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Culture-Rich Santa Fe Celebrates Feast Day Dances at the Pueblos

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

by Susan Orth

Winter dances of the Pueblos have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. These profoundly moving ceremonies are defined by heart-beating drums, voices raised in prayer and the movements of the sacred dance. The dances are essentially prayers - prayers for good weather, good health, good friends, individual members of the Pueblo, all the people on the earth.

This celebration is something unique to Santa Fe New Mexico because the Indian Pueblos are located in the majestic mountain landscape between Santa Fe and Colorado. The Land of Enchantment is so rich in culture and diversity, events like the Dance for the Northern Pueblos are not hard to come by. With that said, these dances are an incredible, one-of-a-kind experience and highly recommended.

Dance Schedule for the Northern Pueblos for December

December 11, 12
POJOAQUE PUEBLO
Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day with vespers and procession
JEMEZ PUEBLO
Matachines Dances

December 24 - Christmas Eve
PICURIS and OHKAY OWINGEH
Torchlight Procession, Vespers and Matachines Dance
Dances after midnight Mass at TESUQUE PUEBLO
Buffalo, Deer and Antelope dances at NABE PUEBLO
Also after Mass TAOS PUEBLO Vespers and Procession of the Virgin Mary with dancers and bonfires

December 25 - Christmas Day
JEMEZ, TESUQUE, TAOS, OHKAY OWINGEH, SANTA CLARA and PICURIS various dances

December 25 - 27
OHKAY OWINGEH Turtle Dance

December 28
PICURIS PUEBLO Holy Innocents' Day
Children's Dance

Please note that Pueblo dances are religious ceremonies, not performances. They should be treated the same as a church service. There are a few more rules about etiquette that can be found here.

Typical Holiday celebrations like visiting Santa, decorating the tree and lighting the Menorah are always fun, but there's something exhilarating about participating in another culture's traditions. These dances hold great importance to the Pueblos and, whether you believe with them or not, you cannot deny their beauty.

That is the thing about living in Santa Fe New Mexico. Beauty is all around you. Buying a home in Santa Fe is truly an investment because the land that it sits on is so rich in so many ways. When you're ready to make the move, or even sell your Santa Fe home to a deserving buyer, give me a call.