Slideshows

PHOTO STORY: River Lights Illuminates BioPark

On Saturday, Nov. 29, the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens lit up in holiday color and cheer during the 2025 River of Lights opening day. The River of Lights is a 1.6 mile walk around the gardens where visitors can see over 700 hand welded light displays and enjoy baked goods, warm cider and cocoa. The River of Lights will continue to run every day until Dec. 30, excluding Dec. 24 and 25. Axel Smith is a freelance reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

PHOTO STORY: Tastes of New Mexico - Inside the Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

The 10th Great New Mexico Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival was in full swing on Saturday, Nov. 22 at Balloon Fiesta Park. The party was in full effect for a day of food truck fan favorites, made up of 30 of the area’s top food trucks.  Alongside the food truck recommendations, people were also able to enjoy some craft brews for the occasion and other beverages as well, such as boba to help enjoy the moment. There was live music being played for those in attendance, courtesy of a local band, Traveler in Pain. There was also a local artisan market to explore, with over 50 artisans joining the party selling a number of artifacts including jewelry, shirts, and a number of products to be used as gifts for the holidays. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: Fall Arrives on Campus

PHOTO STORY: Dia De Los Muertos Celebration in Old Town

PHOTO STORY: Vigil for Gazan journalists held outside UNM’s C&J building

Mohammad Abu Hasira, Duaa Jabbour and Mohammad Jarghoun are three of over 200 journalists killed reporting on the Israel-Hamas war since Oct. 7, 2023.   On Wednesday, Oct. 15, University of New Mexico students, faculty and community members gathered outside the UNM Communications and Journalism Building to hold a vigil during which community members read the names of journalists killed reporting on the war. UNM graduate student of communications Sofie Hechet credited the journalists in Gaza for allowing “over 2 years of live streamed genocide” to reach international audiences.  “We have voices like Bisan (Owda) from Gaza reporting daily, without fail, on the truth of this war,” Hechet said. “We know, thanks to fearless reporting by journalists on the ground, what is actually going on, and we will continue to share these stories.”  Rebeca Jasso-Aguilar, who participated in reading the names of journalists, quoted the words of Anas al-Sharif, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike in August 2025.   “​​’If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. I have lived through pain in all its details, tasted suffering and loss many times. Yet I never once hesitated to convey the truth as it is without distortion or falsification so that Allah may bear witness against those who stayed silent and accepted our killing,” Jasso-Aguilar said. “Do not forget Gaza and do not forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance.’”  Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06 Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88

PHOTO STORY: Fall Frenzy Cleanup

PHOTO STORY: Aki Matsuri Japanese Fall Festival

As summer comes to an end and autumn returns, the New Mexico Japanese-American Citizens League kicks off its annual Japanese Fall Festival: Aki Matsuri. For over 20 years, Aki Matsuri has brought a taste of Japanese culture to New Mexico. The festival took place at Expo New Mexico — home of the State Fair. From taiko drums and shamisen to karate and bon odori dancing, the stages of the Villa Hispana and Indian Village were filled with lively performances to entertain the crowd of guests. The outskirts of the stages were filled with various vendors, some of who sold different crafts and goods that they prepared themselves, while others reeled in customers with the scent of freshly made Japanese food. Although there were various backgrounds and cultures that showed face through the festival grounds, the atmosphere conveyed a strong sense of community and union. 

PHOTO STORY: Grandma's Coffee Garden Fall Equinox Market

PHOTO STORY: Color and Community at the Railyards

The Rail Yards Market, held at the Rail Yards in Downtown Albuquerque, has become one of the fastest-growing and most popular farmers markets in the City. Held on Sundays from May through October, shoppers can find fresh fruits and vegetables, chile, baked goods, teas, lemonades, art and much more. The market is divided into the railyard buildings based on item type, with farmers tables set up in the west building, art and clothing in the east building. During the autumn months, roasted green chile and red chile ristras begin to appear and are roasted on site. Apple cider can be bought by the cup up to the gallon. The market is also popular with dog owners, who will bring their pups, on leash, to enjoy sunny days. Maria Fernandez is the copy editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at copy@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

