In April 2025, I spent seven days on my first exploration of Santa Fe city and Taos city in New Mexico state, USA. The history of these regions stretches all the way back to 900's Common Era with the presence of the indigenous Pueblo people.
Then the Spanish colonial era began in the 1600's. Mexican colonial rule followed in 1824. Finally, American rule began in 1848. As a result, a blend of many distinct cultures, with a strong Roman Catholic influence, are present in modern day New Mexico state.