UNM-Taos celebrates guiding lights, warming hearts

Taos, N.M.-UNM-Taos came together in the glow of nearly 500 farolitos for our Second Annual Illuminando Nuestros Caminos (Illuminating Our Paths) celebration recently-an evening dedicated to honoring community, culture, and tradition.

Students, staff, and community members joined in decorating each farolito with personal messages, cultural designs, and words of hope, creating a walkway of light that reflects our shared heritage and connection to place. The event featured a powerful performance by Las Comanche dancers, whose presence grounded the evening in tradition and community respect.

Our Culinary Arts students catered the event, offering warm food, hospitality and highlighting their skills that made the night even more special. The campus courtyard transformed into a space of reflection and celebration-a moment where light, art, and community came together to build tradition at UNM-Taos.

Illuminando Nuestros Caminos will continue to grow as an annual event-lighting the path forward for students, families, and the greater Taos community.