PHOTO STORY: Josh Patterson at the Lapis Room

The Lapis Room, connected to the Noisy Water winery in Old Town, has been featuring artwork by local spray paint artist Joshua Patterson. The exhibit “Art and Justus: Dreamin’ in Color,” combines the styles of street art and fine art, as well as depicting imagery tied to Patterson’s Chicano heritage. The artwork reflects stories from Patterson’s life, told through a visual narrative with bright colors and neon lights. The figures “Art” and “Justus” — a combination of the words “justice” and “us” — are depicted throughout most parts of the piece, meant to represent both the artist and viewers as Patterson brings his stories to life.  Maria Fernandez is the copy editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at copy@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

PHOTO STORY: Firefighters Honor Victims of 9/11

On Sept. 11, firefighters from across the metro area gathered in Civic Plaza for an annual memorial climb to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City. The firefighters climbed 110 flights of the  Washington Federal building downtown in full gear as a testament to the first responders who helped during the attacks, climbing flights of stairs in the World Trade Center to save people trying to escape.The event began with the playing of bagpipes as an American flag waved between two fire trucks, before the firefighters began their climb at 8:46 a.m., the time when the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

PHOTO STORY: Life in Bloom at Lobo Gardens

The Lobo Gardens, which began in 2010 as an outdoor learning laboratory for the University of New Mexico, has now become a prime walk spot for individuals, friends, families, and animals alike. The project began with Seeds of Rebellion and the Research Learning Service Program but is now spearheaded by Community Engaged Learning Reasearch (CLER). Lobo Gardens serves UNM’s graduate, undergraduate, faculty, and staff, providing fresh produce for the Lobo Food Pantry. The Red Garden is located off the corner of Campus Blvd. and Vassar Dr. near UNM’s Real Estate Department. Hokona Hall Garden is located in Hokona’s western courtyard. The gardens feature a variety of plants, including a pollinator garden and food forest within the Red Garden.

PHOTO STORY: Old Man Gloom Goes Up in Flames

On Friday, Aug. 29, local New Mexicans and people from all over the world gathered in Santa Fe to witness the burning of Zozobra, a 50-foot-tall marionette that has been stuffed with all the gloom from the last year. This year is the 101st celebration of Zozobra, and he was adorned with a Steampunk-inspired overcoat and hat. His right hand was decorated with gears and bright gold for a mechanical finish. People from all over came together to move on from the previous year's woes that Zozobra consumes and gains his power from. Zozobra released his minions, the Gloomies, to fight the Fire Dancer, Zozobra’s archenemy. The Fire Dancer freed the souls of the Gloomies as she danced across the stage, prancing a tango with Zozobra before lighting him ablaze. The idea behind Zozobra is to eliminate the hatred, fear, and every ill feeling that has plagued our minds into one being that burns into ashes, allowing us to move forward. The burning of Old Man Gloom is a celebration for everyone to enjoy, with family-friendly entertainment, live music, local food trucks, face painting and coming together as a community to enjoy an evening of bliss for all. ⁨Eve Padilla-Salazar⁩ is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: Labubus take over ABQ food park

On Aug. 23, during a windy evening, the ABQ Food Park was overtaken by all kinds of Labubus, which are a form of plush doll. Vendors had booths with original Labubu dolls, others had artisan Labubu crafts made by local artists through mediums like crocheting and 3D printing. Labubu keychains, thermoses, purses, backpacks and other merchandise were everywhere on display. Jessica Rodriguez,a local artist who was selling 3D printed Labubus, said she started her own business after she was laid off from her tech job. “I bought my first 3D printer, started selling stuff on Tik Tok and it just took off from there,” Rodriguez said. The Labubu booths were surrounded by several local food trucks and a kid-sized stage offered kids karaoke where children took charge of the mic and sang along to various popular songs, notably “Soda Pop” and “Golden” from “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which played repeatedly as children's favorites. Alex Chavez, operations manager at ABQ Food Park, said the Labubu fest was the first of its kind in the city and was one of their most successful events. “We had local artists that sell local arts and crafts like they normally do, but today was all about Labubu,” Chavez said. Chavez said he was proud of the “kid-friendly” nature of the event.  “This is a small boutique park in the North East heights, we plan on making this the destination for family friendly events of all sorts,” Chavez said. Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06 Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa8

