Miccosukee Tribe Arts Festival / January 1, 2005

Every year from December 26 through January 1, the Miccosukee Tribe has an annual art festival. One can see the color and pageantry of costumed Indians from all over America at the Village. Native Americans sell their arts, crafts, and food in booths.

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Denise > The Miccosukee tribe, like the Seminoles, took refuge on Everglades hammocks when driven from their homeland in northern Florida during the Seminole Wars. The U.S. government recognizes the Miccosukees as a sovereign nation independent from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The museum at Miccosukee Indian Village displays the documents that so designate it. Guided tours through the museum begin with a video filmed at one of the clan hammocks that rise like islands out of the Everglades river of grass. Airboat tours take you to a clan camp and the Miccosukee Restaurant serves Indian fry bread, frog legs, catfish and other local fare. December brings the Indian Arts Festival.

Denise > Miccosukee Tribe Arts Festival / January 1, 2005 photo

Denise > Diamond Go-Sti, a Cherokee Educator and Native Culturist from North Carolina

Denise > Fancy Dance - A kaleidoscope of color and movement, the dancer skillfully captures the attention of the audience. One of the fastest and most colorful styles of dance, the fancy dance is a true statement of speed, endurance, and personal expression. Originally referred to as the crazy dance, the dance incorporates brighter outfits and faster movements.

Denise > Grass Dance - Rhythmic flow of the dancer gracefully moving across the stage as the ribbons and yarn adorning the regalia seemingly flow like the long prairie grasses.

Originating from the northern plains, by the Omaha Nation, the grass dance has a long colorful history. Before any dances or ceremonies could take place, they would send out a select society of men known as the grass dance society. These men would have the responsibility of finding and preparing the dance arena. Once the area was selected they would flatten down the grass, fill in the holes and also bless the arena.

It was said that after the dances were complete, the grass would rise back up as if no one had ever been there. The dancers would weave the sweet grasses and prairie grasses into their outfits. Throughout the years, the dancers began to weave the brighter ribbons and yarn into their regalia to replace the sweet grass.

The Miccosukee tribe, like the Seminoles, took refuge on Everglades hammocks when driven from their homeland in northern Florida during the Seminole Wars. The U.S. government recognizes the Miccosukees as a sovereign nation independent from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The museum at Miccosukee Indian Village displays the documents that so designate it. Guided tours through the museum begin with a video filmed at one of the clan hammocks that rise like islands out of the Everglades river of grass. Airboat tours take you to a clan camp and the Miccosukee Restaurant serves Indian fry bread, frog legs, catfish and other local fare. December brings the Indian Arts Festival.