You've Lived in New Mexico for Far Too Long if You've Gone Through Any of These Ten Experiences

New Mexico’s unique blend of cultures, landscapes, and traditions means that living here long enough leaves a mark. If you recognize yourself in these ten experiences, you might just be a true New Mexican at heart.

1. You Have a Fierce Loyalty to Red or Green Chile

You don’t just eat chile—you have a strong preference for red or green, and you’re ready to defend your choice. You know the “official state question” is “Red or green?” and you’ve probably answered “Christmas” (both) at least once.

2. The Smell of Roasting Chiles Means Autumn

For you, fall isn’t about pumpkin spice—it’s the smoky aroma of roasting Hatch green chiles filling parking lots and backyards. You’ve stood in line to buy a sack and spent hours peeling and freezing them for the winter.

3. You’ve Explained That New Mexico Is Part of the U.S.

You’ve lost count of how many times you’ve had to clarify that New Mexico is, in fact, a state—not part of Mexico. You’ve even had mail or packages delayed because someone thought otherwise.

4. You’ve Been Asked “Red or Green?” at Every Restaurant

You know that if a restaurant doesn’t ask “Red or green?” it’s not serving real New Mexican food. You also know the difference between “chile” (the pepper) and “chili” (the Texan stew).

5. You’ve Used a Tortilla as a Utensil

Forks and spoons are optional when you have a fresh tortilla. You’ve mastered scooping up beans, chile, and even eggs with nothing but a tortilla.

6. You’ve Endured the Dreaded Windy Season

Spring means relentless wind, dust storms, and tumbleweeds. You’ve learned to check the weather for wind advisories and have had sand in places you didn’t know existed.

7. You’ve Driven for Hours Without Seeing a Town

You’re used to long stretches of open road, with nothing but desert and mountains for company. Running out of gas between towns is a real concern, and you always keep an eye on your fuel gauge.

8. You’ve Attended or Heard About the Burning of Zozobra

You know about the annual tradition in Santa Fe where a giant puppet called Zozobra is burned to symbolically cast away the year’s gloom. It’s a spectacle you’ve either attended or watched on TV.

9. You’ve Hung Ristras and Decorated with Luminarias

You’ve strung up ristras (dried chile pods) for both cooking and decoration, and you’ve lined your walkway with luminarias (paper lanterns) during the holidays.

10. You’ve Experienced the “Land of Entrapment” Effect

You or someone you know has tried to leave New Mexico, only to find yourself drawn back by the landscape, culture, and sense of community. The “Land of Entrapment” nickname rings true.

If you’ve checked off most of these, congratulations—you’ve truly lived the New Mexico experience, quirks and all. The Land of Enchantment has a way of making itself home, whether you planned it or not.

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