NPS - National Park Service
10/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/17/2024 10:22
Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta Brings Thousands to the Jemez Mountains
News Release Date:
October 17, 2024
October 17, 2024
Contact:Dave Krueger, 505-412-0826
Jemez Springs, NM - Nine days of special events and guest programming attracted more than 3,000 visitors to Valles Caldera National Preserve for its second annual Fall Fiesta, which occurred October 5-13, 2024.
Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta offered participants a variety of opportunities to enjoy and learn about their park through daily ranger programs, cultural demonstrations, guest speakers, tribal artisans, and extended park hours.
"We are pleased with the momentum this event has gained in its second year." Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos said. "Every day of the fiesta was a celebration of human ingenuity and stewardship in this volcanic landscape. We look forward to continuing this tradition year after year."
The 2024 Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta featured nearly 40 special programs including traditional willow basket weaving tutorials, astrophotography workshops, pottery and flint knapping demonstrations, and guided hikes. Artisans from 16 tribes and pueblos were also onsite throughout the event. Elk and the changing aspen leaves were on full display, while the aurora borealis even made a special appearance on two of the nights. Images from the event can be seen at the park's photo gallery (https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?pg=7336297&id=EC8D2EC3-8368-4F50-B305-DFEEBF54C354).
The 2025 edition of the Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta dates is expected to coincide with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Valles Caldera National Preserve | About 1.2 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 14-mile-wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The park is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich cultural history. Visit us at nps.gov/vall.
National Park Service | More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 420+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at nps.gov.