Gallup’s famed Summer Indian Dances are returning to the Courthouse Square in Historic Downtown Gallup.
The program will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between June 4 and Aug. 29 at the Courthouse Square, located at 215 W. Aztec Avenue. Dances will not be held on July 4 or Aug. 8, to avoid conflicts with the July 4 Stars and Stripes Celebration and Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial activities, respectively. All dances are open to the public with free admission.
Visit Gallup, the tourism and marketing division of the City of Gallup, has commissioned 13 Native American performances from throughout New Mexico for the series. Themes for the program will include healing, balance, weather-related dances and more. There will also be Native American vendors of art and jewelry on site who have been vetted for authenticity.
“City staff have been working hard to make this an exciting program for the community and tourists,” Matt Robinson, Tourism & Marketing Manager, said. “We can’t wait to hear and feel the heartbeat of the drums echoing throughout Historic Downtown Gallup.”
Visit Gallup is partnering with Knifewing Sound and Production, Inc., a longtime local expert in music, film and events to assist with the event. The first dances, slated to begin on June 4, will feature the Ryedale Largo & Navajo Dine Dance Group. Others scheduled include the Niiha Dance Group, Cha'Bẽ’Tų Apache Crown Dance Group, and the Serpent Trail Dance Group.
Visit Gallup Marketing & Project Coordinator Delene Santillanes has taken the lead contacting groups, building relationships, and booking them for the performances. Other City staff, including from the Parks Department and Community Services Office, have been instrumental in supporting this effort.
For more information, contact (505) 863-1227 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . People may also go to VisitGallup.com for more information and the full list of events and programs throughout the community.
