Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial August 11–15, 2010

One of the oldest of its kind in the United States, Gallup’s annual Ceremonial is a fitting tribute to our First Americans.

Back in 1922 Gallup was a dusty frontier town, catering to the needs of the railroad, and with a small population consisting mainly of coal miners, railroad workers and a smattering of trader-merchants. These traders provided the necessary merchandise for the town’s inhabitants, but also served as a source and a channel to the rest of the country of craft items such as textiles, pottery, baskets, jewelry and paintings created by the local Native Americans -- Navajo, Zuni, Hopi and Acoma.

It was in that year, 1922, that a trader who operated his post just west of town, Mike Kirk, with the help of the local Kiwanis Club, came up with the idea of putting on an Indian-oriented activity that would give the people of Gallup an opportunity to mingle and share in Indian culture, and at the same time show their appreciation for Indian patronage of the town’s stores.

Eighty-nine years later these neighboring Native Americans and Gallup residents are still joining together to honor and pay tribute to that special relationship.

While other Indian festivals, shows or markets specialize in an arts & crafts exhibition/sale, rodeo, dance performances or Pow-Wow dancing, the Gallup Ceremonial is the only event where you can witness and enjoy all these fascinating and educational aspects of Native American cultures in one, easily-accessible location -- plus two down-town parades!

Learn more about the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial here http://www.theceremonial.com/