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Chimayo, Cordova and Truchas, NM, southwest United States
Chimayo, in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, southwest United States,
is 10 miles east of Espanola. Chimayo was settled by the Spanish in 1692.
The Plaza of San Buenaventura, now called the Plaza del Cerro,
was built around 1740. Weaving has long been important at Chimayo and
around 1900 commercial looms and yarns began to be used by the local
weavers. The Chimayo area, including Cordova and Truchas, is known for
high-quality woven goods.
Well known in Chimayo is the shrine El Santuario de Nuestra Senor de
Esquipulas, or El Santuario. Built in 1813, the shrine is
considered a masterpiece of colonial folk art and architecture. Dirt in
its floor mixed with water is said to have miraculous healing powers.
Pilgrimages to the church are an important part of Holy Week in northern
New Mexico.