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Free Traveling Guides » States » New Mexico » Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, is located in the central part of the state. It extends on both sides of the spectacular Rio Grande, which flows through the city from south to north. Albuquerque is known for its natural beauty. Its elevation ranges from 6400 ft (2.0 km) in the foothill region of the Northeast Heights to nearly 4900 ft (1.5 km) above sea level near the exotic river, Rio Grande. The panoramic Sandia Mountains lie to the east of this river. These mountains are well known for their brilliant bright pink and green coloration at sunset.
The magnificent Rio Grande Valley adds to the beauty of the City. Yet another geologically significant area in this region is the “Water Mesa”, the elevated land situated to the west of the Rio Grande. The city of Albuquerque is also strongly influenced by the adjacent Arizona-New Mexico Mountains, Colorado Plateau Semi-Desert, Southwest Plateaus, and Plain Steppe eco-regions. The city has four different climates, with the usual climate being sunny and dry.
The City is divided into four main quadrants namely the NE (north east), SE (south east), NW (northwest), and the SW (south west). The Central Avenue (Route 66) and the BNSF Railway tracks are the main dividing lines in the city. The major landmarks Albuquerque include the University of New Mexico, the Sandia National Laboratories, the Kirtland Air Force Base, the Albuquerque Biological Park, the Old Town Albuquerque, and the popular Petroglyph National Monument. The City is also rich in arts and culture. The Revolutions International Theatre Festival is an annual event hosted by the famous Tricklock Company. A number of Shakespeare’s plays are featured by a local Shakespearean community theater company, the American Shakespeare Project. Besides, the National Institute of Flamenco, situated in downtown Albuquerque, supports Yjastros and the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts.
The City is also home to the Popejoy Hall, the grandest multi-use theater in New Mexico. This theater features several performances by the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, and the UNM Department of Music. The 17-days New Mexico State Fair at Expo New Mexico; the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air balloon gathering in the world; the ghost tour organized by the Southwest Ghost-hunters Association; Pow-Wow, an international event featuring several Native American singers and dancers; and the Bubonicon, the largest science fiction convention in the South west are some of the major annual cultural events held in the city.
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