There is no place on earth like the Santa Fe Indian Market. Held in the third week of August and produced by the Southwestern Association for the Indian Arts (SWAIA), the Market attracts 100,000 visitors each year to downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Market grew out of the Indian Fair created by the Museum of New Mexico as part of the Santa Fe Fiesta celebration. Originally produced as a way to keep the cultural heritage of the tribes alive, the Indian Market has grown to be a tremendous opportunity for thousands of people from around the world to experience the rich artistic culture of the southwest tribes.
One of the reasons for its success is the Market’s longevity. The inaugural Market took place in 1922, which means the event is almost 100 years old. Held on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Market boasts upwards of 1,000 vendors each year.
Artists from over 200 tribes are represented, and they bring their works of art to Santa Fe to sell directly to buyers. Being able to meet the artists and buy from them is one of the biggest draws of the Indian Market.
Buyers have the opportunity to experience the result of hundreds of years of tradition handcrafted into each piece at the market. There is nothing quite as special as being meeting the original artist of the piece you are buying. The Indian Market makes this experience possible for each visitor.
The Market is the largest juried Native arts show in the world and includes an awards ceremony and Live Auction Gala. Additional events during the market include a Native American clothing contest, Native Cinema Showcase, and Native Root and Rhythms, featuring performances of music, dance, storytelling, and comedy.
The Indian Market is a way for everyone to experience and enjoy some of the best parts of Native American life. The market has grown in size almost every year it’s been held.
The longevity of the event and the quality of the art available here are nothing short of spectacular. Many of the 100,000 annual visitors to the Market come for the food and to rub elbows with master artists and craftspeople. No vehicle traffic is allowed in the plaza during the Market, and that means every stall and every booth affords an up close and personal experience for the visitors.
The food here is extraordinary. Navajo tacos, fry bread with an astounding variety of toppings, roasted corn still in the husks, roasted green chilies, and a plentiful array of sweets are available at every corner of the Market.
The sights, the sounds, the smells, and the flavors of the Santa Fe Indian Market draw repeat visitors every year. Over and over again, visitors extol the virtues of being able to meet and talk with the original artists of the work available. Experienced repeat visitors know the importance of booking accommodations ahead of time. They also know that one day is not nearly enough to enjoy the full experience of the Indian Market.
Come for the unique experience of the artwork, stay for the food and the festivities. Just make sure to plan your summer around the third week in August to enjoy the Santa Fe Indian Market in all its majesty and excitement. This is an experience you will never forget.
PakMail Santa Fe is an official shipping vendor for Indian Market. Whether you need to ship your wares to the event or send home your purchases, we can pack and ship them with no hassle.
For more information about the Art week happening in Santa Fe in July check out our post here!