TEMECULA – Members of Indian tribes from throughout the nation will descend on Temecula Jan. 6-8 to celebrate Native American culture during the Pechanga Powwow, which is returning after a eight-year hiatus.
The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians began hosting powwows in 1995, drawing upwards of 75,000 visitors to the free events in the 2010s. The last powwow was held in summer 2014, with none scheduled over the ensuing five years due to major construction on the resort property.
There were plans for events in 2020 and 2021, but the public health lockdowns and ongoing COVID-19 concerns led to cancellations.
Along with tribal dancing and drum chants, there will be traditional foods, artisan crafts sales, peon games and fireworks shows during the celebration, which will be inside the Pechanga Summit Events Center, a concert venue.
Nearly $125,000 in prize money will be awarded to winners of the various competitions, organizers said.
“We are excited to bring back our powwow,” Pechanga Development Corp. President Andrew Masiel Sr. said. “It’s going to be a little different than previous years, since it will be indoors. Our powwow will be the first of 2023 and one of the best places on the West Coast you can bring your family to experience real American Indian dancers and drum groups.”
More information is available at www.pechanga.com.