Nambé Pueblo Events

All events listed below are religious ceremonies that are opened to the public. We ask that you offer the same respect you would in your church at home. No photography, videos, recording, sketching, or cell phones are allowed during these events. You won’t need pictures to remember your visit to Nambé Pueblo. It will remain in your heart and soul forever.

January 6th, All Kings Day – Buffalo Dance

Easter Sunday – Bow & Arrow Dance after Mass

July 4th, Independence Day – Nambé Pueblo Independence Day Celebration at the Waterfalls – Comanche Dance, Buffalo Dance, Spear Dance, Various Dances from other Pueblos

August 10th, Anniversary of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 – Administration Offices are Closed

October 3rd, – Vespers after Mass with firelight procession

October 4th, St. Francis de Assisi Feast Day (Annual Feast Day) – Yellow Corn Dance, Comanche Dance, or Elk Dance

December 24th, Christmas Eve – Buffalo Dance after Mass

Feast days were introduced by the Spanish colonization and represent the celebration of the Patron Saints of the Catholic religion. Feast Days also coincide with our Traditional Pueblo religion which allows the people of our community to practice both the Catholic and Pueblo Religion. A typical Feast Day is a day of eating, visiting with family, friends and enjoying the traditional dances that are allowed to public spectators. Feast days are an integral part of the Pueblo culture and we enjoy sharing these days with our visitors and friends.

Although our feast days are open to the public, one must be invited to a home to visit and/or share a feast day meal. Please use common courtesy and do not walk into a home uninvited. Other common courtesies include; after a dance is over please do not applaud for these are not performances. Our dances are part of a ceremony and it is an honor to see these dances. Please while watching the dances do not question community members as to what’s the significance of the dance, remember you are witnessing a ceremony therefore please exercise appropriate behavior.

Thank you for visiting Nambé Pueblo during these special events.

 

Visitor’s Code of Conduct

Please follow these rules of etiquette when visiting Nambé Pueblo:

  • Call ahead to confirm event dates, as well as access to tribal lands. There are times when tribal leaders need to restrict access to the Pueblo because of private ceremonies and other reasons.
  • Although Nambé Pueblo is open to the public during daylight hours, the homes are private. Like any village, the Plaza is home to those who live there and should be respected as such.
  • Nambé Pueblo requires a permit to photograph, sketch or paint on location. At certain times, photography is completely restricted. Please check with the Nambé Pueblo Governor’s Office for the permitting process. Once a permit is obtained, always ask for permission before taking a photograph of a tribal member. REMEMBER:cameras and film can be confiscated.
  • The carrying or use of weapons, alcohol, or drugs in the Pueblo is strictly prohibited.
  • The Pueblo of Nambé values its traditions, customs, and religion. Tribal dances are religious ceremonies, not public performances. It is a privilege to witness a ceremony.
  • Silence is mandatory during all Pueblo dances and ceremonies. This means no questions about the ceremonies or dances while they are underway; no interviews with the participants; no walking across the dance plaza; and no applause during/after the dance or ceremony.
  • Many areas within the Pueblo are sacred and restricted for use by Pueblo members only. These areas include, but are not limited to; rivers, Kivas, ceremonial rooms, churches, and cemeteries. Please abide by the “No Trespassing” and “Restricted Area” signs.
  • Many of the structures are hundreds of years old. Do not scale walls or climb on top of buildings.
  • Nature is sacred to Nambé Pueblo. Littering is strictly prohibited.
  • On feast days and other public observances, enter a Pueblo home as you would any other – by invitation only. It is courteous to accept an invitation to eat, but not to linger at the table, as your host will want to serve numerous guests throughout the day. Thank your host, but a payment or tip is not appropriate.
  • Please obey all traffic and speed limit signs.  Children and pets play near the roads. Also be cautious of livestock on or near main roadways.
  • Observe all signage indicating OFF LIMITS while visiting Nambé Pueblo.
  • If organized tours are offered, please remember to stay with your tribal guide at all times.
  • Do not remove artifacts, pottery shards or other tempting items.
  • Tribal communities do not use the clock to determine when it is time to conduct activities. Acts of nature, as well as the sequence of events that must take place (some not for public viewing) usually determine start and finish times of ceremonies.