July in Taos: The Taos Pueblo Pow Wow

We've been busy here at La Posada de Taos for the last several weeks with wonderful guests from all over the world.  A recent announcement from the Town of Taos detailed the events we can expect in July, so I'd like to fill in some details for those of you coming in the upcoming weeks starting with the Pow Wow.

Regalia from "Southern" Tribe

The Taos Pueblo Pow Wow is scheduled for July 8, 9 and 10.  Beginning that Friday night at 7 pm with the Grand Entry, Native peoples from across the Western Hemisphere will entertain us wearing the regalia of their Nations and honoring their friendships with one another that date back centuries before Europeans arrived in North America.  I've been told in the past the incredible clothes you'll see are NOT costumes -- they are regalia.

Preparing for the Grand Entry, July 2010

Unlike many other ceremonies and observances at the Taos Pueblo, the Pow Wow isn't considered a religious event.  It is a social gathering and celebration of Native peoples and cultures honoring traditions and the proud histories of the many tribes participating.

Pow Wow's are a time for old friends to reunite.

 If you attend, be prepared with hats, sunscreen and sunglasses.  Cameras are allowed, but be advised that you may not take anyone's picture without their explicit consent.  I can say without a doubt, however, that a camera is highly advised.  Be courteous, patient and observant.  Ask questions.  Meet people.  Spend time doing nothing but being a spectator and then begin thinking about the camera.  Not once were we denied the opportunity to photograph, but we also felt that it was a privilege and not a right to do so.  You should know that some folks make their living working at Pow Wows.  That means that they may charge you for permission to take their photograph.  It's their job, after all.

Be Polite, Posing for Photographs is Work!

 I encourage you to visit the link to the descriptions of various dances to be held, including the Gourd Dance, Grass Dance, Men's Fancy Dance, Northern and Southern Traditionals and the Women's Dances to be held during the festivities.   

Finally, although I've been holding a room for the weekend, if you're interested in seeing this amazing display of a rich history, heritage and tradition, you'll need to call soon.  (800) 645-4803.

Service to our Community

As we celebrate our 3rd Anniversary at La Posada de Taos, we realize that we have a lot to be thankful for.  Since Day 1, our new hometown has welcomed us with open arms and embraced us with enthusiasm for our goals in restoring and preserving Taos' First B&B.

La Posada de Taos Front Courtyard

We knew all along that our efforts would succeed -- I mean, with an owner who supports everything we do, how could we fail? 

The long-term plan was that once we had "settled in" to the business and things were well established, we would turn our attention to serving our community.

The Town of Taos has about 5000 permanent residents.  There are another 10,000 or so in the unincorporated areas immediately surrounding Taos and a total of just over 30,000 in the entire County. 

Incredibly, we get about a million visitors a year to Taos and the Taos Pueblo.  So, even though the permanent population is small, the community is large in many ways.

Last year, yours truly, Innkeeper Brad Malone, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Taos Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns.  Within the last few weeks I have been elected to the Board of Directors of the Taos County Chamber of Commerce.

Both positions are all about "Service" in organizations that are dedicated to keeping Taos in the forefront of the nation's list of "Top Destinations" and both require that evolving trends in Internet Marketing and other business tools be studied and quickly implemented.

The Chef's Garden at La Posada de Taos

 But don't worry.  I'm still around every hour of the day possible to focus on the needs of our guests and to help everyone have a great stay in Taos.  In fact, this time of year, as we pass our average "last frost" date, I'll be here working in the yard and getting our Chef's Garden ready to plant in a few weeks.

C'mon out, won't you?