Lilacs in Taos
It’s the third year for the Lilac Festival in Taos, New Mexico. This year’s edition is May 15, 16 and 17, 2015, with the purple flowers expected to be blooming in profusion against the town’s adobe walls.
Lilacs have a long history in New Mexico. It’s said they were transported from France in the 1850s by Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, as well as others arriving from Europe in later years.
The Taos community goes all out during the Lilac Festival, dressing themselves and even their pets in the color of honor. There’s a pet costume parade, a traditional Northern New Mexico blessing of the pets, food, crafts, live music, and a display of classic cars and trucks, an integral part of Taos culture.
Los Jardineros of Taos are on hand to sell lilacs and educate festival attendees about their care.
(Photo courtesy of Taos Lilac Festival)