Things to Do

Gather Your Tribe and Attend the Sacred Springs Powwow in San Marcos

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The Sacred Springs Powwow is happening in San Marcos (at The Meadows Center) the weekend of October 14-15 and will prove to be a cultural wonderland of music, native dancing, and food. Sponsored by the San Marcos Arts Commission, Tomblin Family Foundation, and Texas Commission on the Arts, this year’s event spans two days, marking it as having the largest Indian Market in a two-day Texas powwow.

Where Else Will You See Aztec Danzantes?

powwow

Photo: Facebook/Indigenous Cultures Institute

According to Dr. Mario Garza, (the Indigenous Cultures Institutes’ Board of Elders Chair), no other powwow features Aztec awards, and this new powwow showcase will present representatives from six major dance companies in Texas – all competing in the powwow dance contest.

Aztec danzantes (dancers) are known for their phenomenal regalia and huge feathered headpieces. They dance to the strong, fast-paced beat of a drum called a huehuetl, and are known for the great stamina it takes to complete an entire dance. With $10,000 in prize money up for grabs, you’re sure to witness the finest and most unique dancing from New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Thank the Indigenous People for Much of Your Favorite Foods

dancers

Photo: Facebook/Indigenous Cultures Institute

Come for the dancers and music but stay for the food, as this year’s event will have food to please everyone in your tribe. “We’re adding several new food booths to showcase Native American foods,” says Maria Rocha, executive director of the Indigenous Cultures Institute. “People don’t know that indigenous people invented barbeque, domesticated wild turkeys, cultivated foods that are now 75% of the foods eaten worldwide and created corn through genetic engineering.”

The Inventors of the Tamale Too?

native american drummers

Photo: Facebook/Indigenous.Cultures.Institute 

According to Rocha, tamales were also developed by Native people so they could carry meat on long journeys without spoilage because it was wrapped in a protective shield of corn masa. Local tamale merchant Magdalena’s is being courted by the powwow to bring out her now-famous tamales with chili con carne dish. Peruvian-style empanadas (meat stuffed pies) will be a featured food at the powwow, along with turkey legs from Papos, and barbeque from local Chunk Deuce BBQ. New vendor Cindy’s Foods will provide indigenous gorditas and corn dogs for the children. Returning with her renowned frybread tacos, Glenda Longhorn (Navajo), will also prepare buffalo stew and frybread with honey.

To learn more about the Indigenous Cultures Institute visit their website or Facebook page. For more information on the powwow, online tickets, and schedules go to www.SSpowwow.com or call 512-393-3310.