Honoring Traditions Gathering 2025

Honoring Traditions Gathering
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Pala Rey Youth Camp
Pala, CA
12:00 p.m

Honoring Traditions Gathering

The Pala Band of Mission Indians, Cupa Cultural Center, and Pala Cultural Resources Committee are pleased to announce the Pala Honoring Traditions Gathering, which will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, starting at noon at the Pala Rey Youth Camp, Pala, CA.

Join us on Saturday, August 30, 2025, starting at noon to learn and experience the rich traditions of Pala, including bird singing, peon, bow and arrow contests, contests, games, shinny games (local teams only), Planet Pala Activity Zone, and more.

The Pala Honoring Traditions Gathering honors the people and culture of Pala. We invite everyone to celebrate with us.

• Bird singing, peon, bow and arrow contest, contests, games, Planet Pala Kids Activity Zone, and other activities
• Shinny games (local teams only)
• Indian tacos and more

Schedule

Games, Contests, and Workshops
Bow and Arrow Contest
5:00 p.m. – Shinny Games
Dusk – Peon

Not Permitted

No drugs, alcohol, vaping, or smoking are permitted at this event.

Vendors

Vendor inquiries contact Na’Leigha Aguayo: 
760-891-3590 | naguayo@palatribe.com

Pala Rey Youth Camp

Cupa Cultural Center

For more information, contact the Cupa Cultural Center:
760-891-3590 | naguayo@palatribe.com | cupa.palatribe.com

Sponsors

Pala Band of Mission Indians | Cupa Cultural Center | Pala Cultural Resource Committee

Cupa Cultural Center

The Cupa Cultural Center was founded in 1974 by Pala community members dedicated to preserving, perpetuating, and enhancing traditional cultural practices.

The hard work of fundraising and organization led to the construction of the building that houses the center today. An expansion of the original building in 2005 added four offices, a meeting space, a kitchen, an employee lounge, and a storage and lab area for documents, photographs, and artifacts. The original space continues to serve as an exhibition hall, with displays including artifacts, photographs, arts and crafts, and essential events in the history of Pala.

The Cupa Cultural Center’s dedication to protecting traditions and preserving history is best illustrated in the annual Cupa Days celebration, which takes place during the first weekend of May. This celebration, which has been held every year since 1974, commemorates the tragic removal of the Cupeño people from their ancestral village of Cupa in May 1903. In the spirit of cultural sharing, Cupa Days features traditional performances from various native groups. The event also features arts and crafts vendors and food booths.

The mission of the Cupa Cultural Center includes continuing research and documentation of Pala’s past and present. In addition, the Center remains dedicated to the founders’ original intent of continuing to preserve and teach traditional practices. Classes and activities that focus on such practices as basket making, beading, and traditional arts and crafts are offered to Pala community members. The Cupa Cultural Center is also involved in projects to help preserve and teach the Cupeño language.

Center Hours & Info

The Cupa Cultural Center is open to the public 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

To learn more about the Center, please contact (760) 891-3590 or cupa@palatribe.com.