Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to host daily events highlighting Native culture during Balloon Fiesta

Adrian Gomez, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·3 min read
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Oct. 6—The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center kicked off 10 days of events to coincide with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The events run daily through Sunday, Oct. 15.

The IPCC Albuquerque American Indian Arts Festival is an authentic, all — Native American art show.

This premier event will showcase the work of more than 50 artists and gives visitors the opportunity to meet, talk with, and shop directly from Native artists.

The two-day festival — which takes place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, and Sunday, Oct. 8 — will also include cultural Native dances and artist demonstrations.

During the same time, inside the IPCC'S courtyard, there will be multiple Native dances.

Guests can also shop for authentic Native art at the Indian Pueblo Store and are also invited to experience immersive exhibits and learn about Pueblo history and culture. In addition, visitors can savor authentic Indigenous cuisine at IPCC's acclaimed Indigenous restaurant, Indian Pueblo Kitchen or dine at IPCC's newest neighborhood eatery, 12th Street Tavern, located across the street at Avanyu Plaza.

"We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world for what will be a very special 10 days at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center," said Scott Simmonds, IPCC's museum executive director. "We will offer a truly unforgettable cultural experience, with amazing art, dance, history, food and — of course — our celebrated Pueblo hospitality."

From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, New Mexico's Native American tribes gather with civic officials and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day with cultural dances, Native artisans and guest speakers.

The event is open to everyone and will celebrate the rich history, resilience and contributions of Native people.

Renowned cartoonist and artist Ricardo Caté (Santo Domingo Pueblo) and Miss Indian New Mexico, Kelsey Quintana (Jicarilla Apache Nation), will be part of the day's festivities.

Admission is free for IPCC members and Native Americans, or included with museum admission.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's hot air balloon, Eyahne On The Horizon, will take to the skies for its third Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

It made its maiden voyage in Albuquerque in September 2020 and serves as a proud ambassador for IPCC.

Eyahne means "blessings" in the Keres Native American language, and the unique balloon features a distinctive, Pueblo-inspired design that symbolizes the sacred beliefs and culture of the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico. IPCC's balloon is a partnership with Rainbow Ryders, the Southwest's premier hot air balloon company. In honor of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, Rainbow Ryders chose the N-Number "N19NM" when registering the aircraft with the FAA.

Eyahne On The Horizon was made in Ann Arbor, Michigan, by Cameron Balloons.

The balloon is 275,000 cubic feet in size, measures 86 feet tall, 68 feet wide at the equator, and is capable of lifting 6,000 pounds, or 12 to 14 passengers, plus the pilot. It is one of the largest ride balloons in New Mexico.