When is the 100-year anniversary of Route 66?

The 100-year anniversary of Route 66, also known as the "Mother Road," is being celebrated starting in 2026, with communities across New Mexico preparing for festivities.

What kind of celebrations are planned for Route 66's 100th anniversary in New Mexico?

New Mexico communities are planning parties featuring vintage cars, air shows, historical presentations, mural painting, and public art installations to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Route 66.

How much funding has New Mexico allocated for Route 66 centennial celebrations?

The New Mexico Tourism Department has offered roughly $4 million in grants over the past two years to support the promotion and celebration of Route 66's 100-year anniversary.

Home / Lifestyle / New Mexico's Mother Road: 100 Years of Celebration

New Mexico's Mother Road: 100 Years of Celebration

1 Jan

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Summary

New Mexico communities are preparing for the 100-year anniversary of Route 66.
Grants totaling $4 million have been awarded for infrastructure and special events.
Celebrations will feature vintage cars, air shows, and historical presentations.

New Mexico's Mother Road: 100 Years of Celebration

New Mexico's vibrant communities are in full swing preparing for the centennial anniversary of the iconic Route 66. These towns have dedicated over a year to orchestrate a series of events that will commemorate the "Mother Road's" 100 years of history and cultural significance, beginning in 1926.

Significant state investment, totaling approximately $4 million in grants over two years, is fueling these preparations. Funds are allocated for infrastructure improvements, marketing efforts, and unique special events, ranging from small community fiestas to substantial art installations in Albuquerque. These initiatives aim to restore historic gas stations, enhance public art, and revive neon signage, preserving the road's legacy.

Anticipated celebrations across the state will include community-wide parties, vintage car exhibitions, air shows, and historical presentations. These events aim to capture the spirit of Route 66 and its role in shaping New Mexico's culture and connecting its people, echoing its historical importance as a "crossroads" of American life.