Pueblo Christmas dances

Christmas DancesMany tribes, including the Laguna Indians, many of whom accepted Christianity some 400 years ago, have the custom of a dance on Christmas Eve or Christmas, where gifts are offered at the manger. There are many representations of gifts brought to braves in the fields by the great Thunderbird; or scenes with the wise men being replaced by the chiefs representing the great nations.

A few Native American Christmas celebrations are:

December 24

Sundown procession with bonfires at Taos Pueblo

Acoma Pueblo is lit with luminarias beginning at the scenic viewpoint and continues as far as "Sky City"

After 10 pm Mass at Laguna, various dances

After midnight Mass: at San Felipe, Santa Ana, and Tesuque Pueblos

Buffalo, Deer, and Antelope Dance after Mass at Nambe Pueblo

December 24 & 25 Christmas celebrations

Spanish Dance drama "Los Matachines" at Picuris and San Juan Pueblos

Pine Torch Processions at San Juan Pueblo

December 25

Various dances at Tesuque Pueblo

Dances to be announced (Deer or Los Matachina) at Taos Pueblo

Christmas celebration: Matachina Dance at San Ildefonso Pueblo

Comment:  For more on Indians and Christmas, see Indians = Philanthropists, Not Socialists and Starman Visited Baby Jesus.

Below:  A non-Christmas Buffalo Dance at Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo).