“We Are Of This Place: The Pueblo Story” Exhibit Showcases Pueblo Patron Saints and Traditions

The annual feast day celebrations of the Santo Domingo Pueblo in New Mexico are a unique blend of traditional Pueblo and Catholic beliefs, honoring both the Kewa people and their patron saint, St. Dominic. Despite the historical challenges faced by Native Americans with the introduction of Catholicism, 18 Pueblo communities continue to celebrate their feast days with dances, prayers, and songs that symbolize a harmonious balance with all living things.

Travis Suazo, cultural and community engagement officer at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, explains that the Pueblo people have adapted and intertwined their indigenous religion with Catholicism over time, creating a celebration that reflects their beliefs and way of life. The center, owned and operated by Native Americans, is dedicated to preserving the culture and history of the Pueblo Indians, who have maintained strong connections to their traditional homelands and way of life.

The center’s new exhibit, “We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story,” offers an immersive experience into Pueblo cultural heritage, featuring interactive exhibits, traditional music, and art. Devotional folk art paintings of the Pueblo patrons saints are also on display, showcasing the unique traditions of each tribe. Feast days are highly anticipated events, with families spending time preparing and visitors traveling from near and far to attend the celebrations.

Overall, the feast day celebrations are a testament to the importance of community, family, and ceremony for the Pueblo people and all indigenous communities. The blending of traditional Pueblo and Catholic beliefs in these celebrations serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and values of the Native American tribes in New Mexico.