Today the Pueblo of Jemez (Walatowa) is celebrating “Nuestra Senora de Los Angelas Feast Day de Los Persingula” with a feast and corn dances. The Pueblo, which is normally closed, is open to the public.
Jemez is pronounced “Hay-mess” or traditionally as “He-mish”.
The events today originated with the pueblo at Pecos, which was abandoned in 1836 when its remaining residents moved to Jemez.
Jemez Pueblo publishes this guide about feast day etiquette:
* Enter a Pueblo home as you would any other – by invitation only. It is courteous to accept an invitation to eat, but do not linger at the table, as your host will probably want to serve many guests throughout the day, thank your host, but a payment or tip is not appropriate.
* Pueblo dances are religious ceremonies, not performances. Please observe them as you would a church service, with respect and quiet attention. Please do not interrupt non-dance participants by asking questions or visiting with friends.
* During a dance is not the time to conduct business or loudly socialize. Many Pueblo members only have a chance to see certain dances once a year and may have traveled many miles to participate.
* Please refrain from talking to the dancers. Do not approach dancers as they are entering, leaving or resting near the kiva.
* Applause after dances is not appropriate.