Tailgating at Santa Fe Opera’s Opening Night

Bizet’s “Carmen” opened Santa Fe Opera’s 58th season on Friday, June 28. Tailgating at Santa Fe Opera is a tradition for attendees all season long; on opening night some of whom sport costumes in keeping with the opera theme. Among the revelers from all over the U.S. were a couple who had met ten years ago at a tailgate party as well as first-time Santa Fe Opera-goers. Goya’s Caravan, Mexican Carmen, and Toro del Oro were some of the evening’s themes. Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales helped judge the tailgaters in the second year of a contest for best presentation at the tailgate party. When somebody asked me who had won, I said, “The people who had the most fun.”

All photos © Dianne Stromberg.