GATHERING OF NATIONS – 3000 Indian Dancers

The 36th annual Gathering of Nations.

This event, bringing together thousands of Indians from 750  American and Canadian tribes was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 25, 26 and 27, 2019.

The annual event was held in Tingley Colosseum on the NM State Fair Grounds. All 11,571 seats were filled on the day I went. It included the  Miss. Indian America Contest as well as several days of competitive dancing.

The costumes, made by the 3000 singers and dancers, are the highlight of the event. Dancing is a traditional part of the Indian Culture and not to be missed.

The Albuquerque Journal in its “Coming Together” story describes the event in detail with pictures.

The cost in 2019 was $19 per person and $10 to park. At noon, when the dancing starts, there are long lines and they only accept cash. You are better off getting you tickets on-line. Just go to gatheringof nations.com.

REMEMBER, if you are old, take care as there are dirt paths, and once inside Tingley Colesseum, huge crowds, subdued lighting and the possibility of a fall is always present.

It is worth it just to see the costumes and the Indian Families. The 2020 dates are April 23, 24 & 25.

You can buy Indian jewelry and crafts from hundreds of native craftsmen and women.

You can also buy food, some traditional, and some from the usual assortment of State Fair type vendors.

If you do eat, try the fry bread and the Indian Tacos.

While the fry bread was good, it doesn’t compare to the fry bread that you buy on the side of the road in NorthWestern New Mexico.

THINK OLD!