The People

The population density of New Mexico is 15.0 persons per square mile (5.8 per km 2), about 20 per cent that of the United States as a whole. Whites made up about 66.8 per cent of the population and blacks, about 1.9 per cent. People of Hispanic origin accountfor 42.1 per cent of the population.

Most of New Mexico's American Indians live on or near reservations. The principal tribes are the Navajo, Apache, and Cherokee, and the Pueblo, who occupy a number of ancient homesites extending from Taos to Isleta.

Annual events in New Mexico
January-March
King’s Day Dances in most Indian pueblos (January 6); Winter Festival in Red River (January); Winter Ski Fiesta in Santa Fe (February); Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival in Albuquerque (early March); dances at most Indian pueblos (Easter).
April-June
Green Corn Dance at San Felipe Pueblo (May 1); Ralph Edwards Festival in Truth or Consequences (May); Four-Corners Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta near Farmington (May); Taos Spring Arts Celebration (May-June); Sandia Classic Hang Gliding Competition in Albuquerque (June).
July-September
Apache Indian Ceremonial in Mescalero (July 4th weekend); Rodeo de Santa Fe (July); Green Corn Dance at Santo Domingo Pueblo (August 4); “Billy the Kid” Pageant in Lincoln (August); Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup (August); Santa Fe Indian Market (August); Great American Duck Race in Deming (August); Fiesta de Santa Fe (mid-September); New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque (September); Hatch Chile Festival in Hatch (September); All-American Futurity Horse Race in Ruidoso (September); Whole Enchilada Fiesta in Las Cruces (September); Feast Day in Taos Pueblo (September).
October-December
Eastern New Mexico State Fair in Roswell (October); Navajo Fair in Shiprock (October); International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque (October); Santa Fe Film Festival in Santa Fe (December); Farolito Walk on Canyon Road in Santa Fe (December 24); Christmas Eve Dances at many Indian pueblos (December 24); Christmas Eve Luminaria Tours in Albuquerque (December 24); Red Rock Balloon Rally in Gallup (December).