A CULTURAL CROSSROAD

Whenever Mrsfabp and I talked about our dream of moving to Las Cruces, one of the ideas that really appealed to us was the fact that is a cultural crossroad of sorts. There is the Native American culture, the Mexican or Hispanic culture, we jokingly refer to the retired Americans culture and there are students and native New Mexicans to boot.

We were exposed to the Hispanic culture from day one including the language and foods, the friendly and helpful people, but it really became obvious when we attended Christmas Eve festivities at Mesilla Plaza. From the decorations to the little hidden grottos, it was easy to become immersed in it.

On Saturday, we went up to Silver City with friends to the RedPaint Powwow hosted by the Chiracahua Apache Nation, where we witnessed Native Americans celebrating theirculture, with traditional drums, songs and dances by people wearing wonderfully ornate, colorful and decorative clothing. There was so much to see and experience, it would be very difficult to touch on it all but I would like to share some thoughts about what we witnessed. (Unfortunately, photographs are not allowed to be taken of the participants so only the words and some stock images can help serve as reminders.)

First, there many elderly and many youngsters participating in the song and dance. The number of young adults and adults in their 30’s and 40’s seemed limited, as if the desire to participate in the traditional celebration of heritage had somehow skipped over a generation. But the heritage remains strong and vibrant.

Secondly, the Apache Nation, as well as other tribes, are so very patriotic. In the 3 hours or so we were there, the active armed forces as well as the veterans, were honored no less than three times, by name, by service and during the opening convocation. As this was going on I found it hard not to think of the mistreatment Native Americans had suffered and endured, yet were willing and honored to join the services. Real patriotism, not whether or not to wear a flag lapel pin.

An elder from the Mescalero Apache Nation, which is only a hundred or so miles away from where this Powwow took place, thanked all for coming, for preserving the tradition and apologized that more members of his tribe were not present due to a death in their “family.” He then said a prayer in their native tongue, and while there probably were not ten people present who could have translated his words, the sentiment and courage and honor and traditions flowed from his voice, over the crowd. A very moving moment.

There were a couple of young Army soldiers in front of us, who were married and who participated in some of the pre-convocation dancing. They got up and left after a while and my thought was that they only had a few hours leave and needed to get back. About an hour later they reappeared in full native costume and were two of the people honored as the convocation started. It must have taken all that time for them to don their apparel. Speaking of this, the clothing worn by most of the participants in the opening ceremony was some of the most beautiful and colorful and elaborate I have ever seen. The cloth, beads, metals, bells, headdresses and footwear was spectacular. Another note about this opening ceremony; as they were getting ready to begin, a man walked to the front platform with a beautiful Golden Eagle, the symbol of Apache Nation. Not a picture or stuffed bird but a live, flapping winged, majestic, bird of prey. Again, a spectacular moment.

One final note about this event. It was impossible to watch this and not think of other cultural celebrations that I have been to over the years and note the similarities. I have been to the Italian Festival at San Gennaro’s in Little Italy, and I have been to Polish Festivals in Ware, MA and Three Rivers, MA. All three of these celebrations hadtraditional music, dance, song, food, and a cultural and religious feel to them. All of these were enjoyed by everyone present. Additionally there was a striking similarity with some of the foods. The Apache Nation had their fry bread, the Italians, their zeppoli, the Polish, their fried dough. All three are served with a variety of toppings, including honey and powered sugar for all of them. I don’t think that these similarities are just random, I think this is the way proud people celebrate their heritage. I am so glad I got this opportunity to see thisApache celebration up close.