All over New Mexico, strings of red chili peppers, called chile ristras, are hung on patios, fences, and portals as a decoration. In the Fall, you can buy ristras at farmer's markets and roadside stands. They can also be used as a welcoming decoration near the front door and are said to bring good health and good luck.

Chile ristras are also a way to dry and preserve chiles for later cooking and eating. The traditional method was to lay the chiles out in the sun, but tying them together and hanging them on a wall helped prevent contamination from birds and rodents.