz to figure out that we value solitude. Ghost towns, small towns, remote hikes, and wilderness areas all appeal to us.
Some of these habits aren’t exclusive to New Mexico, but they are commonplace here. What would you add to the list?
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