Picuris Pueblo in Peñasco, New Mexico

Picurís Pueblo

North central region of New MexicoPicurís was once one of the largest Tiwa pueblos, but today it is one of the smallest with about 1,801 inhabitants . Spanish colonizer Juan de Oñate originally named the pueblo Pikuria—those who paint. Like those at Taos Pueblo, the people of Picurís were influenced by Plains Indian culture, particularly the Apaches. Over the past eight years tribal members have restored by hand the 200-year-old adobe church, San Lorenzo de Picurís, located in the center of the pueblo.

The pueblo's annual San Lorenzo Feast Day on August 10 includes Indian dances, pole climbing and a morning footrace. The High Country Tri-Cultural Arts & Crafts Fair is usually held on the first weekend in June but call to verify (575) 587-2519. The fair features pottery, painting, beadwork, jewelry, weavings and more.

The Picurís Pueblo Museum displays and sells beadwork, weaving and pottery crafted by local artists. Picurís is also the majority owner of the Hotel Santa Fe located in the capital's historic downtown area.

Trout fishing is available at the pueblo at the Pu-na Lake; call the Picurís Pueblo Fish & Game and Parks & Wildlife, (575) 587-1601. Self-guided tours to excavated structures are available, as are camera permits.

 

DIRECTIONS:
The pueblo is located 24 miles southeast of Taos via NM 68, 518, and 75.

 

Picurís Pueblo
P.O. Box 127
Peñasco, NM 87553
Phone: (575) 587-2519
Email: Picurís@laplaza.org
Picuríspueblo.net