A Diversity of Cultures: Popular Fiesta Expands Entertainment

As Coronado Historic Site presents its 21st annual Fiesta of Cultures from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 19, site staff is aiming to be even more inclusive than ever before.

“We hope this year’s more inclusive entertainment draws a bigger crowd than last year’s 1,500 attendees, including people who don't usually visit cultural attractions,” says regional manager Katrina Gallegos.

Coronado’s ancient Kuaua Pueblo ruins, unique reconstructed square kiva and 14 of the finest pre-contact kiva murals in North America have long been the central draw for fiesta visitors. The Museum of New Mexico Foundation's Members' Morning from 9 to 10 a.m. will feature coffee and pastries and an exclusive kiva tour. This year’s event also expands its celebration to better reflect Albuquerque's ethnic diversity through music, food, arts and crafts vendors, and other activities.

Albuquerque's growing Asian population—estimated at 10% of the city’s residents—will be represented by colorful Vietnamese Van Hanh Lion Dancers, whose traditional dances are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Meanwhile, the Wilde Bunch, Albuquerque's LGBTQ+
square dance club will demonstrate the do-si-do tradition of square dancing in a city that boasts an enviable Human Rights Campaign score of 91/100.

Son Como Son, the city’s premier salsa group, whose performances the Albuquerque Dance Examiner describes as "the reason [you] can't sit down," will bring the salsa beat to the festivities. And Acoma Pueblo's renowned Pueblo Enchantment Dancers will share their culture
through traditional and contemporary dances, including the iconic Buffalo Dance promoting peace and unity.

This year's fiesta again features a community ofrenda, or memorial altar, overseen by Mariana Sabino Salazar of the University of New Mexico’s Latin American and Iberian Institute. Salazar will lead discussions about ofrendas during the fiesta. Visitors can contribute photos or mementos of loved ones by contacting Coronado Historic Site. The ofrenda will be on display through Day of the Dead on November 2.

The region’s animal population will also be part of the fun, including cuddly llamas and majestic rescue birds. Among the highlights is Matt
Barbour’s flock of heritage turkeys. Barbour, deputy director of historic sites, says he will discuss “the turkey’s important role in Native culture,” including how archaeologists identified a turkey pen at Coronado.

“Animal remains suggest [turkeys] were well cared for by the people of Kuaua,” says Barbour. “A visit to Coronado Historic Site is a great first step in understanding that history.”

Coronado Historic Site is located at 485 Kuaua Road in Bernalillo. For information about all the day’s events, visit nmhistoricsites.org/Coronado.

To learn about Fiesta sponsorship opportunities contact Asya G. Beardsley at asya@museumfoundation.org or 505.216.1199.

This article and images are from the Museum of New Mexico Foundation’s Member News Magazine.