NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE
Native Americans have inhabited New Mexico for thousands of years, well before Europeans reached the Americas. This rich history is embodied throughout Native American culture today. Northern New Mexico is home to 19 pueblos, along with the Navajo Nation. Albuquerque’s central location within New Mexico means it is in close proximity to a majority of the pueblos in Northern New Mexico. From cliff dwellings and pit houses, to kivas and abandoned cities along ancient trade routes, to ancient symbols etched in rock, there are reminders of Native American presence throughout New Mexico.
There are a number of special events that celebrate Native American Culture, including the world-renowned Gathering of Nations. The Gathering of Nations is North America’s largest Powwow with a massive celebration with hundreds of Native American dancers and singers representing more than 700 tribes from Canada and the U.S. The event is held annually on the fourth weekend in April. There are competitions in 32 dancing categories held during the Pow-Wow. Other competitions include singing, drumming, and special events such as a pageant for Miss Indian World.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the place to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the 19 pueblos who call New Mexico home. They offer exhibits, performances, and cultural programs designed to tell the pueblo story through the words and voices of Pueblo people.
CUISINE
Native Americans have been here in New Mexico for thousands of years, and bring with them a rich history of unique traditional dishes using locally sourced ingredients. There are many opportunities to explore the Native American cuisine of the state. Many restaurants offer dishes inspired by Pueblo specialties, such as Indian fry bread, mutton stew, or dishes that feature the diverse game available in the state. Or go straight to the source, and visit one of the surrounding pueblos for authentic Native American cuisine.
We also have restaurants known for spotlighting unique modern takes on traditional Native American cuisine. Or you can go straight to the source, and visit one of the surrounding pueblos for an authentic Native American taste.
PUEBLO EVENTS AND FEAST DAYS
July
July 4th
Nambe Pueblo: Celebration at the Waterfall
July 12th-14th
Taos Pueblo: Annual Pow-Wow
July 14th – St. Bonaventure Feast Day
Cochiti Pueblo: Annual Feast Day & Corn Dance
July 25th – Santiago Feast Day
Taos Pueblo: Corn Dance
July 26th – St. Anne Feast Day
Santa Ana Pueblo: Annual Feast Day
Taos Pueblo: Various Dances
Laguna Pueblo: Harvest & Various Dances, Seama Village
August
August 2nd – Persingula Feast Day
Jemez Pueblo: Annual Feast Day
August 4th – St. Dominic Feast Day
Santo Domingo Pueblo: Annual Feast Day & Corn Dances
August 9th
Picuris Pueblo: San Lorenzo Mass & Sunset Dances
Anniversary of Pueblo Revolt of 1680
August 10th – San Lorenzo Feast Day
Picuris Pueblo: Annual Feast Day, Ceremonial Foot Race, Pole Climb & Traditional Dances
Acoma Pueblo: Various Dances, Acomita Village
August 12th – Santa Clara Feast Day
Santa Clara Pueblo: Annual Feast Day, & Buffalo, Harvest or Corn Dance
August 15th – The Assumption of Our Blessed Mother Feast Day
Zia Pueblo: Annual Feast Day & Corn Dances
Laguna Pueblo: Harvest & Other Dances, Mesita Village
August 28th – St. Augustine Feast Day
Isleta Pueblo: Annual Feast Day, Morning Mass, Procession, & Various Dances
September
Labor Day Weekend
Santo Domingo Pueblo Annual Arts & Crafts Market
September 2nd – San Estevan Feast Day
Acoma Pueblo Sky City: Annual Feast Day & Harvest Dance
September 4th – St. Augustine Feast Day
Isleta Pueblo: Harvest Dance
September 8th – Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Feast Day
Laguna Pueblo: Village of Encinal, Harvest & Social Dance
September 19th – St. Joseph’s Feast Day
Laguna Pueblo: Annual Feast Day. Buffalo, Eagle & Social Dances at Old Laguna
September 25th – St. Elizabeth Feast Day
Laguna Pueblo: Village of Paguate, Harvest & Social Dances
September 29th – San Geronimo Eve
Taos Pueblo: Vespers & Sundown Dance
September 30th – San Geronimo Feast Day
Taos Pueblo: Annual Feast Day, Art Fair, Ceremonial Foot Races & Pole Climb
October
October 4th – St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day
Nambe Pueblo: Annual Feast Day. Buffalo & Deer Dances
October 17th – St. Margaret Mary’s Feast Day
Laguna Pueblo: Village of Paraje. Harvest & Social Dances
November
November 12th – San Diego Feast Day
Tesuque & Jemez Pueblos: Annual Feast Day. Various Dances
THANKSGIVING
Zuni Pueblo: Christmas Light Parade
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
Sky City Annual Indian Arts & Crafts Show & Auction
December
December 7th
Zuni Pueblo, Shalako Dances
December 11th
Pojoaque Pueblo: Vespers, Procession & Dances, 6 pm
December 12th – Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day
Pojoaque Pueblo: Annual Feast Day. Mass at 10 am, Dances
Jemez Pueblo: Matachines Dances
December 24th – Christmas Eve Celebration
Acoma Pueblo: Luminarias on display from Scenic View Point to Acoma “Sky City”
Laguna Pueblo: St. Joseph Mission, Old Laguna. Various Dances after 10 pm Mass
Nambe Pueblo: Buffalo Dances after Mass
Ohkay Owingeh: Matachines Dance & Pine Torch Procession
Picuris Pueblo: Sundown Torchlight Procession of the Virgin Vespers, Mass Procession, Matachines & Various Dances before & after Mass
San Felipe Pueblo: Dances after Midnight Mass
Taos Pueblo: Sundown Procession & Bonfire
Tesuque Pueblo: Dances after Midnight Mass
December 25th – Christmas Day
Ohkay Owingeh: Various Dances
Picuris Pueblo: Christmas Celebration with Matachines Dances
Santa Ana Pueblo: Buffalo & Various Dances
Santo Domingo Pueblo: Various Dances
Tesuque Pueblo: Various Dances
Taos Pueblo: Animal Dance
Zia Pueblo: Various Dances
December 25th – 27th
Laguna Pueblo: Old Laguna Village, 10 am Mass followed by Harvest Dance
December 26th
Ohkay Owingeh: Turtle Dance
December 26th – 28th
Santo Domingo Pueblo: Corn Dance
December 28th – Holy Innocents Day
Picuris Pueblo: Children’s Dances
