Madrid is kicking off the Christmas season this weekend with its popular Christmas Parade.
The Christmas parade starts at 4 p.m. Saturday and will feature merrily costumed residents, festooned burros and outfitted dogs strolling through the historic mining town or riding in vintage cars. After the parade, the annual holiday house lighting throughout the town pays tribute to Madrid’s historical lighting displays of its 20th-century mining era.
The parade launches four weekends of events celebrating the century old lights of Madrid tradition. According to a press release, the events include musicians, professional carolers, a family circus and special workshops for children and adults. The events will run every Saturday and Sunday afternoon through Dec. 29, with businesses staying open until 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
The musical and street performances are being produced by Joe West and Lori Ottino. Musicians and performers include: A ‘Real Live Santa,’ Joe West & Lori Ottino, Roadhouse Karma, Lucy Barna, Busy McCaroll, Josh Martin, Margaret Burque, The Caiti Lord Carolers, Westin McDowell, Julian Dosset, Clan Tynker Family Circus, Teri Lynn Browning & Chris Ishee, Karina Wilson & Bard Erdington, Dominique Khouri and a Jam with Joe West & Lori Ottino.
Events also include three separate ornament making workshops for children (must be accompanied by adults) as well as adult art workshops. The Mine Shaft Tavern will host events – and of course serve its famous food – and the New Refinery 14 will be open for breakfast and lunch.
This year’s light displays have been in the works all year. There will be a special display honoring the once famous Toyland at the Oscar Huber Memorial Ballpark, and Main Street (The Turquoise Trail) businesses and residents will be going all out in hopes to win in the lighting competition.
The lighting of Madrid has historical roots dating back to 1922. When the town and mining company closed in 1956, the celebration ended until the mid-70s, when the artists who had moved into the ghost town revived the tradition along with the parade.
There will be limited hours of trolleys or stagecoach rides to take visitors from the ballpark parking area to various stops in town. There will also be a free app available on the town’s website (visitmadridnm.com) and Facebook page offering a GPS guided walking tour of the town’s businesses.
Christmas in Madrid is hosted by the newly formed Madrid Business Alliance, which aims to connect local businesses and the community and contribute to their overall well-being and support. The MBA has teamed up with The Northern New Mexico Rio Grande Heritage Area through the NM Economic Development Department Outdoor Recreation Division to create a monthlong holiday event.
And Clyde the local and infamous buffalo will be there this parade also!