Penitente Morada, Abiquiu. 03-11-26

Geraint March 10, 2026 3 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, some favorite images from the Penitente Morada in Abiquiu, New Mexico.

The penitents of Northern New Mexico, particularly in areas like Abiquiú, are part of a religious brotherhood known as Los Hermanos Penitentes. This lay Catholic fraternity has deep roots in the region, tracing back to the early Spanish settlers who brought their faith and traditions to the remote and rugged landscapes of New Mexico. The Penitentes emerged in the 19th century as a response to the isolation and lack of clergy in the area, providing spiritual guidance and community cohesion through their devout practices.

In Abiquiú, a small village known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, the Penitentes have played a significant role in maintaining religious and cultural traditions. The brotherhood is known for its emphasis on penance, prayer, and acts of charity. Their practices are particularly visible during Lent and Holy Week, when they engage in rituals that include processions, reenactments of the Passion of Christ, and acts of self-flagellation. These rituals are deeply symbolic, reflecting themes of sacrifice, redemption, and communal solidarity.

Penitente Morada, Abiquiu — Penitente Morada, and three crosses.

The Penitentes have historically been a subject of intrigue and misunderstanding, often shrouded in secrecy due to their private nature and the intense personal devotion of their practices. However, they are also respected for their commitment to preserving cultural heritage and providing social support within their communities. In Abiquiú, the brotherhood has contributed to the village’s identity, blending indigenous, Spanish, and Catholic influences into a unique cultural tapestry.

Moonrise Penitente Morada, Abiquiu — Moonrise, Penitente Morada, and one cross.

Today, the Penitentes continue to be a vital part of Northern New Mexico’s spiritual landscape. While their numbers have dwindled, and some of their practices have evolved over time, they remain a testament to the enduring power of faith and community in the face of change and adversity. Their presence in Abiquiú and the surrounding areas serves as a reminder of the region’s rich history and the resilience of its people.

Three crosses, Abiquiu — Three crosses with a view of the Taos Mountains.

You can now find my greeting cards at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House. The cards feature images of the house, its architecture, and the surrounding landscapes.

Mabel Dodge Luhan House gateway fall. — Mabel Dodge Luhan House gateway.

As always, thanks for visiting and looking. I apologize for the comment page not working correctly. I appreciate the heads-up and taking the time to let me know. Have a great week. G

Santa Fe And Beyond. 02-11-2026

Geraint February 10, 2026 4 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, I’m revisiting Santa Fe, Taos, Abiquiu, and beyond, continuing my First Impressions series, including first impressions from other areas in the Southwest.

Doodlets of Santa Fe with their iconic geese. This was a surprise find while waiting to be seated at Pasqual’s restaurant in Santa Fe.

Doodlets Santa Fe, NM — *Doodlets of Santa Fe, 1985.*

It seems that every photographer, whether they are a friend or a stranger, possesses a captivating collection of door images. These portals, each with a story to tell, have an irresistible allure that draws us in. My own archive is a testament to this fascination, spanning a diverse array of locations. From the charming streets of the United States to the historic avenues of Europe, the minimalist beauty of Scandinavia, and the timeless elegance of Britain. Each photograph is a window into the culture and history of its location, offering a glimpse into the lives and stories that lie beyond.

The image below was taken at the historic Chimayo Plaza and was one of many doorway photographs featured in my 1985 exhibit in Pasadena, CA. I presented 40 photographic works that sold out, and inspired me to make numerous trips to New Mexico, eventually leading me to settle here in 1988.

Late afternoon light on the morada in Abiquiu, NM. Kodachrome 64 film, 1984.

A grave marker in Las Trampas, NM, inspired by an image of Ansel Adams.

*Grave marker, Las Trampas, on the High Road to Taos.*

The iconic New Mexico chile ristra wreath.

Chile ristra, displayed on a truck door, NM — *Chile ristra wreath, displayed on a truck door, NM.*

The iconic Saint Francis Church with mammatus clouds.

Saint Francis church, Ranchos de Taos. NM — *Saint Francis Church, Ranchos de Taos. NM.*

In 1985, I visited Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for the first time while driving back to California after spending the Christmas holidays in Taos. I captured the image below after waking up early, having arrived in the darkness the night before. Growing up in the UK, I had seen this landscape depicted in many westerns, but nothing could have prepared me for the awe-inspiring sight before me and the emotions it stirred within me.

And lastly, happy Valentine’s Day. “Streethearts”, Pasadena, California. Kodachrome 64, 1986,

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

Penitente Morada, (Church) Abiquiu, NM

Geraint October 4, 2020 4 Comments

This image of the Morada, still in use today, is from 2006 before the bell. I can’t ever recall seeing this building without a bell. Well, here it is. Great skies are always in abundance and rarely missing in this area. Thanks for looking. G

Penitente Morada Sky, Abiquiu NM

Geraint July 2, 2019 No Comments

Penitente Morada and sky, in Abiquiu NM. I never tire of this beautiful, iconic landmark and architectural gem in New Mexico. It sits perfectly on a bluff, above everything, overlooking Abiquiu and the Chama River Valley. I’ve found my peace in this location and many other locations like it in New Mexico. Here’s a photo I made on my first trip here in 1984. Thanks for looking. G

Earth And Sky, Abiquiu, New Mexico

Geraint August 21, 2018 4 Comments

Earth and sky. The Penitente Morada under a northern New Mexico sky in the Village of Abiquiu, just up the hill from Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio. This image is from a full day photo tour a few weeks ago in Abiquiu and the Chama River Valley. The dramatic skies continue, which is great for adding drama to the landscape and iconic architecture of New Mexico. If you would like to spend some time photographing in this most beautiful area, check out my photo tour page. Thanks for looking. G

Penitente Morada In Abiquiu, NM

Geraint July 20, 2018 No Comments

Penitente Morada, in Abiquiu, NM. I’ve been going through the archives again this week, and found a few images like this one from almost ten years ago. Long before they put up the “No Tresspassing” sign, I would walk up to the building and yes, make and image, but also spend a moment in peaceful tranquility and personal reflection. It’s a stunning location here, where this building sits, overlooking the Rio Chama Valley. I added a couple of links below of the view from here. Thanks for looking. G

View to the North East

View to the North

Four Crosses And A Reflection, Abiquiu, NM

Geraint June 25, 2018 2 Comments

Four crosses and a reflection in Abiquiu, NM. As I lined up the lens on these iconic crosses at the Penitente Morada in Abiquiu, it must have drifted in front of the wing mirror and caught the reflection of the tree in the mirror. I’ve used this technique before intentionally, but this was a surprise. Sometimes accidents happen. Thanks for looking. G

Penitente Morada, Abiquiu NM

Geraint August 17, 2017 8 Comments

Penitente Morada, Abiquiu NM. The storm clouds build and rains come in the afternoon during monsoon season. This building has borne witness to that fact for a couple of centuries. Thanks for looking. G

Abiquiu Morada

Geraint October 6, 2016 6 Comments

Geraint Smith Photography

Tag: Morada