Pechanga Resort Casino kicks off its Pow Wow with dancing, food and art – Press Enterprise

After an eight-year hiatus, participants clad in feathers and colorful Native American garb twirled in circles to the beat of drums during the first day of the Pechanga Resort Casino Pow Wow on Friday, January 6.

Running through Sunday, January 8 in Temecula, the free three-day festival kicked off with a fireworks display, followed by a Grand Entrance ceremony inside the casino’s Summit Events Center. Spectators packed the venue, watching tribal representatives from across Canada and across the country participate in dances honoring their respective tribes.

Mark Macarro, tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, welcomed the tribes to the powwow.

“It is a humble honor to welcome you to our home and our country,” Macarro said. “After eight years of not having a Pow Wow, you are helping us reestablish that tradition.”