The Intertribal Ceremonial Office, which oversees the administration of the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial, is announcing an exclusive partnership with KOB TV to produce a 1-hour TV special entitled “Spirit of The Ceremonial.”
The “Spirit of the Ceremonial”, currently in production and sponsored by the City of Gallup, will feature an enchanting presentation of the 99-year-old New Mexico Native American festival and will be televised at 9:00 pm (MST) Thursday, August 19th on KOB TV. The event is typically held every August at the Red Rock Park in Gallup, N.M. In 2020, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Considered a New Mexico destination experience, the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial is known for attracting an international audience, and this year’s version of the event will hope to reach an even larger international audience through television and online broadcasts. The 2021 “Spirit of The Ceremonial” broadcast will include performances and featurettes of the event’s main attractions, such as Native American dance group highlights, extraordinary award-winning art, the Miss Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Queen program and historical milestones. There will also be spotlight mentions on the ever-popular parade, rodeo, powwow, artisans and famous Indian arts & craft traders.
“Cultural celebrations like the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial are essential for what makes New Mexico True,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “I invite New Mexicans to tune in on August 19 so we can all share in the traditions, presentations and celebrations of our tribal communities with the rest of the world.”
“We’re excited to work with local partners and tribal communities to bring the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial to a global audience,” ICO Executive Director Melissa Sanchez said. “This exclusive partnership with KOB TV is the perfect opportunity to showcase one of New Mexico’s signature cultural events to a global audience this year while preparing to promote next year’s centennial celebration of the event.”
ICO recently unveiled a new website for the office and the event. The website provides details of the “Spirit of the Ceremonial” special television event, travel information, mail list sign-up and calls for pageant contestants, artists and volunteers. The public is encouraged to follow Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for updates on the event in 2021 and beyond.