Place guide
Pojoaque Pueblo
A pueblo north of Santa Fe that rebuilt from near extinction and operates a cultural center and casino.
Pojoaque Pueblo (P’o-suwae-geh - Water Drinking Place)
Located along the Rio Grande corridor between Santa Fe and Española, Pojoaque Pueblo is one of New Mexico’s Eight Northern Pueblos and home to a vibrant Tewa community. The pueblo is best known for the Poeh Cultural Center, which showcases Tewa art, history, and traditions, as well as Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino and Cities of Gold Casino. While modern visitor attractions have made Pojoaque a popular destination, the pueblo remains deeply connected to its cultural heritage and traditional religious practices.
Poeh Cultural Center
Operated by Pojoaque Pueblo, the Poeh Cultural Center showcases Tewa art, history, and traditions through exhibits, educational programs, and community events. It’s worth a quick visit to explore the museum, art gallery, and cultural performances that highlight the rich heritage of the Tewa people.
Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
One of New Mexico’s largest resort destinations, Buffalo Thunder features gaming, restaurants, golf, a mini mall, a spa and accommodations just minutes from Santa Fe.
Cities of Gold Casino
Located along U.S. 84/285, Cities of Gold Casino was Pojoaque Pueblo’s first casino. It offers gaming, entertainment, and dining at a more affordable price making it popular with locals.
Feast Days & Public Ceremonies
Visitors are welcome to attend several public religious ceremonies throughout the year. These events are sacred ceremonies rather than performances and should be observed with respect and quiet reflection.
- Easter Weekend — Basket & Corn Dances
- Easter Sunday — Various Dances
- June 28 — People’s Day (Summer Feast Day) featuring the Comanche Dance and other traditional dances
- December 11 — Vespers, Procession, and Dances beginning at 6 PM
- December 12 — Annual Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe with Mass at 10 AM followed by traditional dances
- December 24 — Christmas Eve Celebration with traditional dances
- December 25 — Christmas Day dances
- December 26–28 — Christmas Dances (times and locations vary)
These feast days reflect both Catholic and traditional Pueblo religious practices and are an important part of community life.
Visiting Respectfully
New Mexico’s pueblos are living communities, not museums. They are sovereign tribal nations with their own governments, laws, and traditions. When visiting, remember that you are a guest on tribal land.
- Obey all posted signs and respect areas marked as private or off-limits.
- Do not photograph people, homes, religious activities, or ceremonies without permission.
- During dances and ceremonies, remain quiet and avoid crossing ceremonial areas.
- Do not remove pottery shards, artifacts, plants, or other objects from pueblo lands (you will be cursed).
- Observe all posted speed limits and traffic laws. Going 5 mph over can get you a ticket.