Think New Mexico and you’ll probably think of rusty cliffs and dramatic landscapes. You’ll be right in that the state is physically gorgeous, but it’s also rich in culture and history. Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, was founded as La Villa de Albuquerque, and was named in honor of the then-Viceroy of Spain. It was once an outpost on the fabled El Camino Real, which links Mexico City to what were then the northern territories of New Spain.
This gilded history remains vibrant in Albuquerque, reflected in its artwork, cultural centers, cuisine and architecture. The city’s customs and traditions throb with its diversity, making this one of the most culturally enriching places to live in the United States. Here, we list out some interesting facts about Albuquerque, NM, that will have you itching to head down.
Fun Facts about Albuquerque: Landscape
- The city is sunny, sunny, sunny! Residents enjoy its bright blue skies and brilliant sunshine 310 days a year, and this climate is part of the reason why the city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Concerts, sporting events, festivals – all of these events have found a home in Albuquerque’s inviting landscape.
- Speaking of glorious landscapes, the Sandia mountains on the east side of the city rise to almost 10, 600 feet in elevation. Residents of the city are blessed with picturesque pink sunsets as the last of the day’s light splashes against the mountains each evening. The city itself is elevated 4, 500 to 6, 500 feet above the sea.
Fun Facts about Albuquerque: Cuisine
- If you love your breakfasts, you’ll be pleased to know that the breakfast burrito is claimed to have originated at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta about half a century ago.
- People like to say that the official question of New Mexico is “red or green?”. This refers to the liberal use of chili in the local cuisine. Before preparation, people tend to ask if you want red chili, or green. If you’re feeling feisty and want both, simply tell your server you’d like “Christmas”.
Fun Facts about Albuquerque: Culture
- The city has over a dozen museums, and an Old Town teeming with over a 150 restaurants, shops and galleries.
- If you’ve always dreamed of barreling down Route 66, there’s a stretch in the city that fuses the old and the new. This historic route was commissioned in 1926 and features a large S-curve that links various cities in the state on mostly unpaved roads for a true sense of adventure.
- “Pueblo Deco” is an architectural style that combines Southwestern spirit with elements of various Native American culture and the aesthetics of the roaring 20s. The KiMo Theatre, built in 1927, is an example of this style. While it fell into disrepair at one point, it was beloved by residents, who voted to revive it in 1977. Renovations were completed in 2000.
Enjoy Albuquerque Everyday
The facts above are just some of the many that make Albuquerque one of the United State’s most intriguing destinations. The city has something for everyone, and is a treasure trove of area attractions. If you’re considering retirement living and are heading down to the city, why not schedule a tour with us?
