The theme of this years Valley Arts Festival is Spirit Of The Valley: Kíicha Nights, Coyote Dreams. It is a celebration of a Luiseño tribe, The San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians. The 4th annual event is Nov. 16 with traditional drumming, dance, flute music and educational activities at Heritage Park.
The festival celebrates Oceanside and its first people who lived in the area for more than 10,000 years, the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, who are one of seven tribes of the Luiseño nation. The idea behind the festival, organized by Oceanside-based Studio ACE and community partners, is to educate the community about the cultural heritage of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians.
The family-friendly festival features drumming by Dancing Cloud Drumming Circle with dancing and Native American flute music by Spiritual Storm and Native American blues music. Youth dancers from Dancers-By-The-Sea will perform, accompanied by Red Warriors Drum Circle.
Highlights include a traditional Luiseño basket weaving demonstration, interactive basket weaving with the Paaila Basket Weavers, gourd and rock painting, jewelry making and Native American storytelling. There will be an interactive community mural and displays of Native American historic cultural items.
An educational area will exhibit a smaller version of the Kíicha, the traditional home of the Luiseño people. The dome-shaped structure is made of tule reeds and willow branches.
Hand-made items will be sold by Native American artists and vendors, including flutes, drums, artwork, clothing, jewelry and Indian Fry Bread.
A portion of proceeds from the festival will be donated to the San Luis Rey Mission Indian Foundation for enrichment programs.
The festival is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16 at 220 Peyri Dr. Admission and parking are free.
Visit studioace.org/valley-arts-festival