SANTA FE – New Mexicans marked a somber Christmas Eve on Thursday as families canceled or downsized celebrations due to the pandemic.
Traditional candlelight walks in Santa Fe and Albuquerque were canceled, but residents in both cities produced thousands of the sand-filled paper lanterns, also known as “farolitos” or “luminarias” to brighten the night for their neighbors.
In Santa Fe, cars lined up along the Canyon Road arts district for a through-the-window glimpse of the glowing decorations.
Light displays across the city, some private and some put on by the city, have given residents a way to “go out” despite severe lockdown restrictions among high rates of coronavirus-related illness and death.
On Friday, health officials reported 1,465 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 136,622. A total of 36 virus-related deaths were reported, bringing the total to 2,307.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some – especially older adults and people with existing health problems – it can cause severe illness, long-term health problems, and even be fatal.
Around 60,000 people have recovered from the virus, health officials say.
