San Luis, County seat in Costilla County, Colorado, United States
San Luis is a town in southern Colorado located in the San Luis Valley at an elevation above 2,400 meters. The surrounding area features agricultural lands and mountain ranges that give the place a quiet, rural character.
The town was founded in 1851 by settlers from the Taos Valley and stands as Colorado's oldest continuously inhabited town. This early Hispanic heritage shaped the community and continues to define its character.
The town lives Hispanic traditions through annual celebrations like the Santa Ana y Santiago Fiesta and Manito Christmas with traditional bonfires. These gatherings shape community life and remain important to many residents today.
The town sits at high elevation, so visitors should take activity slowly and drink plenty of water when exploring. The nearest larger town with more services is some distance away, so it helps to plan ahead.
In the town center, a path with fifteen bronze statues ascends a mesa depicting the final hours of Jesus Christ. This remarkable art installation serves both as religious testimony and gathering place for visitors.
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