Last year's Founders Day celebration in Albuquerque was disappointing. The parade wasn't really a parade and the entire party felt disorganized. This year's Founders Day Celebration was much better. The procession (formerly known as the parade) was still a snore but the rest of the cultural activities made up for everything the procession wasn't. There was color, activity, dance, song, poetry and the smell of New Mexico cuisine in the air. We had a great time.
There was lots of activity at the Gazebo - Philippino dancers, poetry from Albuquerque's Poet Laureate, Hakim Bellamy, beautiful song from Gospel Singers, and, colorful Flamenco dancers whirling on stage. Several Era's of New Mexico history were celebrated in different sections of Old Town. Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Territorial Eras were all represented.
The founding families of Albuquerque walked into the Plaza with their coats of arms held high. They surrounded the Gazebo, most dressed in period garb.
The Albuquerque Filipino Cultural Group celebrated with dance, song, kites and the Tinikling.
The African American Showcase: poetry and song.
We stopped for some excellent dogs in between our photo hunts.
He can be found in front of Metro Court weekdays and downtown Friday and Saturdays.
There would be no celebration without Fry Bread.
Fabulous Native dancers northeast of the Gazebo.
The Matachines de Santo Rosario danced in the Mexican era village. Two drums and lots of men, women, and little ones, moving to the beat in elaborate costumes and headresses.
Last, but certainly not least, the Emcee of the show, Chuy Martinez, did an incredible job working the crowd and informing everyone about events all over Old Town.
And while this was not part of the Fiestas we are putting it here just because we love lowriders and Chevys :)
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