For Immediate Release: May 10, 2006
Contact: Erica Asmus-Otero (505) 660-7017/ (505) 827-1473/ Erica.Asmus-Otero@state.nm.us

Visitors Offered Taste of Mescalero Culture, Fare
at Living Desert State Park's 20th Annual Mescal Roast

CARLSBAD, NM - Visitors to Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico will have the unique opportunity to taste the culture, history and fare of the Mescalero Apache tribe at the 20th annual Mescal Roast from Thursday, May 11 through Sunday, May 14.

The Mescal Roast provides a better understanding of traditional methods used by the Apache to survive the harsh Chihuahuan desert. The mescal plant, also known as agave, was a staple for the Apache who once populated the Pecos River Valley and Guadalupe Mountains of Southeastern New Mexico.

Apache tribal members open the ceremonies on Thursday, May 11, by first blessing the roasting pit in which the mescal is placed to prepare for tasting the following Sunday. Ancient Mescalero roasting pits are found in the Guadalupe Mountains, now considered protected archaeological sites.

The actual main feast begins on Friday, May 12 with an interpretive presentation and native art sale, followed by the Mescal Roast feast dinner and performance of a traditional "war dance" and "Mountain Spirit Dances." The dinner is modeled after traditional feasts served during coming-of-age ceremonies for young women on the reservation. The ceremonies are not re-enactments or staged pageants, but actual ritual observances.



The schedule of events is as follows:

For more information and tickets on the Mescal Roast or Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, contact the park at (505) 887-5516 or http://www.nmparks.com.

Small Apache Boy with War Paint