¿Qué es ¡Que Viva! ?

The biennial ¡Que Viva! is a celebration of the past, present, and future of the Taos community.  Through programs and “Taos-centric” exhibitions (about art, history, and even classic cars), we share and explore its history while preserving and celebrating traditions, customs, and artforms.

“¡Que Viva!” is a grito (a Spanish celebratory exclamation) meaning “Long Live,” proclaiming that the traditions of New Mexico are here to stay.

Taos was and is a vital, vibrant community full of art, history, and culture. Join us at Couse-Sharp Historic Site (CSHS) to support our educational programs and Bring the Legacy of Taos Art to Life!

We were proud to present the main 2025 ¡Que Viva! celebration on Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., at Couse-Sharp Historic Site in the heart of the Taos historic district. Activities included:

the opening of the ¡Que Viva! Artes exhibition and sale in the Dean Porter Gallery; the exhibition Timeless Turns: The Legacy of Tio Vivo in the 1830s Luna Chapel featuring the historic northern New Mexico carousel; Tío Vivo rides with opportunities for free professional digital photographs; open house tours of the historic site; Taos Fiesta Court promenade y grito; artist demonstration by the Barela family; children’s activities with Los Jardineros Garden Club of Taos, Twirl, and Youth Heartline; free face painting and body art; baby goats to pet; Winter the Donkey and his cart; local music and dance performers including Cisco & Josiah Velarde, Gabriella Salazar, Johnny Archuleta & Audrey Davis, Nuna Jade, Athena & Gina, and Terecina Romero; free food; and antique vehicles on view.

On Sunday, June 8, the gallery exhibitions and Tío Vivo (including professional photography) were open for more Taoseños to enjoy.

The events were free to all. On both days, attendees had a chance at door prizes from local businesses by completing a brief survey.

Hope to see you at the next event on June 12, 2027. ¡Que Viva Taos!

¡Que Viva! Community Committee

Couse-Sharp Historic Site is grateful to the many members of the Taos community who pitched in to make the event and associated programming the best it can be!

• Lenore Macdonald, Chairman

• Betty Brownlee, CSHS Board

• Jake Cisneros, CSHS staff

• Carly Eva Gomez

• Ellen Harper

• Lucy Herrman

• Catherine Jackson

• Davison Koenig, CSHS staff

• Jocelyn Martinez

• Laurie Medley

• Lauron Medley

• Nuna Jade Rawlins

• Terecina Romero

• Wayne Rutherford

• Regina Scherffius, CSHS staff

• Ryan Suazo

• Charlene Tamayo

• Contessa Trujillo

• Marcia Winter

• Sherri Wood

We would also like to thank key members of our Nuevomexicano Advisory Council and Indigenous Advisory Council for their assistance with ¡Que Viva!

Jake Cisneros (NAC chair), David Fernández, Jocelyn Martinez, Ilona Spruce (IAC chair), Ryan Suazo, Contessa Trujillo

Our Volunteer Crew

In addition to our sponsors and partner groups, we extend a huge thank-you to the event volunteers with Couse-Sharp Historic Site, Taos Lions Club, and ¡Que Viva! Community Event Committee. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Betty Brownlee

Judy Buck

Pat Canestaro

Carolyn Cisneros

Linda Cisneros

Nancy Colllins

Ellen Harper

Kathy Horne

Kay Lytton-Smith

Lenore Macdonald

Laurie Medley