PHOTO STORY: UNM Welcome Back Days

University of New Mexico students arriving back on campus during the first week of classes were greeted by the “Welcome back Days” event, with booths hosted by different student organizations, clubs, and resource centers each day. UNM staff and faculty handed out free food to students during the week, including ice cream, pizza and green chile stew. Hosted outside between Zimmerman Library and the newly-renovated Duck Pond, students had the chance to meet new people and engage with the various organizations throughout the week. UNM President Garnett Stokes took part in handing out ice cream alongside ASUNM President Andrew Norton to students on the first day as part of the President’s Ice Cream Social. “Welcome Back Days” also included live music, with different artists performing each day.

PHOTO STORY: Lobos Back From Summer Break

Students returned to the University of New Mexico Main Campus on Aug. 18, with water bottles in hand, ready to learn and stay hydrated during the warm August afternoons. “Welcome Back Days” were held each day during the first week, offering free food and opportunities for students to engage with various clubs, sports and organizations. Construction from the summer remains visible, including remnants of the year-long upgrades made to the Duck Pond and the demolition of the Humanities building near the center of campus. Students could be seen finding new study spots under the trees, or walking to class with new and old friends.

PHOTO STORY: Summer Stroll Through Old Town

PHOTO STORY: The Duck Pond Is Finally Back

During the week of Aug. 4, the metal chain link fences that have been surrounding the University of New Mexico Duck Pond for construction since last winter were removed.  Their removal revealed a newly remodeled Duck Pond, with new features including concrete lining in the pond, paved pathways, additional landscaping and new outdoor furniture arrangements. According to signage, the lawn near the pond area is still undergoing reseeding. There are very few people, no ducks, turtles or large fish as there were before renovation. The pond is still quiet.  The main visitors are dragonflies perching on tall blades of grass above the water where small fish can be seen swimming beneath the green tinted surface. The pond’s creatures enjoy the moment of calm before the chaos of the new semester kicks in and the Duck Pond’s “Grand Opening Celebration” on Sept. 3, according to UNM Facilities Design and Construction. Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06

PHOTO STORY: UNM's Summer Scene

In July, The University of New Mexico Main Campus is in the final stretch of summer before the bustle and commotion of the fall semester sets in. The campus is quiet during the summer months, as most students and faculty have left campus for summer break. While there are still some students on campus for summer classes, UNM campus is mostly empty, buildings close early and both outdoor and indoor spaces are calm. Staff still remain on campus throughout the summer, working hard to keep it clean and ensure that UNM can still provide services, like food, gym, library, and other programs and services that the campus community enjoys and relies on. When buildings are closed for longer periods of time, the outdoor spaces standout. Many buildings have landscaping with plants that show off their bright flowers and foliage during the summer months, keeping the campus cool and offering food and habitat to local urban fauna. Construction work can also get done while students are gone, taking advantage of the empty campus to work on renovations and new projects. Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06

PHOTO STORY: Summer Wings of ABQ

During the summer months in Albuquerque, New Mexico, many birds can be seen feeding, singing, mating, nesting and raising their young in urban areas. Pictured in this story are woodpeckers, bushtits, migratory kingbirds, hummingbirds, doves, thrashers, hawks and a starling. Mother doves can be seen building nests from twigs in trees and any place they find suitable. One dove pictured in this story found the electric pole to be a comfortable nesting spot. Another dove pictured chose to nest in an Ash tree. Humming birds frequent nectar-filled flowers and hummingbird feeders, and the more shy yet loud Curve-billed thrashers often sing past sunset, coming to the feeders when other birds have gone to sleep. Curve-billed thrashers primarily live in the desert brush outside the city, but if neighborhoods have native vegetation, these birds will move in. Thrashers are especially attracted to areas with cholla cactus, where they like to nest, according to Audubon. Bushtits come to feeders in flocks. They have quiet, constant, high-pitch chirps, eat together and then leave together. They can also be found perching in the branches of shrub-like trees. Hawks fly over neighborhoods taking advantage of the bird habitat and feeders, where feeding birds become easy prey. Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06 Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @paloma_chapa88