The dances are open to the public.
Feast days at the various pueblos celebrate the Roman Catholic Patron Saint linked to the Spanish missionaries that colonized the pueblos beginning in the 1500's. Pueblo peoples did not stop their native traditions and beliefs when colonized by the Spanish- Native and Roman Catholic traditions mingled together into what is practiced today. Feast days are celebrations of pueblo life and beliefs as much as they are in celebration of the pueblo's patron saint.
There are usually some food vendors, craftspersons, and cultural events on feast day. The dances are prayers, not performances. They must be attended and respected as such. Usually dancers begin at dawn, and dance outside of the church. There are two groups dancing, and they take turns. After they dance at the church, they move to the plaza, for afternoon dancing. When the dancers break, people open their homes to share food (feasts) with the dancers and their families. Then the dancers go back to dancing until the evening. Sometimes visitors are also invited into homes to eat with pueblo families.
There are absolutely no phones or any photography of any kind allowed at the pueblo at all. You are not allowed to sketch or record in any way. You must be respectful, wear modest clothing: Women should not have sleeveless shirts unless another shirt covers it, or shorts. You can wear pants, regular t-shirts, and skirts longer than knee length. Often the plaza is dusty- also wear sun protection. Bring cash.
San Felipe Pueblo is just north of Bernalillo- about 25 - 30 minutes away.
about San Felipe Pueblo
google maps directions
Pueblo drawing of Corn Dance
San Felipe
San Felipe Church
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