Family, Fun, and Community at Morongo Cultural Heritage Days
Family, Fun, and Community at Morongo Cultural Heritage Days
By Terria Smith
It has been a couple of years since I had been to Morongo Cultural Heritage Days. Going back this year reminded me of why I used to love it so much.
Family is always at the forefront of the event. Early in the morning candy was tossed into the air by almost each participant in the parade procession when the events kicked off. People waved at their relatives and friends who came from various tribal communities in the region. Special guests in the parade included Teresa Valenzuela (Princess for the Quechan Tribe) and Kristen Butcher (Miss Sukutt Menyil) as well as bird singers from the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay and participants in the event’s men’s and women’s softball tournament.
The parade ended at the Morongo Ball Field, where the weekend’s many events took place.
The cultural presentations were MC’d by William Madrigal Jr. (Cahuilla) and opened with a welcoming and traditional Serrano songs from tribal elder Ernest Siva (Serrano/Cahuilla). Bird singing and dancing then took place throughout the day.
For sports enthusiasts there were men’s and women’s softball tournaments going on. I must admit that although I didn’t get to watch too many of the games, I was really amused by the names (such as “The Renegades” and “The Wagon Burners).
There were rodeo activities on the grounds including horseback riding and mutton busting for kids. This, of course, is an homage to Morongo’s cowboy heritage which dates back to the founding of the reservation.
Attendees of the event had the opportunity to directly engage in Cahuilla culture with a number of cultural demonstrations including basket weaving, pottery making, and cordage making (which our Heyday Berkeley Roundhouse Writing Intern Emily Clarke conducted along with her father Gerald and sister Lilly).
Tribal artisans had vendor booths with clothing, jewelry, and other crafts for sale. There was traditional food and other goodies to buy as well. A free barbecue lunch was also provided for everyone.
Another free fun family component to the event was carnival rides that were available during the event. The atmosphere was complete with food booths filled with fair treats.
On Saturday evening, peon games started when the sun went down. Team players came from as far as San Diego County and Arizona to participate in the tournament.
The Morongo Cultural Heritage Days event really seems to have something for almost everyone to enjoy. The sincerity and care that the coordinators put forth shows. Looking forward to next year!
