Posted in New Mexico July 29, 2020 by

10 Extremely Weird Things Only People From New Mexico Do

New Mexico marches to the beat of its own drum. And that’s okay, we’re playing a catchy tune. Still, one person’s “unique” is another person’s “weird.” Here are 10 weird things people from New Mexico do. How many of them can you relate to?

1. We start the Labor Day weekend by setting fire to a 50-foot puppet.
Flickr/Tobias Roybal
We burn Zozobra as part of an annual fundraiser, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe. When Zozobra, or Old Man Gloom (the original OMG), is engulfed in flames, it signals the end of feelings of doom and misery and the beginning of hope.
2. We tattoo ourselves with the state flag.
Flickr/Paul David Gibson
Our flag depicts the ancient Zia sun symbol, in the colors of Spain. In fact, we’re so obsessed with the Zia symbol that we built our state capitol in its shape (a circle which has four slightly protruding entrances to represent the sun’s rays).
3. We believe other drivers have ESP!
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Why signal? It’s way more fun to leave other motorists guessing.
4. We buy green chile, by the bushel, usually in parking lots.
Flickr/Ranchita Vida
New Mexico has a fifth season: chile season. During this time, we linger in parking lots like we’re waiting to score. And we are. It’s just that our drug of choice is chile.
5. Actually, we buy’ll anything that’s sold from the back of a vehicle.
Flickr/Arria Belli
Tamales, jelly, firewood. All of these things are better when purchased roadside.
6. Many of us use the word “coke” to refer to all types of soda.
Flickr/Allen
Why yes, Sprite is a coke.
7. We downplay hiking distances.
Flickr/Over The Arroyo Gang
Ask a New Mexican to recommend a place to walk your dog, and you’re likely to find yourself scaling a mountain.
8. We still have mounted posses.
Flickr/Tim Kuzdrowski
This is usually a volunteer force, tasked with missions like search and rescue.
9. We do things at our own pace.
Flickr/Paul Sableman
When fresh powder falls in the mountains, we’re likely to call in “sick.”
10. Our bodies make more red blood cells—in theory.
Flickr/Natan Vance
A good two-thirds of the state sits above 5000 feet in altitude. In order for the human body to acclimatize to these elevations, our lungs expand and our bodies generate more red blood cells. These adaptations disappear following a return to sea level, but it’s why athletes like to train at high altitudes.

What weird things people from New Mexico do did we miss? Here are some weird places in New Mexico you can visit to see some truly quirky parts of the state.

Address: New Mexico, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Weird Things People From New Mexico Do

August 12, 2020
Leah

What stereotypes are there about New Mexico?

There are many New Mexico stereotypes that range from completely blown out of proportion to admittedly true. For example, the state is often thought of as just a big desert. This is most certainly not true – the landscape ranges from high, chilly mountain ranges to open plains, with – yes – some beautiful deserts, as well. Another NM stereotype is that New Mexicans are addicted to chile, and that is true for many people. While there are always outliers, chile is an essential part of the state cuisine and the chile in the state is considered some of the best.

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

People from New Mexico say some quirky things along with some of this unusual behavior. Many New Mexicans speak “Spanglish” from time to time. Other phrases might totally confuse an out-of-stater, like ordering something “Christmas style” at restaurants no matter what time of year it is. This term refers to getting the meal with both red and green chile sauces on top. Speaking of chile, a “rista” is a type of decoration made of dried chiles put out in the portal. Don’t know what a New Mexican means when they say portal? That’s the word for a covered patio or porch.

What is New Mexico known for?

Living in New Mexico brings all the benefits of the great things this state is known for. The amazing New Mexican cuisine is one thing, with the love of chile heavily present and special treats like sopaipillas that you just can’t find as good anywhere else. The state is known as the Land of Enchantment for a reason, as well. The scenery is stunning in many unique ways, and there is a certain mystical feeling to many areas that are both culturally significant and full of history. The deep history of the state is another thing it’s known for – from the ancient dwellings to its wild west past.

Address: New Mexico, USA