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Fiesta of Cultures parties on despite rainy weather
BERNALILLO — Despite rainy weather Oct. 19, the sun eventually came out and brought joy to those who attended the 2024 Fiesta of Cultures at the Coronado Historic Site.
“It’s a chance for us to highlight different kinds of performers in the greater New Mexico community,” Jessica Coyle, instructional coordinator at Coronado Historic Site, said.
While some vendors did leave due to the weather, people enjoyed live animal demonstrations from Llama del Sol and On a Wing and a Prayer bird rescue, a community ofrenda, kiva tours, art vendors, food from Joe Daddy’s Grill food truck, and traditional Jemez oven bread.
“We do everything by hand. It’s a process,” Jemez bread baker Lynette Jordan said. “From what I can remember, we’ve been doing it since I was little. Yeah, it’s basically been passed down by generations. My great-grandmother used to do it, my grandma, now my mom has been teaching me and my girls. It’s definitely a family and traditional way of Jemez.”
Jordan and members of her family were making Jemez oven bread in a traditional horno oven. Many “fiesta goers” could be seen snacking on giant loafs of bread.
“All the praise goes to my mom, Michelle Romero,” Jordan said. “Everyone in the [Jemez] Pueblo is always asking her to make bread for different festivities, so she’s the main person.”
Cultural performances were done by The Wilde Bunch Square Dancers, Pueblo Enchantment Dancers from Acoma Pueblo, and Van Hanh Vietnamese Lion Dancers.
Son Como Son Cuban salsa band was scheduled to play at 2:30 p.m. but had to cancel due to weather.
“I always really love the Lion Dancers; they’re so much fun, and they are interactive,’” Coyle said.
Fiesta of Cultures was sponsored by the Friends of Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites, Museum of New Mexico Foundation and Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel. Artist demonstration was sponsored by The Wilde Bunch. Additional support provided by the town of Bernalillo Lodgers’ Tax Grant. Small business support from Metal the Brand, Kakawa Chocolate House, and The Range Café.
