We often adopt the habits of those around us. That’s true within our families, but also on a statewide level. These common behaviors are part of our collective identity as New Mexicans, so don’t expect us to change anytime soon. That being said, these 13 weird things New Mexicans do may raise a few eyebrows with outsiders:

1. Snow shovel racing is a thing here.
Flickr/Lynn Eubank
The World Championship Shovel Races are held in Angel Fire each year. Yes, it’s exactly like you're imagining. You ride a snow shovel down the slopes as if it’s a sled.
2. We decorate our homes with these… although usually one does the trick.
Flickr/Vinnie
Ristras are made from dried red chile peppers that are strung together.
3. We get very excited when it rains.
Flickr/gardener41
This makes total sense given New Mexico’s general lack of water but visitors from places with abundant rainfall may find our enthusiasm odd.

We also experience weird weather situations. You can often see rain falling over fairly specific places… like your neighbor’s home, while your yard remains dry.
4. Despite our enthusiasm for rain, we won’t drive through seemingly dry areas when rain is forecast. We are all too aware of the dangers of flash flooding.
Flickr/Keary O.
However, sometimes there’s no avoiding the deluge.
5. If we’re lucky enough to live near an acequia, we show them to visitors. The correct response is admiration.
Flickr/teofilo
Maybe these just look like a communal irrigation ditches to you, but they symbolize far more than that to us. Acequias have been around for 10,000 years. The Moors introduced them to Spain and the Spanish created some in New Mexico.

Water and this system of sharing it is tied to our culture, history, politics, and communities. Plus, acequias can be surprisingly scenic.
6. Those of us who live at altitude sometimes stick our hands into pots of boiling water.
Flickr/Robert Jagger
We’re just seeing if the pasta’s ready. The higher you are, the lower the boiling point of water so – providing you’re quick – this habit is no big deal. Just don’t forget and try it nearer sea level.

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7. We get annoyed when people fail to differentiate between Mexican and New Mexican food.
Yelp/Didi D.
8. We’re a bit obsessed with piñon nuts.
Flickr/tinabasgen
They taste so much better than regular pine nuts.
9. We engage in regular and lengthy conversations about chile.
Flickr/Carlos del Vaca
And we purchase it in bulk.
10. We eat chile on pizza, add it to apple pie and cornbread, season pistachio nuts with it…
Yelp/Lindsay H.
…We add chile whenever possible.
11. We’re happy to dine at gas stations.
Yelp/Michael D.
Chimichanga burritos. Yum!
12. When we encounter a snake some of us stop and assess its appearance and raise questions about the snake’s girth or jaw shape.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
Personally, I'm Team Flee. But some people are more curious. From a safe distance, bull snakes can resemble diamondbacks and, when threatened, they mimic rattlers. However, bull snakes aren’t poisonous and they hunt rodents - useful.
13. We like roads in the middle of nowhere.
Flickr/Birdie Jaworski
Some of the best destinations lie at the end of dirt roads far from "civilization."

One person’s normal is another person’s weird. What items would you add to this list?

Since we’ve examined our quirks, let’s look at the things New Mexicans will never do.

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Weird Things New Mexicans Do

Leah | November 20, 2020

What stereotypes are there about New Mexico?

Life in New Mexico comes with dealing with certain stereotypes the state has. Many outsiders don't understand all the ins and outs of this state - some aren't even sure it is a state at all! New Mexico is known for being a desert state, however, people who think the entire state is covered in desert and cactus would be severely mistaken. Another New Mexico stereotype is that everyone loves turquoise and has some sort of turquoise accessories. Yes, the state does have the Turquoise Trail, but that doesn't mean everyone is wearing the stone all the time.

What unique words and phrases do people from New Mexico say?

If you plan on living in New Mexico and want to fit in, you're going to have to learn the vernacular. People from New Mexico have quite a few unique phrases that may throw you off at first. For example, if you go to a restaurant and order something with chile on it (which is most restaurants in the state, let's be honest), you may be asked if you want it Christmas style. This has nothing to do with the holiday - it just means you want both red and green chile on top. Another word is what you may call a covered porch, New Mexicans may call the portal.

What are the best things about living in New Mexico?

There are many great reasons to love living in New Mexico. The variety of beautiful landscapes that vary from snow-capped mountain peaks to the gypsum desert of White Sands National Monument are one of the best things about the state. This state is also full of history around every corner. It's home to the oldest church in the United States, some of the oldest human settlements and ruins, and the culture of its history continues strong today. Another thing New Mexicans are proud of is the great food and cuisine of the state - especially the chile. There's no better chile in the world if you ask a local.

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