‘Fiesta of Cultures’ returned this weekend

The Friends of the Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites hosted their 15th annual “Fiesta of Cultures” Saturday in Bernalillo.

After a four-year hiatus, the “Fiesta of Cultures” returned to the Coronado Historic Site.

The event is one of the only festivals that celebrates the rich cultures of New Mexico. The free, family-friendly event drew a big crowd.

“Although we are a state comprised of many different and wonderful cultures, the ‘Fiesta of Cultures’ is unique in that it recognizes the customary food, art, music and dance of New Mexico, including the Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultures that have played a role in our state’s history,” said Friends of Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites’ president, Sherry Hardage. “Although our cultures are diverse, we are united through our environment, history and humanity.”

There was an all-day art and crafts show featuring artists such as Ralph Sarracino and Adrian Wall. Various artists led live demonstrations in wood carving, horno bread baking and kachina carving. The site’s new horno offered free samples of fresh, warm bread. Food trucks were on hand and included unique flavors by Jemez Pueblo Foods, Busy Bee Frozen Custard and Vicky Tortalita’s.

Cover band “Bad Habit and the Enablers” performed in the morning followed by performances by the Spanish Broom Flamenco Dance Troop in the afternoon.

Children’s activities included arts and crafts workshops, a chance to see wild birds up close through a bird rescue organization, among other activities.

The Friends of Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites originally started the fiesta 15 years ago in an effort to support Coronado Historic Site’s educational efforts. The event has included everything from flintknapping workshops to Spanish colcha embroidery, blacksmithing, natural plant dyeing, storytelling and more.

Coronado Historic Site was established in 1940 and houses the remnants of a Tiwa village and is an active archaeological site. The site was named for the Spanish explorer, Coronado, whose expedition came to the area around 1540. The site’s visitor center exhibits artifacts from the Kuaua settlement, the original kiva murals and features a reconstructed painted kiva depicting those murals, a gift shop, and interpretive trails offering spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande.

The site has recently undergone significant renovations since the last Fiesta in 2019. Improvements include more handicapped-accessible walkways, renovated restrooms, new museum exhibits, a new horno and a new interpretive signage and artwork in the video room.