Pueblo Independence Day run, celebration set for Sunday
For many Native Americans, the successful rebellion led by Po’Pay against Spanish colonists was a pivotal moment in New Mexico history.
The 12-year period from 1680, when the Pueblo Indians and their allies ousted the Spanish from Northern New Mexico, to 1692, when the European settlers returned, offered the Pueblos a chance to restore their way of life.
In deference to the Pueblo Revolt, the state will hold its 14th annual Pueblo Independence Day celebration at Jemez Historic Site on Sunday.
The 337th anniversary of the rebellion was Aug. 10.
“Celebrating the day pays tribute to the ancestors and shows appreciation for their sacrifices,” said Marlon Magdalena, the instructional coordinator for Jemez Historic Site. “Their brave resistance helped preserve the Pueblo way of life: our culture, our languages and our right to one day reclaim our aboriginal lands.”
Magdalena, a member of the Jemez Pueblo, said Sunday’s event in a way provides balance to New Mexico history.
“This is a common story that happened in other areas in New Mexico. It’s about survival, about a time when the Spanish made us Catholics. And by having this
successful revolution, we’re able to maintain those things that Spanish tried to make us get rid of,” he said. “It’s a complicated history; it’s not just one-sided or two-sided, and this is one way of commemorating that time.”
The celebration will start with a ceremonial run at 7 a.m. in which anyone from the public can participate. The 13-mile run will start from the Walatowa plaza in Jemez Pueblo and end at the Giusewa Pueblo kiva at the Jemez Historic Site.
For people who only want to participate for part of the run, organizers will provide shuttle service to reach the end of the run.
At 10 a.m., the runners will be welcomed by Jemez Pueblo Gov. Joseph Toya and the celebration will continue until 3 p.m. with food, Jemez traditional dances, flute music and an arts-and-crafts show. The event is free.
Contact Uriel J. Garcia at 505-9863062 or ugarcia@sfnewmexican. com.