A Pueblo dance group is scheduled to present traditional dances several times during the day Saturday at the Bandelier Fall Fiesta. Photo Courtesy NPS
A pottery demonstration is one of the activities planned during the Fall Festival Saturday at Bandelier National Monument. Photo Courtesy NPS
BANDELIER NEWS
This Saturday, Oct. 5, visitors are invited to spend an autumn day in Frijoles Canyon at Bandelier’s annual Fall Fiesta from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the park Visitor Center.
Each weekend through the summer, Pueblo cultural demonstrators showcase their work at the park. For the Fall Fiesta, all of the artists are invited to sell their crafts and talk with visitors on one special day. In addition, it is also a chance for the artists to visit with each other. Handmade items that are expected to be available include pottery, jewelry, drums, and carvings. A Pueblo dance group is scheduled to present traditional dances several times during the day.
“We are very lucky to have these wonderful Pueblo artisans and demonstrators come and share their skills, knowledge and beautiful work with us. Their stories and knowledge of the area help interpret the culture and help us make connections with the Ancestral Pueblo people,” said Bandelier Supt. Jason Lott. “Their stories and traditions go back in an unbroken line to their long-ago relatives here. They help the rest of us make connections with the Ancestral Pueblo people who made their homes in Bandelier’s cliffs and canyons.”
Park Archaeologists will demonstrate how to use an Atlatl, a spear or dart throwing lever used long ago. The park store, managed by Western National Parks Association, and the cafe, Sirphey’s at Bandelier will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Remember, free shuttle buses are required to access Frijoles Canyon from 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and will run every 20 minutes starting at the White Rock Visitor Center. For details or information, contact the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505-672-3861 x 517, check the website at www.nps.gov/band, or follow the park Facebook page at BandelierNPS.
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