THE PUEBLO DWELLERS. 105 
Festivals. The public ceremonies of the Rio Grande 
pueblos have taken on the names and some elements 
of Catholic festivals. They occur on fixed dates which 
are also the days sacred to their patron saints. There 
are probably always preliminary activities held secretly 
in the kivas which are in part rehearsals, during which, 
Clowns Climbing Pole. Taos. 
however, prayers are said and acts of worship performed. 
The last day is devoted to a public spectacle largely 
attended by visiting Indians, Mexicans, and others. 
The ceremony at Taos occurs on September 30th. 
The image of the saint is brought from the church and 
placed in an elevated booth overlooking the plaza in 
which the ceremonies take place. A tall pole erected for 
